Picture this: Soft, pillowy gnocchi smothered in a rich, creamy sauce packed with savory chicken, bacon, and a kick of cheddar—it’s a dish so indulgent, you’ll be instantly hooked. I mean, we’re talking comfort food at its finest here. The kind of meal that makes you feel like you’re getting a big warm hug from the inside out.
This Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi is the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and comforting, with a touch of crispy bacon to add just the right crunch. It’s the kind of dish that’ll have you licking the plate clean, because who can resist that rich, velvety sauce? Seriously, this one’s an absolute crowd-pleaser—whether you’re cooking for your family on a cozy night in, or bringing a dish to share at a get-together. Trust me, you’re going to be asked for the recipe. So, let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi
If you love comforting, rich dishes that are still surprisingly easy to make, this one’s for you. Here’s why:
Ultra Comforting and Hearty
This dish is the ultimate comfort food. The gnocchi soaks up all the creamy goodness of the sauce, while the chicken and bacon make each bite feel like a savory dream. If you’re craving something warm and hearty, this will hit the spot every single time.
Easy to Make, Yet So Fancy
No need for complicated steps or a long list of ingredients. You’re looking at just a few simple ingredients that come together in less than 30 minutes to create a restaurant-quality meal that looks and tastes like it took hours to prepare.
Cheesy Goodness
There’s nothing quite like the combination of cream cheese and cheddar. It’s the perfect creamy, cheesy sauce that coats every piece of gnocchi, leaving you with a comforting dish that’s rich without being too heavy.
Versatile
Got leftover rotisserie chicken? This is a great way to repurpose it! You can also easily tweak the recipe by adding veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or even peas to give it your own twist.
A Dish That’s Bound to Impress
Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight or serving it at a dinner party, this dish will get you major compliments. The flavors are indulgent, the texture is perfect, and it’s just a bowl of pure happiness.
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Ingredients
Ready to make some creamy, gnocchi goodness? Here’s what you’ll need:
Chicken
Use rotisserie chicken for convenience or cook your own chicken breasts. Either way, this dish needs juicy, shredded chicken to mix into that velvety sauce.
Gnocchi
The star of the dish! Soft, pillowy gnocchi is the perfect vehicle for the creamy sauce. You can find store-bought gnocchi in the pasta aisle, but if you’re feeling extra, homemade gnocchi is a delicious option too.
Bacon
Because everything’s better with bacon, right? A bit of crispy bacon adds a nice crunch and salty depth to the dish that perfectly balances out the richness of the sauce.
Cream Cheese
The secret to the creamy texture! Cream cheese is what makes the sauce so velvety and rich without being overly heavy.
Cheddar Cheese
The sharp, tangy flavor of cheddar gives the sauce that extra cheesy kick. You can also use Monterey Jack, Colby, or a mix of your favorite cheeses!
Heavy Cream
This is what gives the sauce its luxurious, silky texture. Heavy cream is the perfect base for building that creamy sauce that clings to every bite of gnocchi.
Garlic
A little garlic goes a long way in flavoring the sauce. It adds that aromatic, savory depth that makes every bite irresistible.
Chicken Broth
A splash of chicken broth brings everything together and helps thin out the sauce just enough so it coats the gnocchi without being too thick.
Seasonings
We’re talking onion powder, garlic powder, dried parsley, salt, and pepper to elevate the flavor. You’ll want a pinch of each to balance out the richness.
(Note: Full ingredient measurements are included in the recipe card.)
Instructions
Now that your mouth is watering, let’s get cooking! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a decadent, creamy meal on the table in no time.
1. Cook the Gnocchi
Start by cooking your gnocchi according to the package instructions. Once they float to the surface, they’re ready! Drain and set them aside. Pro tip: Don’t overcook them, as they’ll continue to cook in the sauce.
2. Cook the Bacon
In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, remove from the pan and set it aside on a paper towel to drain. When it’s cool enough to handle, chop it into small bits. Keep the bacon grease in the skillet—it’s going to add flavor to the sauce!
3. Make the Sauce
In the same skillet, add a little bit of oil if necessary (to prevent sticking). Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the cream cheese and heavy cream, stirring constantly until smooth.
