This creamy crack chicken gnocchi is a cozy dish that’s perfect for chilly nights. It’s filled with tender chicken, fluffy gnocchi, and a cheesy sauce that makes it extra comforting!
Honestly, this dish is like a warm hug in a bowl. I can never resist sneaking a second helping when it’s on the table!🫶 Make this and enjoy some cheesy goodness with your loved ones!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Diced or thinly sliced chicken breasts are the star here. You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience. Just add it into the sauce at the end to warm it through.
Gnocchi: I use store-bought gnocchi for ease, but homemade gnocchi can elevate the dish. If gluten is a concern, try using a gluten-free gnocchi alternative!
Bacon: I love using thick-cut bacon for its rich flavor, but turkey bacon is a great lower-fat alternative. Just be mindful that it won’t be as crispy.
Heavy Cream: This gives the dish its creamy texture. If you want a lighter option, you can swap in half-and-half, but the sauce might be less rich.
Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar brings an awesome flavor. For variety, you could substitute with Monterey Jack or even Parmesan for a different twist.
How Do I Make the Cream Sauce Smooth and Creamy?
Getting a smooth and creamy sauce can be tricky. Here’s how to do it:
- Start with medium heat to melt the cream cheese properly without burning it.
- Stir constantly after adding the chicken broth, ensuring any stuck bits from the pan blend into the sauce.
- Don’t rush the process! Melting the cream cheese and cheese slowly helps avoid lumps.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it.
Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) chicken breasts, diced or thinly sliced
- 1 package (16 oz/450g) gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- 4 oz (110g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (100g) shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 25 minutes to prepare! You’ll need around 10 minutes for prepping your ingredients and about 15 minutes to cook everything. It’s a quick and satisfying meal, perfect for busy weeknights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Bacon:
In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Once done, remove the bacon pieces and place them on paper towels to drain. Don’t forget to reserve a tablespoon of the bacon fat in the skillet for added flavor!
2. Sauté the Chicken:
Add the diced chicken to the skillet with the reserved bacon fat. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook it until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned, which will take about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Add Garlic:
Using the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook it for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn!
4. Prepare the Sauce:
Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer, scraping the bottom of the pan to loosen any delicious bits stuck to the skillet.
5. Make It Creamy:
Add the cream cheese and heavy cream to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
6. Cheese It Up:
Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Keep cooking until the cheese has melted and the sauce is rich and creamy.
7. Cook the Gnocchi:
Add the gnocchi directly to the sauce (no need to boil them first if they’re fresh or pre-cooked). Cook for 2-3 minutes until the gnocchi are tender and coated in the delicious sauce.
8. Add Chicken and Spinach:
Return the cooked chicken and the chopped spinach to the skillet. Stir everything together and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the spinach wilts.
9. Final Seasoning:
Give the sauce a taste and, if needed, add more salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.
10. Serve It Up:
Dish out the creamy crack chicken gnocchi into bowls, and don’t forget to sprinkle the crispy bacon pieces on top along with some fresh parsley for garnish.
Enjoy this rich, creamy, and flavorful dish with a simple green salad on the side! It’s sure to become a family favorite!
Can I Use Rotisserie Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut. Just shred the chicken and add it to the sauce towards the end to warm it through, skipping the initial cooking step.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken a day ahead. Store it in the refrigerator and then reheat gently on the stove. Just add a little extra cream or broth if it thickens up too much.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth if needed to restore creaminess.
Is There a Vegetarian Version of This Dish?
Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by omitting the chicken and bacon. Instead, use additional vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini, and keep the creamy sauce for that rich flavor!
