Baked Garlic Chicken Broccoli Gnocchi Recipe

A twist on traditional pasta bake----this Baked Garlic Chicken Broccoli Gnocchi Recipe is perfect for the entire family and so easy to whip together! Packed with bold, savory flavors, this one pot recipe is the perfect easy meal option that is made with soft potato gnocchi, shredded chicken, broccolini, herbs + seasonings, grated parmesan, and topped with generous amounts of shredded Mozzarella cheese. Meatless, Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free, + Make ahead options.

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When it comes to one pot meals or dinner that can easily be tossed in a skillet or ramekin, I'm always game! There's just something special about a quick yet flavorful dish and this Baked Garlic Chicken Broccoli Gnocchi Recipe is one that the entire family will enjoy! It's ooey, gooey, creamy center that is filled with a nice bite from the shredded chicken and broccolini, makes this one for the books. Plus, it's a fun activity for the kiddos who enjoy putting together dinner that has easy steps---my son definitely enjoys the spooning of the filling and sprinkling of the cheese. Haha.

Originally, this recipe was inspired by my Baked Tuscan Chicken and Gnocchi which is my second fave of the two. I'm a lover of tuscan flavors and that baked gnocchi is truly bursting with the fresh, herby combo. However, as we soon head into cooler months, you'll want to give this Skillet Baked Cheesy Pumpkin Gnocchi, Hot Honey Baked Chicken Breasts, Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi, Creamy Lemon Pesto Gnocchi with Broccoli, Weeknight Broccoli Pesto Gnocchi + Chickpeas, Weeknight Jamaican Curry Chicken + Gnocchi, and of course one of the most popular gnocchi dishes on this site----Creamy Tuscan 'Marry Me' Chicken a try, especially to bring on all the comfort.

Overall, this chicken + broccoli gnocchi dish is definitely comfort food in a bowl, includes simple steps, and can totally be personalized based on preference----i.e. sub with dairy-free products or eat without meat by subbing things like mushrooms, tofu, cauliflower, butternut squash, sweet potatoes, etc. For a great alternative meatless option for the gnocchi lovers, you'll love my Best Vegan Meat Sauce + Gnocchi.

What is Baked Gnocchi?

Basically, baked gnocchi is a dish that often contains a level of sauce and ingredients that are then baked together with gnocchi for a nice pillowy gnocchi that is surrounded by bubbling pools of sauce and topped with gooey cheese.

What is Gnocchi and How Do You Make It?

Gnocchi are basically Italian dumplings made with flour, eggs, and potatoes---unless they are egg-free like this one that I purchased from Delallo foods. When it comes to making your own gnocchi, the process is done is fairly a few steps.

It starts with boiling and mashing the potatoes, combining the ingredients together and kneading them into a ball, shaping the dough, cutting them into pieces, and boiling and draining the gnocchi. For a great recipe, check out AllRecipes.com.

How Do You Pronounce Gnocchi?

Gnocchi is the plural of gnocco, an Italian variety of dumpling that has been around since Roman times. Other common additions include semolina, formaggio (cheese), ricotta, spinach and polenta. In terms of how to say it----it's pronounced nyow·kee.

How to Make Baked Garlic Chicken Broccoli Gnocchi Recipe

To make this creamy baked chicken and broccoli gnocchi, you'll start by baking and shredding your chicken, if you haven't already. Then to finish everything, you'll need a medium skillet on the stove to sauté the garlic followed by the flour and seasonings. Then you slowly whisk in the wet ingredients and stir in the shredded chicken, chopped broccoli (or broccolini), gnocchi, along with the parmesan. Let it simmer a bit more, assemble into ramekins or oven-safe bowls (or leave in the skillet), top with the cheese, bake to perfection, and wallah! Nice, creamy results with that gooey topping we all love!

The Ingredients

Here's what you need to make this Baked Garlic Chicken Broccoli Gnocchi Recipe at home:

