Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi (Print version)
Rich, creamy chicken and gnocchi skillet with crispy bacon, melted cheeses, and fresh spinach—a cozy one-pan dinner ready in 40 minutes.
# What you'll need:
→ 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)
# How to make it:
01 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving drippings in the pan.
02 - Add chicken pieces to the pan. Season with a pinch of salt and black pepper. 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 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 melted and sauce is creamy.
06 - Add gnocchi (uncooked) directly to the sauce. Stir, cover, and cook for 3–4 minutes, or 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. Serve hot, garnished with fresh chives if desired.
# Expert suggestions:
01 -
- The combination of ranch seasoning and smoked paprika creates this incredible depth of flavor that tastes like it simmered for hours
- Everything cooks in one pan so you get maximum comfort with minimum cleanup
02 -
- If the sauce gets too thick while the gnocchi cooks add a splash of water or chicken broth
- The gnocchi will continue absorbing liquid so serve immediately for the creamiest texture
03 -
- Room temperature cream cheese prevents any lumps in your sauce
- Grate your own Parmesan for the best melting texture