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Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi Recipe

Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi Recipe


  • Author: Hugo
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Low Salt

Description

Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi is a comforting and indulgent one-pan dish featuring tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, fresh spinach, and a rich creamy sauce made with cream cheese and cheddar. Enhanced with crispy bacon and flavorful seasonings, this recipe offers a quick and delicious meal perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners.


Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 34 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb), chopped into bite-sized pieces

Pasta

  • 16 oz fresh or frozen gnocchi

Dairy

  • 8 oz cream cheese
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Liquids

  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth

Vegetables

  • 4 cups fresh spinach

Seasonings and Toppings

  • ½ cup crispy bacon bits
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

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 a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped chicken pieces and cook until they turn golden brown and are cooked through, approximately 5 to 7 minutes. Stir occasionally for even browning.
  3. Create Creamy Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the cream cheese and low-sodium chicken broth to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts completely and forms a smooth, creamy sauce.
  4. Add Gnocchi and Spinach: Toss the fresh or frozen gnocchi and fresh spinach into the skillet. Cover the pan and allow the ingredients to simmer for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the gnocchi are tender and the spinach has wilted.
  5. Finish with Cheese and Bacon: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and crispy bacon bits into the skillet. Continue stirring until the cheese melts fully and the bacon is warmed through, creating a rich, flavorful dish.
  6. Serve: Serve the creamy crack chicken gnocchi hot in bowls. Optional: Garnish with extra shredded cheddar cheese or freshly ground black pepper as desired.

Notes

  • If using frozen gnocchi, no need to thaw before cooking; just add directly to the skillet.
  • You can substitute baby kale or arugula for spinach for a different flavor profile.
  • For extra crisp bacon, cook it separately and add on top for garnish.
  • The dish can be made in advance and reheated gently; add a splash of broth if sauce thickens too much.
  • Adjust salt and pepper according to your taste since bacon and cheese add saltiness.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Main Course
  • Method: Skillet Sauté and Simmer
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 460
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 550mg
  • Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 13g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 32g
  • Cholesterol: 110mg

Keywords: Creamy Crack Chicken, Gnocchi recipe, Chicken with gnocchi, Cream cheese gnocchi, Easy weeknight dinner, Bacon chicken gnocchi