Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi Recipe

Introduction

Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a rich, cheesy sauce. This easy-to-make meal is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying and delicious.

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 for even cooking and easy eating.
2. Step 2: Heat a drizzle of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Step 3: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the cream cheese and chicken broth to the skillet, stirring constantly until the cream cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth.
4. Step 4: Add the gnocchi and fresh spinach to the skillet. Cover and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the gnocchi is cooked through and tender.
5. Step 5: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and crispy bacon bits until the cheese melts completely and the mixture is creamy.
6. Step 6: Serve the creamy crack chicken gnocchi hot in bowls. Garnish with extra cheddar cheese or bacon bits if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, sauté some diced onions along with the chicken before adding the cream cheese.
• Use turkey bacon or omit bacon for a lighter version.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
• Swap cheddar cheese with mozzarella or parmesan for a different cheesy profile.
• If fresh gnocchi is unavailable, frozen gnocchi works perfectly as well—just adjust cooking time accordingly.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to maintain the creamy texture. Add a splash of chicken broth or milk if the sauce thickens too much when reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken instead of raw chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use pre-cooked chicken to save time. Add it along with the gnocchi and spinach in Step 4 to heat through without overcooking.

Is this recipe suitable for freezing?

While you can freeze this dish, the texture of the gnocchi and spinach may change upon thawing. For best results, freeze before adding spinach and cheese, then add fresh when reheating.

Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 70 reviews

Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi is a rich and flavorful one-pan dish combining tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, creamy cheese sauce, fresh spinach, and crispy bacon bits. This comforting and hearty meal comes together quickly using simple ingredients and skillet cooking, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners.

• Author: Caleb
• 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

Chicken

• 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb), chopped into bite-sized pieces

Main Ingredients

• 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

Seasonings

• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp oil for cooking (vegetable or olive oil)

Instructions

1. Prepare Chicken: Chop 3-4 boneless, skinless 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 golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Add Cream Cheese and Broth: Lower the heat to medium-low, then add 8 oz cream cheese and 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts and the mixture becomes a smooth sauce.
4. Add Gnocchi and Spinach: Toss in 16 oz of fresh or frozen gnocchi and 4 cups fresh spinach. Cover the skillet and let simmer for 5-7 minutes until the gnocchi are tender and the spinach is wilted.
5. Incorporate Cheese and Bacon: Stir in 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese and ½ cup crispy bacon bits until melted and evenly distributed throughout the dish.
6. Serve: Spoon the creamy crack chicken gnocchi into bowls, garnishing with extra cheese or bacon bits if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

• Use fresh or frozen gnocchi based on availability; adjust simmering time accordingly.
• For a greener flavor, add more spinach or swap cheddar for mozzarella.
• Substitute cream cheese with mascarpone or ricotta for a different creamy texture.
• To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free gnocchi.
• Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
• Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.

Keywords: Creamy chicken gnocchi, bacon gnocchi recipe, easy chicken dinner, one pan meal, creamy pasta dish