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Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 34 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