I’m Grace, the cook and heart behind Homely Tasty, and this Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi recipe is my cozy hug in a bowl. It reminds me of my Nonna’s kitchen, where comfort food simmered slowly and stories unfolded with every stir. This dish combines soft, pillowy gnocchi, shredded chicken, crispy bacon, and a velvety ranch-seasoned cream sauce that clings to every bite. It’s rich but never heavy; the kind of meal that makes you feel instantly at home.
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Why You’ll Love This Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi Recipe
This Crack Chicken Gnocchi recipe is a true weeknight savior. It comes together in under 30 minutes, uses only one pan, and satisfies everyone at the table. You get the perfect balance of creamy, savory, and smoky flavors in every mouthful. The combination of chicken, bacon, and gnocchi is simply irresistible; a match made for comfort seekers.
Whether you’re feeding a family or meal-prepping for the week, this dish delivers big flavor with minimal effort. The sauce is thick, luscious, and perfectly coats each gnocchi, making it ideal for a quick yet indulgent meal.
If you love rich, comforting flavors, you’ll also adore my Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup, which has the same creamy indulgence with a cozy twist.
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Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi
A rich, creamy one-pot chicken gnocchi recipe with bacon, ranch, and cheddar; ready in under 30 minutes.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
2 cups shredded chicken
1 lb potato gnocchi
6 slices cooked bacon
8 oz cream cheese
1 packet ranch seasoning
2 cups chicken broth
½ cup heavy cream
1 cup cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup spinach (optional)
Instructions
1. Cook bacon until crisp; remove and set aside.
2. In the same skillet, add chicken and ranch seasoning; stir.
3. Pour in chicken broth and add cream cheese; melt until smooth.
4. Add gnocchi and simmer for 5–7 minutes until tender.
5. Stir in heavy cream, cheddar cheese, and bacon; mix until creamy.
6. Serve hot with fresh parsley and cracked pepper.
Notes
Store leftovers in airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently with a splash of cream or broth.
Add extra veggies like spinach or mushrooms for variety.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make your Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Shredded cooked chicken | 2 cups |
| Potato gnocchi | 1 lb |
| Bacon, cooked and crumbled | 6 slices |
| Cream cheese | 8 oz |
| Ranch seasoning mix | 1 packet |
| Chicken broth | 2 cups |
| Heavy cream | ½ cup |
| Cheddar cheese, shredded | 1 cup |
| Spinach (optional) | 1 cup |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
If you’re a fan of creamy chicken dinners, you’ll love my Creamy Brown Sugar Dijon Chicken Thighs, another satisfying, flavor-packed comfort meal.
How to Make It
Start by cooking the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp. Remove it and keep about a tablespoon of the drippings in the pan, that’s where the magic begins. Add the shredded chicken and sprinkle in the ranch seasoning, stirring until coated.
Pour in the chicken broth and add the cream cheese. Stir until it melts into a smooth, rich sauce. Then, add the gnocchi straight into the skillet. Let everything simmer for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gnocchi softens and thickens the sauce naturally.
Once the gnocchi is tender, add the cheddar cheese and heavy cream. Stir well until everything melds into creamy perfection. Top with crumbled bacon and a sprinkle of black pepper before serving warm.
This creamy technique works beautifully in my Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings too, another comforting classic made easy.
Tips and Variations
- Add veggies: Spinach, mushrooms, or peas blend beautifully into the sauce.
- Lighter option: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half.
- Add spice: A pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes gives a gentle heat.
- Storage: Keeps for up to 3 days in an airtight container; reheat with a splash of milk or cream.
And if you love cozy Italian-inspired flavors, you’ll also adore my Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta, a lighter, yet equally satisfying option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen gnocchi?
Yes, just cook it a few extra minutes until soft and tender.
Can I prepare this in advance?
Definitely. Store the sauce separately and mix with freshly cooked gnocchi before serving.
What cheese works best?
Cheddar and mozzarella are perfect, but parmesan adds a nice sharp note.
Can I make this low-carb?
Swap gnocchi for cauliflower florets for a lighter version.
You can repurpose leftover rotisserie chicken from dishes like Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta for a faster prep; it’s a great way to make this recipe even easier.
Final Thoughts
Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi is everything you crave in a comfort meal; creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor. Each bite wraps you in warmth, the kind of feeling that turns an ordinary dinner into something special. Whether it’s a chilly evening or a busy weekday, this dish brings everyone back to the table with smiles and second servings.
Loved this recipe? Follow me on Pinterest for more comforting dishes and easy weeknight favorites you’ll want to save.
