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Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi Recipe

Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi Recipe

5 from 10 reviews

Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi is a rich and comforting one-pan dish featuring tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, fresh spinach, and a luscious creamy sauce made with cream cheese and chicken broth. Finished with sharp cheddar cheese and crispy bacon bits, this hearty recipe is perfect for an easy weeknight dinner that feels indulgent yet simple to prepare.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Seasonings

  • 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

Main Ingredients

  • 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
  • 2 tbsp cooking oil (for sautéing chicken)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Chop the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and ease of eating.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and sprinkle with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Create the Cream Sauce: Lower the heat to medium-low. Add the cream cheese and chicken broth to the skillet, stirring continuously until the cream cheese fully melts and the mixture becomes a smooth sauce.
  4. Add Gnocchi and Spinach: Toss in the fresh or frozen gnocchi along with the fresh spinach. Cover the skillet and simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the gnocchi to cook through and absorb flavors while the spinach wilts.
  5. Finish with Cheese and Bacon: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and crispy bacon bits until the cheese melts evenly into the sauce, enhancing the creamy texture and adding a savory crunch.
  6. Serve: Spoon the creamy crack chicken gnocchi into bowls and serve hot for a satisfying, comforting meal.

Notes

  • Use fresh gnocchi for a softer texture; frozen gnocchi will work but may require slightly longer cooking time.
  • For added flavor, consider adding chopped green onions or fresh herbs like parsley at the end.
  • If you want a lower fat version, use reduced-fat cream cheese and cheese.
  • The dish can be made gluten-free by substituting traditional gnocchi with a gluten-free variety.
  • Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently on the stove or microwave.

Nutrition

Keywords: Creamy crack chicken, gnocchi recipe, chicken gnocchi skillet, easy chicken dinner, comfort food, creamy chicken pasta alternative