Name: Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
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

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi because it’s packed with flavor and comes together in just about 30 minutes. The combination of melty cheddar, smooth cream cheese, and crispy bacon creates a crave-worthy sauce that clings to every gnocchi pillow. It’s one of those dishes that feels like it took hours to make but is actually super simple to throw together. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile, so I can switch things up depending on what I have on hand.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

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

Directions

I start by chopping the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, I heat a little oil and sauté the chicken until it’s golden brown, which takes about 5–7 minutes.
Once the chicken is cooked, I reduce the heat and add in the cream cheese and chicken broth. I stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Then I toss in the gnocchi and spinach, cover the skillet, and let it all simmer for 5–7 minutes until the gnocchi are tender and the spinach has wilted.
Finally, I stir in the cheddar cheese and bacon bits until everything is melty and well combined.
I serve it hot in bowls, sometimes with a little extra cheese sprinkled on top.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people and takes just 30 minutes from start to finish:

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

When I feel like switching things up, I love adding different ingredients to make this dish feel brand new. I’ve swapped out spinach for kale, and it gives the dish a slightly heartier bite. Sometimes I add sun-dried tomatoes for a pop of tangy sweetness. I’ve even used rotisserie chicken when I’m in a rush—it still turns out delicious. And if I’m craving a little heat, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes does the trick.

Storage/Reheating

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, I like to do it gently on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth to bring back the creaminess. The microwave works too, but I make sure to stir halfway through and add a little liquid if it looks too thick.

FAQs

How do I know when the gnocchi is fully cooked?

I find that gnocchi is done when it’s tender and slightly puffed. If I taste one and it’s soft all the way through, it’s ready.

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, I’ve used frozen spinach before—just make sure to thaw and squeeze out the excess water before adding it to the skillet.

What type of gnocchi works best?

I usually go with fresh gnocchi from the refrigerated section, but frozen works great too. I avoid shelf-stable gnocchi as it tends to be a bit firmer and less fluffy.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

I can prep the chicken and sauce ahead, but for the best texture, I recommend adding the gnocchi and cheese right before serving. That way, the gnocchi stays tender and doesn’t get mushy.

Is there a way to make this lighter?

I’ve lightened it up by using low-fat cream cheese and reducing the cheddar a bit. It still tastes rich, just a little less indulgent.

Conclusion

Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi is one of those dishes that checks all the boxes: it’s fast, filling, flavorful, and flexible. I love how it turns simple ingredients into something that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Whether I’m making it for guests or just craving comfort food, it always hits the spot.

Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi