Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi Recipe
Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi is a luscious, comforting dish combining tender chicken breasts, pillowy gnocchi, and a rich, cheesy cream sauce infused with garlic and onion flavors. Enhanced with fresh spinach and crispy bacon bits, this meal is perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner that comes together quickly and delights with every creamy, savory bite.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasonings
- 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 the chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chicken breasts until fully cooked through and golden on the outside, about 6-8 minutes per side depending on thickness. Remove from skillet and let rest.
- Cook the gnocchi: In the same skillet, add the fresh or frozen gnocchi. Cook them over medium heat until they puff up and turn golden, about 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Create the creamy sauce: Reduce heat to low and add the cream cheese to the skillet with chicken broth. Stir continuously until cream cheese melts and forms a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Add spinach and chicken: Stir in the fresh spinach to the sauce and cook just until it wilts. Meanwhile, shred or dice the rested chicken and add it back to the skillet, mixing everything to combine evenly.
- Finish with cheese and bacon: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and crispy bacon bits over the top. Cover the skillet briefly or reduce heat to allow the cheese to melt into the sauce, about 2-3 minutes.
- Serve: Once the cheese is melted and the dish is heated through, taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve warm as a comforting main dish.
Notes
- Using fresh gnocchi is preferred for best texture, but frozen works well too.
- Low-sodium chicken broth helps control saltiness; adjust seasoning afterward.
- If you want extra creaminess, add a splash of milk or heavy cream when melting the cream cheese.
- For a spicier version, add crushed red pepper flakes along with the seasonings.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely on the stovetop or microwave.
Keywords: Creamy Crack Chicken, Gnocchi, Cream Cheese, Bacon, Spinach, Cheddar Cheese, Easy Dinner, One-Pan Meal
