Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this dish as they cook quickly and stay juicy. If you’re looking for a quicker option, shredded rotisserie chicken works well too.

Bacon: I love using thick-cut bacon for its smoky flavor. If you prefer a lighter option, turkey bacon makes a tasty substitution, though it won’t be as crispy.

Gnocchi: Store-bought potato gnocchi gives this dish its comforting texture. If you can’t find gnocchi, you can substitute with pasta like fusilli or bow tie, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Cheese: Cream cheese adds creaminess, while cheddar and Parmesan provide flavor. For a lighter version, you can use reduced-fat cream cheese or swap cheddar for a dairy-free cheese.

Heavy Cream: This makes the sauce rich and creamy. If you want to cut calories, you can use half-and-half or coconut cream for a non-dairy alternative.

How Can I Make the Sauce Extra Creamy?

The sauce is the heart of this dish, and making it creamy is a breeze! Here’s how to get it right:

• Use low heat when combining the cream cheese and cream to prevent curdling.
• Mix in the broth gradually and stir well to blend everything until smooth.
• Don’t rush! Allow the sauce to simmer for at least 3-5 minutes after adding the cheese so it thickens properly.

A personal tip: Always taste as you go! Adjust salt, pepper, and spices to suit your preferences, making it uniquely yours!

How to Make Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Main Dish:

• 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
• 1 package (about 16 oz or 450 g) potato gnocchi
• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
• Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (for garnish)

How Much Time Will You Need?

This creamy crack chicken gnocchi takes about 30 minutes from start to finish, including prep and cooking time. It’s quick and perfect for a cozy weeknight meal that everyone will love!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Cook the Bacon:

Start by cooking the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until it’s crispy. Once done, remove the bacon and place it on paper towels to drain. Keep about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the skillet to add flavor, or use olive oil or butter if you prefer.

2. Cook the Chicken:

In the same skillet, add your diced chicken. Season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Cook over medium heat until the chicken is fully cooked and golden brown, which should take about 6-8 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

3. Sauté the Garlic:

Now, add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté it for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant. This will add a wonderful aroma to your dish!

4. Make the Creamy Sauce:

Next, add the softened cream cheese, heavy cream, and chicken broth to the skillet. Stir everything together until the sauce is smooth and starts to thicken, which should take about 3-5 minutes.

5. Add the Cheeses:

Stir in the Parmesan cheese and half of the shredded cheddar cheese until everything is melted and well combined. This adds an extra layer of creaminess!

6. Cook the Gnocchi:

Meanwhile, in a separate pot, cook the gnocchi in boiling salted water according to the package instructions. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes until they float. Once cooked, drain them well.

7. Combine Everything:

Add the cooked chicken and gnocchi into the skillet with the creamy sauce. Gently stir to combine everything and let it heat through for about 2 minutes.

8. Add Toppings:

Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon on top of the mixture. Cover the skillet briefly to allow the cheese to melt, about 1-2 minutes.

9. Garnish and Serve:

Finally, garnish your dish with freshly chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color. Serve immediately and enjoy your comforting bowl of creamy crack chicken gnocchi!

This dish is creamy, cheesy, and filled with crispy bacon bits, making it a perfect satisfying meal that everyone will love!

Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Recipe?

Absolutely! Leftover cooked chicken, like rotisserie chicken, is perfect for this recipe. Just shred or chop the chicken and add it when combining with the sauce to warm through, reducing cooking time.

What Can I Substitute for the Gnocchi?

If you can’t find potato gnocchi, you can use any small pasta like penne or bow ties. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta package instructions to ensure it’s cooked perfectly!

How Do I Store Leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or chicken broth to loosen the sauce if needed.

Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?

Definitely! You can substitute the chicken with mushrooms or your favorite vegetables, such as spinach or zucchini. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and opt for a vegetarian cheese alternative if desired.