• Chicken Breasts. One of the stars of this dish. I decided to shred them after it being cooked for a nice bite; Can also be diced in chunks.
• Gnocchi. You can make them yourself or purchase a quality store-bought version from Delallo Foods. For a gluten-free version, simply use gluten-free gnocchi.
• Flour. Used for the thickening of soup. You can sub with GF flour for that option.
• Chicken stock. Use store-bought low-sodium broth or make your own! For vegan option, use veggie stock.
• Heavy cream. I recommend organic–always! Of course, for a vegan option, just use full-fat coconut cream/milk.
• Butter. I recommend unsalted. You can always substitute with olive oil, grapeseed oil, or coconut oil. For a vegan option, use vegan butter.
• Garlic. I prefer fresh, but you could substitute with 1-2 Tablespoons garlic powder in a pinch for a bold flavor. You can also roast a garlic bulb for greater flavor.
• Herbs + Seasonings. A great addition of flavor. Adds such savoriness from the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, oregano, parsley, basil, and thyme.
• Broccoli. I love using broccoli or broccolini. However, you can substitute with your fave greens like kale, spinach, collard greens, Brussels sprouts, bok choy, etc.
• Parmesan + Mozzarella. I love to freshly-grate my cheese, however, you can use your favorite shredded brand---quality does matter! For a vegan option, So Delicious Dairy-Free or Violife cheese shreds tastes great.

5 Reasons Why You'll Love this Garlic Chicken Broccoli Gnocchi Dish

• It's packed with flavors from the garlicky sauce, shredded chicken and gnocchi that is entirely delicious, but can also be enjoyed with meatless and works for any type of eater.
• Super easy to make and quick.
• Full of savory, comforting, + herby flavor! (The best reason!)
• Very kid-friendly.
• Comes with dairy-free and gluten-free options for those with sensitivities.
• Done in just under 35 minutes---hello weeknight meal goals!

What Can I Add to This Creamy Garlic Baked Gnocchi

I like to add some extra texture to creamy dishes like this Baked Garlic Chicken Broccoli Gnocchi Recipe. While the ingredients in this creamy dish is perfect as is, I wanted to share a few more ideas of ingredients that you can add incase you make this gnocchi recipe more than once and want to switch things up!

Other ingredient ideas include:

• Kale or spinach instead of broccolini or broccoli
• Crispy bacon (if you're not plant-based, of course)
• Grated cheese like mozzarella, pecorino romano, etc. (vegan or regular if you're not vegan!)
• Crispy sage leaves (for the topping)
• Roasted chickpeas
• Beans (White beans, etc.)
• Top with Homemade Croutons for a nice crunch
• Seafood (like shrimp, salmon, lobster, etc.)
• Sausage or beef

Can I Add More Veggies?

Definitely! This is a great recipe to mix and match the ingredients/toppings. For added nutrients, fiber, and color, add your favorite veggies.

You can add roasted cauliflower, brussels sprouts, bell peppers, asparagus, green peas, roasted herb tomatoes, mushrooms, or leafy greens (kale, spinach, collard greens). All will be delicious!

What to Eat + Serve Baked Gnocchi With?

When it comes to most pasta dishes (including this Baked Garlic Chicken Broccoli Gnocchi dish), I often enjoy them with a side of bread of some sort. Most times, I make my own homemade Garlic Bread, however, you can choose to spruce things up with many other options such as:

• A delicious Salad
• Sautéed Greens
• Grilled Veggies
• Toasted Bread
• Garlic Naan Bread

How to Best Shred Chicken

When it comes to creating pulled or shredded chicken, there are two most effective ways to do so. Firstly, you would need to ensure that your chicken is fully cooked and cooled and then you shred the chicken in one of the following ways:

Forks: For this method you would need two forks. If using this method, place your cooked chicken breast onto a plate or cutting board and use both forks to separate the chicken meat and 'shred' as you separate. Continue doing this until all of your chicken is shredded.

Stand Mixer: If you're looking to avoid using arm strength, then the method of a stand mixer might be just for you. This is by far the fastest and easiest way to shred chicken and you simply place all of your cooked chicken breasts in the bowl of stand mixer. Add the paddle attachment and mix on low. In just 15-20 seconds you’ll have shredded chicken. That easy!

Meatless Options for this Baked Gnocchi

While this Baked Garlic Chicken Broccoli Gnocchi Recipe is perfect as is---I definitely wanted to give options for those of you who don't eat meat or just might make this dish more than once and want to switch things up with a meatless option from time to time! Here are a few great ingredients that you can substitute with the chicken in this creamy dish.

Other ingredient ideas include:

• Roasted chickpeas
• Beans (like White beans, Kidney beans, etc.)
• Mushrooms
• Tofu or Tempeh
• Cauliflower
• Roasted veggies (like Broccoli, Asparagus, Cabbage, etc.)
• Vegan meatballs
• Jackfruit
• Other plant-based meat alternatives (store-bought)

How to Best Store + Reheat this Gnocchi Recipe?

I personally think that leftovers are even more delicious than the first day! You can keep leftover baked gnocchi in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. To re-heat, simply heat in the oven for the best results or microwave for a minute or two until heated through.

