Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi: Comfort Food Delight

I adore a dish that feels like a warm hug, and this Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi delivers exactly that. With tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a velvety sauce studded with cheddar and crispy bacon, every bite is pure comfort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• I find the prep and cook time incredibly manageable, perfect for busy weeknights

• I love how the creamy sauce clings to each gnocchi, creating a luscious mouthfeel

• I get compliments every time I serve it, thanks to its rich flavor and eye-catching presentation

• I can easily swap ingredients to suit dietary needs or pantry availability

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 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

directions

1. Prep the chicken. I chop the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and season them lightly with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.

2. Sauté the chicken. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, I drizzle in a little oil and cook the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes.

3. Build the sauce. I reduce the heat to medium-low, add the cream cheese and chicken broth, and stir gently until the sauce is smooth and creamy.

4. Add gnocchi and greens. I stir in the gnocchi and spinach, cover the skillet, and let everything simmer for another 5–7 minutes, or until the gnocchi are tender.

5. Finish with cheese and bacon. I sprinkle in the shredded cheddar and bacon bits, stirring until everything is melted and evenly coated.

6. Serve. I dish it into bowls and, if I’m feeling extra fancy, top with a few fresh herbs or an extra sprinkle of cheese.

Servings and timing

• Yield: Serves 4

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• I swap spinach for kale when I want a heartier green and it works beautifully.

• I toss in sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy pop of flavor.

• I stir in sliced mushrooms or roasted red peppers for extra veggie goodness.

• I use gluten-free gnocchi to make this dish suitable for gluten-sensitive friends.

• I add a pinch of red pepper flakes if I’m craving a little heat.

storage/reheating

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, I warm it gently over low heat on the stove, adding a splash of broth if the sauce has thickened too much, until heated through.

FAQs

What makes Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi so special?

I think it’s the combination of the velvety cream sauce and pillowy gnocchi paired with savory chicken and crispy bacon—it hits all the comfort-food notes.

Can I use store-bought gnocchi?

Yes—I often grab fresh or frozen store-bought gnocchi to save time, and it still soaks up the sauce beautifully.

How spicy is this Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi?

It’s mild by default, but I sometimes add crushed red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños if I’m in the mood for a kick.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely. I replace the chicken with extra mushrooms or chickpeas and use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth.

Is it okay to freeze the leftovers?

I’ve frozen this before in portions; it thaws and reheats well, though I recommend adding a splash of broth when reheating to restore creaminess.

Conclusion

I always turn to this Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi when I want a fuss-free yet indulgent meal. Whether I’m cooking for a weeknight family dinner or feeding a crowd, its creamy richness and customizable nature never disappoint. Give it a try, and I’m confident it will become a staple in your comfort-food lineup.

Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi: Comfort Food Delight

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• Author: Evee
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Diet: Halal

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Description

Tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and spinach in a velvety garlic-cheddar sauce studded with crispy bacon—all cooked in one skillet for ultimate comfort.

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Ingredients

3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb), diced

16 oz fresh or frozen potato gnocchi

8 oz cream cheese, cubed

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

2 tbsp olive oil or butter, for sautéing

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Instructions

1. Season diced chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat oil. Add chicken and cook 5–7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate.
3. Reduce heat to medium-low. Add cream cheese and broth to the skillet, stirring until smooth and creamy.
4. Add gnocchi and spinach, cover, and simmer 5–7 minutes until gnocchi are tender and spinach is wilted.
5. Stir in cheddar cheese and bacon bits until cheese is melted and sauce is glossy.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve immediately, garnished with extra bacon or herbs if desired.

Notes

Swap spinach for kale for a heartier green.

Fold in sun-dried tomatoes for tangy sweetness.

Add sliced mushrooms or roasted peppers for extra veggies.

Use gluten-free gnocchi to make the dish gluten-free.

Stir in red pepper flakes or jalapeños for heat.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge up to 3 days; reheat gently over low heat with a splash of broth.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Skillet
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 of 4 servings
• Calories: 600 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 35 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg