Chicken Bacon Gnocchi in Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe

Introduction

This Chicken Bacon Gnocchi is a creamy, comforting dish that combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, and pillowy gnocchi in a rich sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner when you want something satisfying and flavorful.

Ingredients

• 6 slices bacon, cut into small pieces
• 2 medium chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
• 1 large clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy or whipping cream
• 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 pound uncooked potato gnocchi
• 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a deep skillet over medium-high heat, fry the bacon until crispy, about 10 minutes. Using kitchen shears helps cut the bacon quickly and easily.
2. Step 2: Remove the bacon from the pan, leaving about one tablespoon of bacon fat. Discard the remaining fat or save it for another use.
3. Step 3: Add the chicken pieces to the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring often, until the chicken turns white on the outside. If the chicken sticks, wait a little longer until it releases naturally.
4. Step 4: Stir in the minced garlic and cook briefly to release its aroma.
5. Step 5: Reduce heat to medium. Add the chicken broth, cream, Italian seasoning, uncooked gnocchi, and the cooked bacon. Stir well to combine. Cover the pan and cook for 4 minutes.
6. Step 6: Remove the lid and continue cooking uncovered for a few more minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens to your liking.
7. Step 7: Stir in the parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, sauté some chopped onions with the garlic before adding liquids.
• Swap out the chicken breasts for thighs for a juicier texture.
• Use turkey bacon as a leaner alternative, but reduce cooking time as it crisps faster.
• Add fresh spinach or peas in the last few minutes of cooking for added color and nutrients.
• Use store-bought gnocchi for convenience or make your own for a homemade touch.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth if the sauce is too thick. Avoid microwaving as gnocchi can become gummy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen gnocchi for this recipe?

Yes, frozen gnocchi works well. Add an extra minute or two to the cooking time to ensure they are heated through and tender.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or whole milk mixed with a bit of flour or cornstarch to thicken the sauce, though the texture will be less rich and creamy.

Chicken Bacon Gnocchi in Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 391 reviews

A creamy and comforting one-pan dish featuring tender chicken breast, crispy bacon, and pillowy potato gnocchi simmered in a rich garlic cream sauce, finished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner.

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

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 6 slices bacon, cut into small pieces
• 2 medium chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
• 1 large clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
• 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 pound uncooked potato gnocchi
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt & pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Cook the bacon: In a deep skillet over medium-high heat, fry the bacon pieces until crispy, about 10 minutes. Use kitchen shears to cut the bacon quickly and easily. Once done, remove the bacon from the pan, leaving about a tablespoon of bacon fat in the skillet. Discard or save the rest of the fat for another use.
2. Cook the chicken: Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the skillet with the reserved bacon fat. Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring often, until the chicken turns white on the outside. If chicken sticks to the pan, allow it a little more time to release naturally.
3. Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic, coating the chicken evenly and cooking briefly to release its aroma.
4. Add liquids and seasonings: Reduce heat to medium, then pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning and stir well to combine.
5. Add gnocchi and bacon: Add the uncooked potato gnocchi along with the cooked bacon to the skillet. Stir everything together thoroughly to coat the gnocchi in the cream sauce.
6. Simmer covered: Cover the pan and cook for 4 minutes, allowing the gnocchi to cook through and the flavors to meld.
7. Reduce sauce: Remove the lid and continue cooking uncovered for a few more minutes until the sauce has reduced and thickened to your desired consistency, stirring occasionally.
8. Finish with cheese and seasoning: Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.

Notes

• For crispier bacon, cook a little longer or drain on paper towels after frying.
• You can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream for a lighter sauce, though it will be less rich.
• If chicken breasts are large, consider cutting into smaller pieces to ensure even cooking.
• Using fresh Parmesan cheese is key for the best flavor and smooth melting texture.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days, but gnocchi may absorb sauce and become softer.

Keywords: Chicken Bacon Gnocchi, creamy chicken gnocchi, bacon and gnocchi skillet, easy one-pan dinner, Italian comfort food