When my daughter first asked me for Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi, it was a surprise. She watched a cooking show that made her crave this cozy dish, and I wanted to deliver something that felt special but was doable on a hectic weeknight. The way she lit up after tasting it told me this creamy chicken gnocchi was a keeper. It quickly found a place on our dinner table, turning regular evenings into little celebrations of comfort and togetherness.
I’ve made Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi many times since, learning how to get the sauce just right and cook the gnocchi to pillowy perfection. This dish combines the warmth of creamy sauces with tender chicken and soft gnocchi, creating a balance that feels both homey and a touch indulgent. It’s a meal that invites everyone to slow down, share stories, and enjoy simple pleasures.
If you’re looking for a chicken creamy pasta that feels like a warm hug, Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi is exactly that. It fits beautifully into busy schedules because it’s straightforward without needing a long ingredient list or complicated steps. And because it feels a little special, it’s perfect for moments when you want to add something extra to everyday life. I invite you to try this recipe for your own family and watch how it naturally brings everyone around the table.
What you’ll find here is a balance of easy prep, gentle flavors, and ingredients you can find in any regular grocery store. If you love Italian chicken pasta, or you’re keen to try a homemade gnocchi recipe with a rich alfredo sauce, you’ll want to keep reading. We’ll cover everything from choosing the right ingredients to tips that have made this recipe a family favorite, plus ways to serve it up that keep mealtime fresh and inviting.
This Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi reminds me of another family favorite, Chicken Alfredo Soup, which is equally cozy and full of flavor. For more comforting recipes that bring warmth to the table, check out the Chicken Alfredo Soup or the Chilis Chicken Enchilada Soup Recipe. These soups share the ease and heart that make weeknights feel a little brighter.
What You’ll Need
Making Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi doesn’t call for a long list, which is one of its biggest wins. Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
- 1 pound potato gnocchi (fresh or frozen works well for Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups heavy cream (for that rich, creamy chicken gnocchi base)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup fresh spinach or kale (optional, but adds color and nutrition)
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning or dried herbs

For the best Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi, I recommend finding good-quality potato gnocchi that hold their shape but remain soft when cooked. Fresh gnocchi will give the best texture, but frozen works just as well if you keep an eye on cooking times.
You’ll find everything for this Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi at your regular grocery store. The Parmesan cheese is a key ingredient — choose a block to grate at home instead of pre-grated for better melting and flavor. If you want to lighten things up, you can swap the heavy cream for half-and-half, but the sauce won’t be quite as creamy. For a dairy-free option, try coconut cream, though it will change the flavor slightly.
If fresh spinach or kale isn’t handy, frozen veggies like peas or broccoli make a tasty substitution. This Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi is forgiving when it comes to vegetables; just toss in whatever your family prefers.
My family prefers when I use fresh garlic and freshly ground black pepper. It makes a difference in the overall flavor, and it keeps the chicken creamy pasta feeling fresh and homemade. If you want an extra touch, a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes adds a gentle heat without overpowering the sauce.
How to Make It
Let’s walk through making this Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi together. The steps are straightforward, and I’ll share what to watch for along the way to get it just right.
- Cook the gnocchi according to package instructions. Usually, you’ll boil water and drop the gnocchi in. They’re ready when they float to the surface, which typically takes about 2-3 minutes. Drain and set aside. Don’t overcook the gnocchi, or they’ll get tough.
- Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. When it’s shimmering, add your minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute. Your kitchen will start to smell amazing here — that garlicky aroma is a sure sign your Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi is off to a great start.
- Add the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir to warm it through, about 2-3 minutes. If you want to add Italian seasoning or dried herbs, sprinkle it in now to build flavor.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. This step can be a bit tricky. You want the sauce to thicken slowly without boiling too hard. Stir often to prevent burning. The sauce for Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi usually thickens after 5-7 minutes.
- Add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and smooth. If the sauce seems too thick, add a tablespoon of milk or cream at a time to loosen it up. Taste and season with salt and pepper.
- Toss the cooked gnocchi into the sauce, mixing gently to coat each piece in creamy goodness. If using spinach or kale, stir it in now and let it wilt for 1-2 minutes.
- Serve warm out of the pan or transfer to a dish. You can sprinkle more cheese on top if you like. Don’t worry if your Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi looks a little saucy — that’s the appeal.
This Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi typically takes me about 30 minutes from start to finish. While the sauce thickens, you’ll have a moment to set the table or prepare a simple side salad.
Here’s where I used to mess up my Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi — rushing the sauce too quickly. Now I always remember to simmer gently and keep stirring. It keeps the sauce silky smooth and helps the flavors meld just right.
If you want to try a baked version, you’ll love this Creamy Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi Bake (Easy Recipe!) I found from What Molly Made. It’s a tasty twist that makes plenty for leftovers. Also worth a look is the Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi Bake on Salt & Lavender for another comforting take.
