Description
Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi is a rich and comforting one-pot dish featuring tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, creamy cheese sauce, fresh spinach, and crispy bacon bits. This easy-to-make recipe combines simple ingredients for a hearty meal perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb), chopped into bite-sized pieces
Gnocchi & Vegetables
- 16 oz fresh or frozen gnocchi
- 4 cups fresh spinach
Dairy & Cheese
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Liquid & Broth
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
Seasonings & Add-ins
- ½ cup crispy bacon bits
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp cooking oil (for sautéing chicken)
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken: Chop the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and easy eating.
- Sauté the Chicken: Heat a tablespoon of cooking oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Create the Creamy Base: Lower the heat to medium, then add the cream cheese and low-sodium chicken broth to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cream cheese fully melts and forms a smooth sauce.
- Add Gnocchi and Spinach: Toss in the gnocchi and fresh spinach into the creamy sauce. Cover the skillet and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the gnocchi are tender and the spinach has wilted.
- Finish with Cheese and Bacon: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and crispy bacon bits until the cheese has melted and the bacon is evenly distributed throughout the dish.
- Serve: Spoon the creamy crack chicken gnocchi into bowls and garnish with additional cheddar cheese if desired. Serve hot for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen gnocchi based on availability; cooking times may vary slightly for frozen gnocchi.
- Low-sodium chicken broth helps control the salt level, but adjust seasoning to taste.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes during cooking.
- Make sure to stir frequently once the cream cheese is added to prevent burning or sticking.
- This dish can be made ahead and reheated, but gnocchi may absorb sauce and thicken; add a splash of broth when reheating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing and Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: creamy chicken gnocchi, cheesy chicken dish, bacon gnocchi recipe, easy weeknight dinner, comfort food