Common Q + A's for Baked Garlic Chicken Broccoli Gnocchi Recipe

More Delicious One Pot/Pan Recipes Worth Trying Next!

• Easy Summer Peach Apple Galette
• Creamy Pesto Chicken Breast with Broccoli
• Jamaican Pineapple Jerk Chicken
• Spicy Coconut Curry Chicken Bowl
• Baked Crunch Cinnamon French Toast
• Skillet Blueberry Cobbler with Cinnamon Biscuits
• Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders
• Baked Vegan Black Bean Tacos
• Healthy Pesto Buddha Bowl
• Biscoff Banana Pudding with Caramel
• One Skillet Creamy Cajun Chicken Orzo

MADE OUR RECIPE(S)?

If you tried this Baked Garlic Chicken Broccoli Gnocchi Recipe or any other recipe on my website, please please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how you go in the 📝 comments below. I love hearing from you.

Baked Garlic Chicken Broccoli Gnocchi Recipe

August 20, 2023 •

By Shanika

5 from 7 votes

Discover the magic of this oven-baked Garlic Chicken Broccoli Gnocchi Recipe. This dish is an easy, one-pot kind of meal that serves for the entire family. Incredible garlicky and herb flavors matched with beautifully shredded chicken and broccoli for a nice bite!

Prep Time: 10 minutes mins

Cook Time: 25 minutes mins

Total Time: 35 minutes mins

Serves: 2 servings

Units:

US Customary|Metric

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Ingredients

• 2 cups broccoli or broccolini florets
• 1 (16 oz.) package potato gnocchi, homemade or store-bought
• 1-2 cups organic shredded mozzarella cheese

CHICKEN:

• 2 cups Easy Shredded Chicken

GARLIC SAUCE:

• 2 Tbsps unsalted butter
• 6-8 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 Tbsps organic all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups organic heavy cream
• 1 cup organic chicken stock
• 1 cup freshly-grated parmesan cheese

TOPPING:

• 2 cups organic shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

TO MAKE THE CHICKEN:

• To make the chicken, baked and shred your chicken breasts using my Easy Shredded Chicken recipe!

TO MAKE THE CREAMY GARLIC SAUCE:

• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
• In the medium deep skillet over medium-high heat, add the butter until melted. Add in the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
• Add in the seasonings: salt, black pepper, garlic powder, oregano, parsley, basil, and thyme and stir until combined. Add in the flour and stir until combined.
• Reduce the heat to medium-low and slowly add in the heavy cream and chicken stock, whisking until combined and the sauce begins to thicken a bit from the flour. Let it slightly bubble for 1-2 minutes and then add in the grated parmesan, whisking again until fully melted and sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
• Add in the chopped broccoli and shredded chicken, stirring until combined followed by the uncooked gnocchi. Stir everything together until chicken, broccoli, and gnocchi are fully coated. Remove from heat.

BAKE EVERYTHING TOGETHER:

• OPTION #1: Prepare ramekins (larger ones for 2 servings or smaller ones for 4 servings) by greasing each with butter or oil and placing them onto a baking sheet to avoid any "bubbling over". Then carefully, portion out the chicken and gnocchi mixture into each ramekin until filled. Generously top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
• OPTION #2: In the same skillet, sprinkle the mozzarella cheese atop everything until fully covered.
• Bake (without being covered) for 15-20 minutes or so, or until cheese has fully melted, the top is browned slightly, and the sauce is bubbly at the sides. NOTE: The gnocchi will be fully cooked and might "peak out" at the sides as they swell.
• Remove from oven and serve with your favorite salad or bread.
• Bon Appetit!

Tips & Tricks

• STORAGE: Any leftovers can be kept in a tightly sealed container and refrigerated for up to 3-4 days. To re-heat, simply heat in the oven for the best results or microwave for a minute or two until heated through. 
• MAKE AHEAD: See FAQ section for details!
• GREENS: To add a bit more flavor to this dish, you can always feel free to add in your favorite greens such as spinach, kale, collards, or asparagus. 
• MEATLESS OPTION: You can enjoy this baked gnocchi dish without chicken and can add additional greens to the mix or just enjoy as is without the chicken.
• DAIRY-FREE + GLUTEN-FREE OPTIONS: See FAQ section for details!

Nutrition

Calories: 1015kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 92g | Saturated Fat: 56g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 23g | Trans Fat: 0.5g | Cholesterol: 279mg | Sodium: 2263mg | Potassium: 498mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 3457IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 628mg | Iron: 3mg

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