Serving Ideas
My family tends to reach for seconds whenever Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi comes out of the kitchen. It’s satisfying and comforting — perfect for those nights we want food that feels cozy without being heavy.

Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi pairs beautifully with a leafy green salad tossed in vinaigrette to balance the richness. Steamed or roasted veggies like broccoli or green beans fit well, offering texture and color. When I’m feeling adventurous, I add garlic bread on the side for dipping sauce-rich bites.
This dish works great for casual weeknight dinners, but it also shines on weekends when we want something a little more indulgent. The creamy chicken pasta feels special without needing much fuss.
If you do have leftovers, chicken creamy pasta like this reheats nicely on the stove over low heat with a splash of cream or milk to bring back the sauce’s creaminess. You can also freeze portions for quick weeknight meals later.
I’ve played around with adding mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce for extra depth, and everyone was happy with those variations. A touch of freshly grated nutmeg in the sauce also adds a subtle, comforting warmth.
We’ve gotten some lovely feedback from friends who tried my Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi after seeing it shared in my cooking group on Facebook. They especially loved how easy it is to prepare and how the creamy sauce covered every bite. Check out this Gnocchi with chicken and broccoli in alfredo sauce post for some great ideas on adding more veggies.
For another comforting and simple meal, if your family loves Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi, they’ll also enjoy the Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup from MomsGate. And for a fresh take, you can explore the links provided for tasty variations.
Your Questions Answered
Can I make this Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and chicken in advance and store separately. Cook the gnocchi right before serving to keep them tender. Alternatively, fully assembled Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi can be made a day ahead and reheated gently with a splash of cream.
What if I don’t have heavy cream for my Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi?
Half-and-half works if you don’t mind a slightly lighter sauce. You might need to simmer a bit longer for thickness. For dairy-free, coconut cream is an option but changes the flavor and texture a bit.
How do I store leftover Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi?
Place leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for 2-3 days. When reheating, warm gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream to refresh the texture.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut for this Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi and saves time while still delivering great flavor.
Is it okay to use frozen gnocchi?
Frozen gnocchi works well and cooks just like fresh — wait for it to float in boiling water, then drain. Be careful not to overcook to avoid mushiness.
Can I add vegetables to my Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi?
Yes! Spinach, kale, peas, or broccoli are excellent additions. Add them during the sauce simmering so they cook just right.
What cheese works best in Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi?
Parmesan is classic for alfredo sauce gnocchi, offering a nutty, salty flavor that melts smoothly. Grate it fresh if you can.
My Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi sauce is too thin — how do I fix that?
Simmer longer over low heat to reduce it. You can also stir in a little more grated Parmesan to thicken.
For more helpful tips, check out MomsGate’s Chicken Alfredo Soup and Chilis Chicken Enchilada Soup Recipe. Both share the comforting vibe that makes mealtime easier and more satisfying.
The Final Word
Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi has become one of my family’s favorite chicken creamy pastas for good reason. It’s quick to make, uses simple ingredients, and has a comforting richness that makes everyone feel at home.
My Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi Tips:
– Always cook gnocchi just until they float — overcooked gnocchi lose their texture.
– Simmer your alfredo sauce gently; rushing this step can make it grainy or too thin.
– Freshly grated Parmesan makes a noticeable difference in flavor and smoothness.
I’ve tried several variations: swapping spinach for kale, adding mushrooms, or turning it into a baked casserole for feeding a crowd. My kids prefer it with plain spinach, while my husband enjoys extras like sun-dried tomatoes.
This recipe is perfect for busy nights when you want a creamy chicken gnocchi meal that’s straightforward but feels a little special. I hope your chicken Alfredo gnocchi becomes a new family favorite that brings warmth and smiles to your table, just as it did mine.
If you want inspiration for other hearty dishes, MomsGate has great recipes like Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup that offer a similar comforting feel. Also, for a fresh baked take, you can try the Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi Bake recipes from What Molly Made and Salt & Lavender.
Your family will love how Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi turns simple ingredients into a meal that draws everyone close. Get your pots ready, and enjoy every creamy, comforting bite!
Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi
A creamy and comforting Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi dish featuring tender gnocchi and succulent chicken in a rich Alfredo sauce, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 1 lb potato gnocchi
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg (optional)
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the gnocchi according to package instructions until they float to the surface. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken slices with salt and pepper, then cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and nutmeg (if using). Continue to cook until sauce thickens slightly, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the cooked chicken and gnocchi back into the skillet. Toss gently to coat everything evenly with the Alfredo sauce. Heat through for 2 minutes.
- Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
For an extra flavor boost, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes or add sautéed mushrooms to the sauce before combining the chicken and gnocchi.

