Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi Recipe

Introduction

Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, soft gnocchi, and a rich, cheesy sauce. It’s perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner that comes together quickly and easily.

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 and season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
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 to 7 minutes.
3. Step 3: Lower the heat to medium. Add the cream cheese and chicken broth to the skillet, stirring until the cream cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.
4. Step 4: Toss in the gnocchi and fresh spinach. Cover the skillet and simmer for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the gnocchi are tender and the spinach has wilted.
5. Step 5: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and crispy bacon bits, mixing until the cheese has melted completely.
6. Step 6: Serve the creamy crack chicken gnocchi hot in bowls. You can garnish with extra cheese or bacon bits if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or red pepper flakes when cooking the chicken.
• Swap fresh spinach for kale or Swiss chard for a different green.
• Use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon for a leaner option.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, cook uncovered for an additional few minutes to reduce liquid.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen spinach. Just be sure to thaw and drain it well before adding to avoid excess moisture.

Is it okay to use store-bought shredded cheese?

Absolutely. Store-bought shredded cheddar works well and saves prep time, but freshly shredded cheese may melt more smoothly.

Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi Recipe

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Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi is a comforting one-pan dish featuring tender chicken and pillowy gnocchi simmered in a rich and creamy sauce with spinach, cheddar cheese, and crispy bacon bits. This hearty and flavorful recipe combines easy-to-cook ingredients for a satisfying meal perfect for weeknights or family dinners.

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

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein and Dairy

• 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb), chopped into bite-sized pieces
• 8 oz cream cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup crispy bacon bits

Vegetables

• 4 cups fresh spinach

Carbohydrates

• 16 oz fresh or frozen gnocchi

Liquids and Seasonings

• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Oil for cooking (about 1 tbsp, not specified)

Instructions

1. Prepare Chicken: Chop the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and ease of eating.
2. Cook Chicken: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until they turn golden brown on all sides, approximately 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
3. Create Creamy Sauce: Reduce heat to medium-low and add cream cheese along with the low-sodium chicken broth. Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts completely and the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
4. Add Gnocchi and Spinach: Toss in the fresh or frozen gnocchi and fresh spinach into the skillet. Cover the pan and simmer the mixture for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the gnocchi are tender and cooked through, and the spinach is wilted.
5. Incorporate Cheese and Bacon: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and crispy bacon bits until the cheese is melted and everything is well combined, enriching the dish with flavor and texture.
6. Serve: Serve the creamy crack chicken gnocchi hot in bowls, optionally garnished with extra shredded cheddar cheese or additional bacon bits for extra indulgence.

Notes

• You can substitute fresh spinach with kale or Swiss chard for a different leafy green option.
• Use fresh gnocchi for best texture, but frozen gnocchi works well too; just adjust cooking time slightly if needed.
• For added heat, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes when adding the seasonings.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce.
• Keep an eye on the gnocchi as overcooking can cause them to become mushy.

Keywords: Creamy chicken gnocchi, easy dinner recipe, one-pan meal, creamy chicken, spinach gnocchi, cheesy bacon gnocchi