Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi Recipe
Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi is a rich and comforting dish featuring tender chicken breasts, pillowy gnocchi, and fresh spinach all enveloped in a luscious cream cheese sauce. Enhanced with crispy bacon bits, shredded cheddar cheese, and savory spices, this recipe offers a flavorful, satisfying meal perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- 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
Instructions
- Prepare and Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This seasoning enhances the flavor and ensures the chicken is deliciously savory.
- Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chicken breasts until they are no longer pink in the center and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), about 6-7 minutes per side depending on thickness. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside to rest.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: In the same skillet, add the cream cheese and chicken broth. Stir continuously over medium heat until the cream cheese melts completely and the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
- Add the Gnocchi: Add the gnocchi directly to the creamy sauce in the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the gnocchi are tender and cooked through, about 3-5 minutes if fresh, or according to package instructions if frozen.
- Incorporate Spinach and Chicken: Add the fresh spinach to the pan and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes. Slice or shred the cooked chicken breasts, then stir them into the skillet with the gnocchi and spinach, allowing everything to combine and heat through.
- Add Cheese and Bacon: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and crispy bacon bits over the top. Stir gently to combine and melt the cheese slightly, creating a rich topping for the dish.
- Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve the creamy crack chicken gnocchi hot for a comforting and flavorful meal.
Notes
- Fresh or frozen gnocchi can be used; adjust cooking time accordingly.
- For a thicker sauce, reduce the amount of chicken broth or cook sauce longer before adding gnocchi.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stove or microwave.
- For a spicier twist, add crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the creamy sauce.
- Substitute turkey bacon as a lower-fat alternative if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: creamy crack chicken gnocchi, creamy chicken recipe, gnocchi dinner, bacon chicken gnocchi, easy skillet recipes
