Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi Recipe
This Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi Recipe is a rich, cheesy, and comforting one-pan dinner made with tender shredded chicken, pillowy potato gnocchi, crispy bacon, and a luscious garlic parmesan cream sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ≈454 g potato gnocchi
- 6 –8 slices bacon diced
- 1 small yellow onion finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken ≈300–350 g
- 4 oz 115 g cream cheese, cubed and softened
- 1 cup 240 mL chicken broth
- 1 cup 240 mL heavy cream
- 1 cup ≈100 g freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese optional
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter optional
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 –3 green onions thinly sliced
- Fresh parsley chopped (optional)
- Crushed red pepper flakes optional
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Bacon
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced bacon and cook until crispy and golden brown. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving about 1–2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pan.
Step 2: Saute Aromatics
- Add diced onion to the skillet and saute for 4–5 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce
- Lower heat to medium-low. Add cubed cream cheese and allow it to soften slightly. Pour in chicken broth and stir until smooth. Add heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese (and cheddar if using) until fully melted and creamy.
Step 4: Add Chicken
- Mix shredded cooked chicken into the sauce. Let simmer for 2–3 minutes so the flavours blend together. Season with salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if desired.
Step 5: Cook the Gnocchi
- In a separate pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add gnocchi and cook according to package instructions (usually 2–3 minutes, until they float). Drain and add directly into the skillet with the creamy chicken sauce.
Step 6: Combine & Finish
- Gently stir gnocchi into the sauce until evenly coated. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly. Stir in half of the crispy bacon.
Step 7: Garnish & Serve
- Top with remaining bacon, sliced green onions, fresh parsley, and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Notes
- For extra texture, pan-sear the gnocchi in olive oil instead of boiling before adding to the sauce.
- Rotisserie chicken works perfectly for convenience and flavour.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of warm chicken broth or cream to loosen it.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a little cream or broth.
- Add spinach, mushrooms, or peas for extra vegetables.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.