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Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi Recipe

4.8 from 423 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein and Dairy

  • 34 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