Description

This Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi is a comforting and flavorful dish combining tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, creamy cheese sauce, fresh spinach, and crispy bacon bits. Perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner, this recipe is easy to prepare and richly satisfying.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb), chopped into bite-sized pieces

Pasta

16 oz fresh or frozen gnocchi

Cheese and Dairy

8 oz cream cheese
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Liquids

2 cups low-sodium chicken broth

Vegetables

4 cups fresh spinach

Others

½ cup crispy bacon bits
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking oil, for sautéing

Instructions

Prepare the chicken: Chop the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and easy eating.
Cook the chicken: Heat a little cooking oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and sauté until they turn golden brown and are cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
Create the sauce: Lower the heat to medium, then add the cream cheese and chicken broth to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts completely and the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Add gnocchi and spinach: Toss the fresh or frozen gnocchi and fresh spinach into the creamy sauce. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes or until the gnocchi are tender and the spinach has wilted.
Stir in cheese and bacon: Remove the lid and mix in shredded cheddar cheese and crispy bacon bits until the cheese has melted and everything is well combined.
Serve: Serve the creamy crack chicken gnocchi hot in bowls. Optionally, garnish with extra shredded cheddar cheese or fresh herbs for added flavor and presentation.

Notes

For a lower-fat option, use reduced-fat cream cheese and cheese.
You can substitute bacon bits with cooked diced bacon or omit for a vegetarian-friendly version without chicken and bacon.
Fresh gnocchi works best, but frozen gnocchi is a convenient alternative; adjust cooking time accordingly.
Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper towards the end of cooking to suit your taste.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick if desired.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Sautéing and Simmering
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl (300g)
Calories: 550
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Unsaturated Fat: 13g
Trans Fat: 0.5g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 35g
Cholesterol: 110mg

Keywords: Creamy Crack Chicken, Gnocchi Recipe, Chicken Gnocchi, Cream Cheese Chicken, Comfort Food, Easy Dinner, Bacon Gnocchi