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Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 34 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