This creamy chicken Alfredo gnocchi bake is the kind of weeknight dinner that tastes like it took way more effort than it actually did.
You get all the comfort of a pasta casserole but with gnocchi—a soft, pillowy alternative that holds sauce beautifully and makes the whole dish feel just a little more special.
It’s rich and cheesy in the best way, but still fast enough to throw together without fuss.
Using store-bought Alfredo sauce and pre-cooked chicken means the only real work you’re doing is stirring and baking.
The result is golden and bubbly on top, creamy in the middle, and packed with the kind of flavor you want when it’s been a long day and you just want something that delivers.
Why This Gnocchi Bake Works Every Time
The best baked recipes don’t need complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients.
This one gives you creamy, cheesy satisfaction in a single dish, and everything holds up beautifully in the oven.
Gnocchi cooks right in the sauce, absorbing flavor and thickening the mixture as it bakes.
The Alfredo keeps the base rich and velvety, while the shredded cheese on top adds just enough stretch and color to finish it off.
- One bowl and one dish – Mix everything together, pour, bake, and you’re done.
- No boiling needed – Gnocchi goes straight into the casserole raw and cooks in the sauce.
- Pre-cooked chicken saves time – Use rotisserie or leftovers to skip a whole step.
- Perfectly creamy texture – The Alfredo coats every bite and stays smooth after baking.
- Endlessly customizable – You can toss in veggies, bacon, or switch up the cheese.
This is the kind of dinner you’ll come back to when you want cozy, creamy, and low-effort all in one.
What You’ll Need to Make It
The ingredient list is short and flexible, built around simple components that come together quickly.
You don’t need to cook the gnocchi beforehand, and the rest can be prepped while the oven heats.
- Gnocchi – Use shelf-stable, refrigerated, or frozen gnocchi. All types work well. No boiling required.
- Cooked Chicken – Shredded or chopped. Rotisserie chicken works great and saves time.
- Alfredo Sauce – Use your favorite jarred Alfredo or homemade. You’ll need about two full cups.
- Shredded Mozzarella – Gives you that gooey, melted cheese layer on top.
- Grated Parmesan – Adds saltiness and depth to the creamy base.
- Garlic Powder – Boosts the savory flavor of the sauce.
- Italian Seasoning – Adds a herby note that keeps it from tasting too heavy.
- Salt and Pepper – Always season to taste after mixing.
Optional additions include sautéed mushrooms, baby spinach, or crispy bacon bits stirred into the mixture before baking.
How to Make Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi Bake
This bake is all about building a creamy base, layering it into a casserole, and letting the oven do the rest.
You’ll want to mix everything thoroughly so that the gnocchi is evenly coated before baking.
Preheat the oven – Set your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.
Mix the casserole base – In a large mixing bowl, combine Alfredo sauce, shredded cooked chicken, uncooked gnocchi, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, half of the Parmesan cheese, and a small pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until the gnocchi is evenly coated.
Assemble the dish – Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Top with shredded mozzarella and the remaining Parmesan.
Bake covered – Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. This gives the gnocchi time to soften in the sauce without drying out.
Finish uncovered – Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling. Let the bake rest for 5 minutes before serving.
The finished dish will be creamy underneath with just the right amount of crust and stretch on top.
What to Serve with Alfredo Gnocchi Bake
This gnocchi bake is rich and satisfying on its own, but it pairs beautifully with sides that bring some brightness or texture.
Whether you want to keep it simple or make it feel like a restaurant-style meal, these ideas are always a hit.
Side Dish | Why It Works |
---|---|
Crisp Caesar Salad | Adds tang and freshness that balances out the creaminess |
Garlic Bread or Breadsticks | Great for soaking up extra sauce without waste |
Roasted Broccoli | Lightly charred greens cut through the richness |
Steamed Asparagus | Subtle and elegant for a spring-style dinner |
Tomato Cucumber Salad | Bright acidity helps reset your palate |
Sparkling Water or Dry White Wine | A refreshing contrast to the heavy sauce |
You can also serve this bake as part of a bigger meal with a soup or antipasto platter to round things out.
How to Store and Reheat the Leftovers
One of the best things about this recipe is how well it holds up after baking.
The gnocchi stays soft, and the sauce remains creamy if you reheat it properly.
- Storage Tips
- Let the casserole cool fully before covering.
- Store in the baking dish with foil or transfer to airtight containers.
- Keeps in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheating Tips
- Oven: Cover with foil and bake at 325°F until warmed through. Add a splash of milk if needed.
- Microwave: Reheat in short intervals with a little added cream or milk stirred in halfway.
- Stovetop: Scoop into a nonstick skillet with a tablespoon of milk or cream and warm over low heat until bubbly.
You can freeze portions if needed, but for best texture, fresh or refrigerated leftovers are ideal.
Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi Bake FAQ
Can I use frozen gnocchi?
Yes, just add it straight to the mix—no need to thaw or boil.
Can I make this with homemade Alfredo?
Absolutely. Use about two cups of your favorite homemade sauce.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes, stir in cooked mushrooms, spinach, or peas before baking.
Can I use another cheese on top?
Mozzarella melts beautifully, but provolone, Gruyère, or fontina would also work well.
Can I assemble it ahead of time?
Yes. Cover and refrigerate the unbaked dish for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed when ready.
Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi Bake
Equipment
- Mixing bowl Used to combine all ingredients before baking
- 9×13 Baking Dish Used to bake the casserole
Ingredients
- 1 pound potato gnocchi uncooked, shelf-stable or refrigerated
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken rotisserie or pre-cooked
- 2 cups Alfredo sauce jarred or homemade
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese divided
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese divided
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish.
- In a large bowl, mix Alfredo sauce, shredded chicken, uncooked gnocchi, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, half the Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Top with mozzarella cheese and remaining Parmesan.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes until top is golden and bubbling. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- To add greens, stir in a handful of spinach before baking.
- For extra richness, mix in a spoonful of cream cheese with the sauce.
- Store leftovers in the fridge and reheat with added milk to keep it creamy.

Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.