I love making Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi in my own kitchen. It’s a meal that combines pillowy gnocchi with tender chicken and crispy bacon in a sauce so rich, you’ll want to lick the bowl clean. This recipe has saved countless weeknight dinners in my house, and I know it’ll do the same for yours.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi
I always start with quality chicken and good cream cheese because they’re the foundation of this dish. My go-to approach for gnocchi is whatever looks freshest, whether that’s refrigerated or frozen. In my experience, using low-sodium broth lets you control the salt level perfectly, especially since bacon and cheese add plenty of savory depth.
- 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb, cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 16 oz fresh or frozen gnocchi (I recommend fresh for the best texture)
- 8 oz cream cheese (full-fat for maximum creaminess)
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 4 cups fresh spinach (packed, bright green leaves)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar is my preference for bold flavor)
- ½ cup crispy bacon bits (real bacon, not imitation)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons oil for cooking (I usually use olive oil or avocado oil)
Step-by-Step Instructions
I recommend prepping all your ingredients before you start cooking since this recipe moves quickly once you begin. If your cream cheese is cold, cut it into smaller chunks to help it melt faster later.
Step 1: Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces in a single layer and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown on all sides and no longer pink in the center when you cut into a piece.
Step 2: Reduce heat to medium-low and add the cream cheese and chicken broth to the skillet. Stir continuously for 2-3 minutes until the cream cheese melts completely and creates a smooth, velvety sauce with no lumps remaining. The sauce should look creamy and uniform in color.
Step 3: Add the gnocchi and fresh spinach to the sauce. Gently stir to coat everything, then cover the skillet with a lid. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes until the gnocchi are tender (they’ll float to the top when done) and the spinach has completely wilted down. Don’t overcook or the gnocchi can become mushy.
Step 4: Remove the lid and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and bacon bits. Keep stirring for 1-2 minutes until the cheese melts into the sauce and becomes smooth and glossy. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed, then serve immediately while hot.
Perfect Pairings for Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi
This rich, creamy dish benefits from sides that add crunch and freshness to balance the indulgent flavors.
Garlic Bread: Crusty garlic bread is perfect for soaking up every drop of that creamy sauce, and the garlic complements the savory chicken beautifully.
Simple Green Salad: A crisp salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness and adds a refreshing contrast.
Roasted Broccoli: Lightly seasoned roasted broccoli brings a nutty flavor and adds extra vegetables to round out the meal nutritionally. You could also try it with this Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo for more broccoli inspiration.
Caesar Salad: The classic Caesar with crunchy romaine and Parmesan echoes the cheesy notes in the gnocchi while providing textural variety.
Steamed Green Beans: Quick steamed green beans with a squeeze of lemon offer a light, bright counterpoint to the creamy main dish.
Cheesy Ranch Potatoes: If you want to lean into the comfort food vibes, pair it with Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage for a truly indulgent meal.
Keeping It Fresh and Delicious
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The gnocchi will absorb more sauce as it sits, which actually makes the flavors even more concentrated.
When reheating, I recommend using the stovetop over low heat rather than the microwave. Add a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen the sauce and stir gently until heated through. This prevents the cream cheese from separating and keeps the texture smooth.
This dish is incredibly versatile beyond simple reheating. Try using leftovers as a filling for stuffed peppers, or top with extra cheese and bake until bubbly for a casserole-style variation the next day. If you love creamy pasta dishes like this, you might also enjoy Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta or Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of cheddar?
Absolutely! Mozzarella creates a milder, stretchier texture, while Gruyere adds a nutty sophistication. Pepper jack works beautifully if you want a spicy kick.
What if I don’t have fresh spinach?
Frozen spinach works perfectly well. Just thaw it completely and squeeze out all excess water before adding it to the skillet to prevent a watery sauce.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prep the chicken and measure out ingredients in advance, but I recommend cooking this dish fresh for the best texture. Gnocchi tends to get mushy when made too far ahead.
Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces in a single layer and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown on all sides and no longer pink in the center.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and add the cream cheese and chicken broth to the skillet. Stir continuously for 2-3 minutes until the cream cheese melts completely and creates a smooth, velvety sauce with no lumps remaining.
- Add the gnocchi and fresh spinach to the sauce. Gently stir to coat everything, then cover the skillet with a lid. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes until the gnocchi are tender and float to the top, and the spinach has completely wilted down.
- Remove the lid and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and bacon bits. Keep stirring for 1-2 minutes until the cheese melts into the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed, then serve immediately while hot.
Notes
