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Delicious creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi served in a bowl with herbs and spices

Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi

A rich, quick skillet meal featuring soft gnocchi, melty cheese, and savory bacon, perfect for busy weeknights.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 600

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 lb chicken, bite-sized pieces Use cooked or raw chicken for even cooking.
  • 2 tbsp neutral oil For browning the chicken.
  • 8 oz cream cheese Room temperature for easier melting.
  • 2 cup chicken broth Thins the cream cheese into a smooth sauce.
  • 16 oz gnocchi Soft potato gnocchi that cooks in the sauce.
  • 2 cup fresh spinach Adds color and nutrients.
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded Sharp or mild according to preference.
  • 1/2 cup bacon bits, cooked Adds savory crunch.
  • 2 clove garlic, minced Fresh or jarred.
  • to taste salt and pepper For seasoning to taste.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and pat dry. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
Cooking
  1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook chicken until golden and mostly cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes.
  2. Lower heat and add cream cheese and chicken broth, stirring until the cream cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth.
  3. Add gnocchi and spinach to the pan, cover, and simmer gently until the gnocchi are tender and the spinach wilts, about 5 to 7 minutes.
  4. Stir in shredded cheddar and bacon bits until fully melted and combined. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Serving
  1. Spoon into bowls while hot and add extra cheese or bacon if desired.

Notes

Tips for success include drying the chicken to ensure good browning and using room-temperature cream cheese for a smooth sauce. Don't overcook gnocchi; simmer just until tender to avoid mushiness. Adjust salt at the end since bacon and cheese are salty ingredients. Stir gently to keep the gnocchi intact.