Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi (Print)
Rich, creamy chicken and gnocchi with crispy bacon, ranch flavors, and spinach in a cheesy sauce.
# Ingredient list:
→ Chicken & Bacon
01 - 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1.1 lbs), cut into bite-sized pieces
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - 5 slices bacon, chopped
→ Vegetables & Aromatics
04 - 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
05 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 2 cups baby spinach, roughly chopped
→ Gnocchi & Dairy
07 - 1 lb potato gnocchi, fresh or shelf-stable
08 - 1 cup heavy cream
09 - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
10 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
11 - 4 oz cream cheese, softened
→ Seasonings
12 - 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning mix
13 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
14 - 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
15 - Salt, to taste
→ Garnish
16 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives (optional)
# Directions:
01 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chopped bacon and cook until crispy, about 5-6 minutes. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving drippings in the pan.
02 - Season chicken pieces with a pinch of salt and black pepper. Add to the hot pan and cook for 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
03 - In the same skillet, add diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until soft. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
04 - Lower heat to medium. Add cream cheese and heavy cream, stirring constantly until cream cheese is melted and sauce is smooth.
05 - Stir in ranch seasoning, smoked paprika, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Mix well until cheese is completely melted and sauce is creamy and homogeneous.
06 - Add uncooked gnocchi directly to the sauce. Stir well, cover, and cook for 3-4 minutes until gnocchi is tender. Add a splash of water or broth if sauce thickens too much.
07 - Return chicken and bacon to the pan. Add chopped spinach and stir until wilted and everything is well combined. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
08 - Serve hot, garnished with fresh chives if desired. Pairs well with a crisp green salad or garlic bread.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- It comes together in under 40 minutes but tastes like it simmered all day
- The ranch flavor is subtle, not overwhelming, letting the creamy sauce shine through
02 -
- If the sauce thickens too much while cooking the gnocchi, add water or broth one tablespoon at a time
- Room temperature cream cheese prevents those annoying little lumps in your sauce
03 -
- Cook the bacon until it's extra crispy, because it softens when added back to the creamy sauce
- Salt at the very end, since both the bacon and cheeses bring plenty of saltiness to the dish