Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi Recipe

Introduction

Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, soft gnocchi, and a rich cheesy sauce. It’s quick to prepare and perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner.

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 and season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Step 2: Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Step 3: Lower the heat to medium, then add the cream cheese and chicken broth to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.
4. Step 4: Add the gnocchi and fresh spinach to the skillet. Cover and let simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the gnocchi are tender and the spinach is wilted.
5. Step 5: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and crispy bacon bits until the cheese is melted and everything is well combined.
6. Step 6: Serve the creamy crack chicken gnocchi hot in bowls. Garnish with extra cheese or bacon bits if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Use turkey bacon for a leaner alternative or add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
• Fresh spinach can be substituted with kale or Swiss chard for a different leafy green.
• For extra creaminess, stir in a splash of heavy cream along with the cream cheese.
• If using frozen gnocchi, no need to thaw—just add directly to the skillet.

Storage

Store leftover crack chicken gnocchi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or milk to loosen the sauce if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute cheddar with mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheeses depending on your preference.

Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, replace the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or tofu, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Skip the bacon or use vegetarian bacon bits.

Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 98 reviews

This Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi is a comforting and flavorful one-pan dish featuring tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, fresh spinach, and a luscious cheesy sauce made with cream cheese and cheddar. Enhanced with crispy bacon bits and seasoned with garlic and onion powder, this easy-to-make skillet meal is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

• Author: Mila
• 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

Gnocchi and Vegetables

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

Dairy and Cheese

• 8 oz cream cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Liquids and Broth

• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth

Miscellaneous

• ½ cup crispy bacon bits
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp cooking oil (for sautéing chicken)

Instructions

1. Prep Chicken: Chop the 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 they turn golden brown and are cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Create Sauce: Lower the heat to medium-low and add the cream cheese and chicken broth to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
4. Add Gnocchi and Spinach: Stir in the gnocchi and fresh spinach. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the gnocchi are tender and cooked through.
5. Finish with Cheese and Bacon: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and crispy bacon bits until the cheese melts evenly into the sauce, giving a rich, creamy, and savory finish.
6. Serve: Spoon the creamy chicken gnocchi mixture into bowls and garnish with additional shredded cheese if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

• Using fresh gnocchi will yield a softer texture, but frozen gnocchi works perfectly fine and is more convenient.
• For a lower-fat version, use reduced-fat cream cheese and cheese, and consider turkey bacon instead of regular bacon bits.
• Feel free to add extra vegetables like mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for added flavor and nutrition.
• Season with salt and pepper gradually, as bacon bits and cheese add saltiness.
• This dish can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.

Keywords: Creamy Chicken, Gnocchi Recipe, Skillet Dinner, Chicken and Gnocchi, Easy Chicken Dinner, Cream Cheese Sauce, Bacon Bits