Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi Recipe

Introduction

Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi is a comforting and flavorful dish combining tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a rich, cheesy sauce. With fresh spinach and crispy bacon bits, it’s a perfect weeknight meal that feels indulgent yet easy to make.

A close-up image of a white bowl filled with creamy gnocchi in a rich, pale yellow sauce. The gnocchi pieces are golden brown on top with a light crust from baking or searing, scattered evenly all over. Small green herb bits, likely parsley, are sprinkled on top for color contrast. The sauce looks smooth and thick, coating the gnocchi well and pooling slightly at the edges. The bowl sits on a soft-colored fabric over a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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.
  2. Step 2: Heat a bit of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Stir in the cream cheese and chicken broth, mixing until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  4. Step 4: Add the gnocchi and fresh spinach to the skillet. Cover and let simmer for 5-7 minutes until the gnocchi are tender and the spinach has wilted.
  5. Step 5: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and crispy bacon bits until fully melted and combined.
  6. Step 6: Serve the creamy crack chicken gnocchi hot in bowls, garnished with extra cheddar cheese if desired.

Tips & Variations

  • For added flavor, substitute spinach with kale or include sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy twist.
  • Use fresh gnocchi if available for a softer texture, but frozen works well too.
  • Adjust seasoning by adding red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove with a splash of chicken broth to restore creaminess and prevent drying out.

How to Serve

A white bowl holds a creamy dish of gnocchi covered in a thick, pale yellow cheese sauce dotted with green parsley bits. The gnocchi are plump and soft, with some showing golden brown, crispy spots on top, giving a slightly crunchy texture. The cheese sauce fills the spaces between the gnocchi, creating a smooth, rich base. Small flecks of finely grated cheese are sprinkled on the top layer, adding texture and a light contrast. The bowl is placed on a grey cloth napkin, all set against a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken instead of fresh?

Frozen chicken can be used but make sure to thaw it completely before cooking to ensure even cooking and proper texture.

Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, substitute the chicken with plant-based protein or mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Omit bacon or use vegetarian bacon alternatives.

Print
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Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi Recipe


  • Author: Olivia
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi is a rich and comforting skillet dish combining tender bites of chicken breast with pillowy gnocchi in a luscious cream cheese and chicken broth sauce, brightened by fresh spinach and topped with melted cheddar and crispy bacon bits. This hearty meal is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner and comes together quickly with simple ingredients.


Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Seasoning

  • 34 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb), chopped into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Pasta and Vegetables

  • 16 oz fresh or frozen gnocchi
  • 4 cups fresh spinach

Dairy and Broth

  • 8 oz cream cheese
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Extras

  • ½ cup crispy bacon bits
  • 1 tablespoon oil (for cooking chicken)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Chop the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. This ensures quick and even cooking during the sauté process.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken, sprinkle with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, and cook until golden brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Create the Sauce: Lower the heat to medium, add the cream cheese and chicken broth to the skillet with the browned chicken. Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts completely and forms a smooth, creamy sauce.
  4. Cook Gnocchi and Spinach: Add the fresh or frozen gnocchi along with the fresh spinach to the skillet. Cover the pan and simmer for 5-7 minutes until the gnocchi are tender and the spinach is wilted.
  5. Finish with Cheese and Bacon: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and crispy bacon bits until the cheese melts and everything is evenly combined.
  6. Serve: Serve the creamy crack chicken gnocchi hot in bowls. Optionally, garnish with extra shredded cheese to enhance presentation and flavor.

Notes

  • For added flavor, substitute spinach with kale or include sun-dried tomatoes.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to three days.
  • When reheating leftovers, gently warm on the stove with a splash of chicken broth to restore creaminess.
  • If using frozen gnocchi, no need to thaw before cooking; just increase simmer time slightly.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: Creamy Crack Chicken, Gnocchi, Chicken and Gnocchi Skillet, Comfort Food, Quick Dinner, One-Pan Meal, Spinach, Bacon, Cheddar Cheese

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