Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi Recipe

Introduction

Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi is a wonderfully rich and comforting dish that combines tender chicken, soft gnocchi, and a luscious creamy sauce. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner when you want something easy yet indulgent.

Ingredients

• 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
• 16 oz fresh or frozen gnocchi
• 8 oz cream cheese
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 4 cups fresh spinach
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup crispy bacon bits
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Chop the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
2. Step 2: Heat a little oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Step 3: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the cream cheese and chicken broth, stirring until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
4. Step 4: Add the gnocchi and fresh spinach to the skillet. Cover and let simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the gnocchi are tender and the spinach is wilted.
5. Step 5: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and crispy bacon bits until the cheese melts completely.
6. Step 6: Serve hot in bowls, garnished with extra cheddar cheese if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, season the chicken with the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper before cooking.
• Swap out spinach for kale or arugula for a different green.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
• Use smoked bacon for a deeper smoky flavor.

Storage

Store leftover creamy crack chicken gnocchi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to keep the sauce creamy and smooth.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken instead of fresh?

Yes, just be sure to fully thaw the chicken before cooking to ensure even cooking and the best texture.

Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace the chicken with mushrooms or a plant-based protein, and omit the bacon bits or use a vegetarian bacon alternative.

Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 82 reviews

This Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi is a rich and comforting one-pan meal combining tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, fresh spinach, and a decadent cheesy sauce. It’s a quick and satisfying dinner perfect for any weeknight, featuring a delicious blend of cream cheese, cheddar, and crispy bacon bits for ultimate flavor.

• Author: Amaya
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb), chopped into bite-sized pieces

Pasta & Cheese

• 16 oz fresh or frozen gnocchi
• 8 oz cream cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Vegetables & Broth

• 4 cups fresh spinach
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth

Flavorings & Toppings

• ½ cup crispy bacon bits
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp cooking oil (for sautéing)

Instructions

1. Prepare Chicken: Chop chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and easy eating.
2. Cook Chicken: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until they are golden brown and cooked through, approximately 5 to 7 minutes.
3. Create Sauce Base: Lower the heat to medium. Add cream cheese and chicken broth to the skillet, stirring continuously until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
4. Add Gnocchi and Spinach: Toss in the gnocchi and fresh spinach into the skillet. Cover the pan and simmer for 5 to 7 minutes until the gnocchi are tender and the spinach has wilted.
5. Incorporate Cheese and Bacon: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and crispy bacon bits. Continue stirring until the cheese has melted and everything is well combined.
6. Serve: Serve the creamy gnocchi and chicken hot in bowls. Optionally, garnish with extra shredded cheddar cheese or additional bacon bits for added flavor and texture.

Notes

• Using fresh gnocchi will result in a softer texture, but frozen gnocchi works well too—just ensure it’s fully cooked before serving.
• Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste, especially since bacon adds some saltiness.
• For a spicier version, consider adding red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños with the garlic and onion powder.
• To keep bacon crispy, add it as a topping just before serving rather than cooking it in the sauce.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.

Keywords: Creamy chicken gnocchi, cheesy chicken recipe, one-pan dinner, comfort food, bacon gnocchi