Dinner

Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi Recipe

ByMarina Montclair October 15, 2025October 15, 2025

Introduction

Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a rich, cheesy sauce. This easy-to-make meal is perfect for a cozy night in and comes together quickly on the stovetop.

A white bowl filled with creamy gnocchi covered in a thick, pale yellow sauce, with the gnocchi pieces showing a soft, smooth texture. The top layer is browned and crispy in spots, giving a golden color and slight charring on some gnocchi. Small green parsley flakes are scattered across the gnocchi, adding contrast to the creamy and golden colors. The bowl rests on a blue cloth over a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
16 oz fresh or frozen gnocchi
8 oz cream cheese
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
4 cups fresh spinach
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup crispy bacon bits
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Chop the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
Step 2: Heat a little oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until golden brown on the outside, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 3: Reduce the heat to low, then add the cream cheese and chicken broth to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.
Step 4: Add the gnocchi and fresh spinach to the skillet. Cover the pan and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the gnocchi are tender and cooked through.
Step 5: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and crispy bacon bits until the cheese is melted and everything is well combined.
Step 6: Serve the dish hot in bowls, optionally garnished with extra cheddar cheese for added flavor.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, season the chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper before cooking.
Try swapping spinach with kale or arugula for a different leafy green option.
Use smoked bacon bits to add a deeper smoky flavor to the dish.
For a lighter version, substitute cream cheese with reduced-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt, but add it off the heat to prevent curdling.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce if it thickens. This dish is not ideal for freezing as the gnocchi texture may change.

How to Serve

The dish shows a bowl filled with small, soft gnocchi pieces covered in a creamy, white sauce. The top layer is golden and crispy with browned spots, showing melted cheese that is slightly blistered. Small green herb pieces, likely parsley, are scattered on top, adding a fresh contrast to the creamy texture. The bowl is white and sits on a white marbled surface with a hint of cloth underneath. The overall look is warm, cheesy, and appetizing photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use cooked chicken instead of raw chicken?

Yes, you can use cooked shredded or diced chicken. Add it to the skillet when you add the cream cheese and broth to warm through without overcooking.

What can I use if I don’t have gnocchi?

If you don’t have gnocchi, small pasta like mini penne or shells can work as a substitute, though cooking times may vary.

Marina Montclair