4. Add the Chicken and Broth
Once the cream cheese has melted, pour in the chicken broth and stir to combine. Then, add the shredded chicken and continue to stir until the sauce is creamy and everything is well-mixed.
5. Stir in the Cheddar and Seasonings
Add the cheddar cheese and stir until it’s completely melted and the sauce is silky. Season with onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and dried parsley. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
6. Combine the Gnocchi and Bacon
Now, add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet and toss gently to coat in that dreamy sauce. Add in the crispy bacon bits and give it one last toss.
7. Serve and Enjoy
Serve the Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi hot, and garnish with a little more parsley if desired. Grab a fork and dig in—you won’t be able to resist!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: [Number of servings]
Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]
Preparation Time
Prep Time: [Time to prepare ingredients]
Cook Time: [Time to cook]
Total Time: [Total time needed]
How to Serve Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi
With a Fresh Salad
A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette makes for a perfect contrast to the rich, creamy gnocchi. The freshness of the salad cuts through the richness, leaving you feeling satisfied but not overly stuffed.
With Garlic Bread
Can you ever go wrong with garlic bread? It’s the perfect side to mop up all that delicious creamy sauce left in the pan.
With Roasted Veggies
A side of roasted Brussels sprouts, broccoli, or asparagus adds color and texture to your meal while giving you a nutrient boost.
On Its Own
Honestly, this dish is so filling and satisfying, it can stand alone. If you’re craving comfort, this is your one-stop-shop for a fulfilling, cozy meal.
Additional Tips
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: For extra convenience, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. It’s quick and easy, and it saves you time without sacrificing flavor.
- Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce to give this dish a spicy twist.
- Add Veggies: Throw in some spinach, peas, or mushrooms to sneak in some extra veggies for added flavor and texture.
- Use a Nonstick Pan: If you’re worried about the sauce sticking, a nonstick skillet will make cleanup a breeze.
- Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of cream to keep the sauce smooth.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use frozen gnocchi?
A1: Yes! Frozen gnocchi works just as well. Just make sure to follow the package instructions for cooking.
Q2: Can I make this dish vegetarian?
A2: Absolutely! You can skip the chicken and bacon and add in some veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for a lighter, vegetarian version.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of cream or milk to keep the sauce creamy.
Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: This dish doesn’t freeze super well because of the gnocchi, but you can freeze the sauce separately and cook fresh gnocchi when you’re ready to eat.
Q5: Can I double the recipe?
A5: Yes, you can! Just make sure to use a larger pan to accommodate the extra ingredients and adjust the cooking time slightly if necessary.
Q6: What’s the best way to reheat this dish?
A6: Reheat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of cream or milk to bring the sauce back to life. You can also use
the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each one.
Q7: Can I add other meats?
A7: Definitely! You can add sausage, ham, or even turkey if you want to switch things up. Just make sure it’s cooked through before adding it to the sauce.
Enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite of this Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi! It’s the kind of dish that’ll make you want to come back for seconds.
Print
Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi – Comfort Food Delight
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Description
Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi is a rich and creamy comfort food dish that combines tender gnocchi with seasoned chicken, crispy bacon, and a creamy, cheesy sauce. It’s an irresistible, indulgent meal that’s perfect for a cozy dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 lb (450g) boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning mix
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh chives or parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the gnocchi according to package instructions. Drain and set aside. If using store-bought gnocchi, be sure to follow the cooking instructions closely to ensure they’re tender and ready to absorb the creamy sauce.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced chicken to the skillet, sprinkle with ranch seasoning, salt, and pepper, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, scraping up any bits from the bottom of the skillet. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 4-5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Add the cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese to the skillet, stirring until both are fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, followed by the cooked gnocchi and crumbled bacon. Stir everything together to coat the gnocchi and chicken evenly in the creamy sauce. Let it simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.
- Sprinkle with dried parsley and additional salt and pepper to taste. Serve the creamy crack chicken gnocchi hot, garnished with fresh chives or parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Notes
- For extra creaminess, you can add more cream cheese or a splash of milk if the sauce is too thick.
- If you’re looking to make this dish even richer, add some crumbled feta or mozzarella cheese to the sauce for extra meltiness.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 2-3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or cream to restore the creamy consistency.
- You can add vegetables like spinach, peas, or mushrooms to the dish for added flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish, Comfort Food
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 120mg