Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi Recipe

Introduction

Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi is a rich and comforting dish that combines tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a luscious cheesy sauce. It’s quick to prepare and perfect for a cozy weeknight meal that feels indulgent without the fuss.

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

Tips & Variations

• Use turkey bacon or omit bacon for a lighter version without losing flavor.
• Fresh spinach can be swapped with kale or arugula for a different green.
• For extra creaminess, add a splash of heavy cream along with the chicken broth.
• Frozen gnocchi works just as well—no need to thaw before cooking.

Storage

Store leftovers 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 if the sauce has thickened too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?

Yes, pre-cooked chicken works well. Add it in step 4 along with the gnocchi and spinach to heat through without overcooking.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make it dairy-free, substitute the cream cheese and cheddar with dairy-free alternatives and use a dairy-free broth. The texture and flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 127 reviews

Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi is a comforting dish combining tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, fresh spinach, and a rich cream cheese sauce infused with garlic and onion powder. Topped with crispy bacon and melted cheddar, this skillet meal is quick to make and perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner.

• Author: Windy
• 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

Vegetables

• 4 cups fresh spinach

Dairy & Cheese

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Meat

• ½ cup crispy bacon bits

Seasonings

• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare chicken: Chop the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
2. Cook chicken: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped chicken and cook until it turns golden brown, approximately 5-7 minutes.
3. Add cream cheese and broth: Reduce the heat to medium-low, then add cream cheese and low-sodium chicken broth to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts completely and forms a smooth sauce.
4. Cook gnocchi and spinach: Add the gnocchi and fresh spinach to the skillet. Cover and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the gnocchi are tender and the spinach is wilted.
5. Add cheese and bacon: Stir in shredded cheddar cheese and crispy bacon bits until the cheese melts thoroughly and everything is well combined.
6. Serve: Serve the creamy crack chicken gnocchi hot in bowls, optionally garnished with extra shredded cheese for added flavor.

Notes

• Use fresh or frozen gnocchi depending on availability; cooking times may vary slightly.
• For a lower-fat version, use reduced-fat cream cheese and cheddar cheese.
• To make it gluten-free, ensure the gnocchi is made without gluten ingredients.
• You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
• Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keywords: Creamy chicken gnocchi, easy chicken recipes, comfort food, skillet gnocchi, bacon and cheese pasta dish