Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi Recipe

Introduction

This Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi is a comforting and flavorful one-pan meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken and pillowy gnocchi bathed in a rich, cheesy sauce make every bite irresistible. Plus, the fresh spinach adds a nice touch of color and nutrients.

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 to ensure quick and even cooking.
2. Step 2: Heat a tablespoon 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: Lower the heat to medium. Add the cream cheese and chicken broth to the skillet, stirring continuously until the cream cheese melts completely and the sauce is smooth.
4. Step 4: Add the gnocchi and fresh spinach to the skillet. Cover and 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 the cheese melts and everything is well combined.
6. Step 6: Serve the creamy gnocchi hot in bowls, garnished with extra cheddar cheese if you like for added flavor.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, season the chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper before cooking.
• Substitute spinach with kale or arugula for a different leafy green option.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a mild kick of heat.
• Use turkey bacon bits or omit bacon for a lighter version.

Storage

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

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken instead of fresh?

Yes, but make sure to thaw the chicken completely before cooking to ensure even cooking and food safety.

Is it okay to use store-bought gnocchi?

Absolutely! Fresh or frozen store-bought gnocchi work well in this recipe and save prep time.

Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 74 reviews

Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi is a rich and comforting skillet dish featuring tender chicken pieces, soft gnocchi, fresh spinach, and a luscious creamy sauce made from cream cheese and chicken broth, all topped with melted cheddar cheese and crispy bacon bits. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner that comes together quickly in one pan.

• Author: Amy
• 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

Toppings and Seasonings

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup crispy bacon bits
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooking oil for skillet

Instructions

1. Prepare Ingredients: 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 chopped chicken and cook until the pieces are golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add Cream Cheese and Broth: Reduce the heat to low-medium. Add the cream cheese and chicken broth to the skillet, stirring continuously until the cream cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
4. Simmer Gnocchi and Spinach: Add the fresh or frozen gnocchi along with the fresh spinach to the skillet. Cover with a lid and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the gnocchi are tender and cooked through and the spinach has wilted.
5. Melt Cheese and Add Bacon: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and crispy bacon bits until the cheese is melted evenly throughout the dish.
6. Serve: Serve the creamy crack chicken gnocchi hot in bowls. Optionally, garnish with extra shredded cheddar cheese for added richness.

Notes

• Use fresh gnocchi for best texture; frozen works fine but may need slightly longer cooking.
• Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper according to taste, especially since bacon bits add some saltiness.
• For a lighter version, use reduced-fat cream cheese and cheese.
• Can substitute spinach with kale or other leafy greens if preferred.
• This dish can be made gluten-free by choosing gluten-free gnocchi.

Keywords: Creamy Chicken Gnocchi, One-Pan Dinner, Comfort Food, Chicken and Gnocchi Recipe, Bacon Cheese Gnocchi