Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi Recipe
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
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
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)
- Prepare Chicken: Chop the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and ease of eating.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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