Dinner

Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi Recipe

ByElla Hart July 30, 2025July 30, 2025

If comfort food could claim a crown, Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi would absolutely wear it with pride. Imagine pillowy gnocchi, tender chicken breast, and velvety cream cheese all cozied up in a decadent, cheesy sauce. Every bite is packed with flavor, from the rich bacon bits to the vibrant freshness of spinach. It’s a one-pan wonder that transforms simple ingredients into something astonishingly craveable, perfect for family dinners or impressing friends. Trust me, once you try it, this dish will earn a spot on your regular dinner rotation.

Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

With an ingredient list this approachable, anyone can bring Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi to life. Each component plays a big role in the final result, delivering the right balance of creaminess, savory depth, and those little bursts of color and crunch.

Chicken breasts: Use boneless, skinless chicken for easy prep and juicy, bite-sized pieces in every spoonful.
Gnocchi: Fresh or frozen, these pillowy potato dumplings soak up all that dreamy sauce.
Cream cheese: This is the magic maker, transforming everything into a sumptuous, lush base.
Chicken broth: Low-sodium gives you control over the saltiness and adds a savory foundation for the sauce.
Spinach: A pop of green both for color and to cut through the richness, wilting right into the mix.
Cheddar cheese: Melty, sharp, and the perfect companion for that creamy base.
Bacon bits: Crispy and smoky, they lend both crunch and a flavor kick.
Garlic powder: An easy way to boost flavor without extra chopping.
Onion powder: Adds subtle, savory depth—think of it as a secret flavor weapon.
Salt and pepper: Essential for brightening all the flavors to perfection.

How to Make Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi

Step 1: Chop the Chicken

Start by grabbing your chicken breasts and chopping them into bite-sized pieces. This means every forkful will be packed with tender protein, and it’ll also help them cook evenly and quickly—no dry chicken here!

Step 2: Sear for Flavor

Heat a splash of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your chicken pieces and cook until they’re golden brown and cooked through, which takes about 5 to 7 minutes. This step is key for sealing in the juices and building that irresistible base layer of flavor.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Base

Lower the heat and introduce the cream cheese and chicken broth to the skillet. Stir gently until the cream cheese melts right into the broth, creating the lush foundation that creamy crack chicken gnocchi is famous for.

Step 4: Add Gnocchi and Spinach

Now it’s time for the gnocchi and fresh spinach to join the party! Toss them in, cover the skillet, and let everything simmer for 5 to 7 minutes. During this time, the gnocchi become perfectly tender, and the spinach softens and folds beautifully into the sauce.

Step 5: Stir in Cheese and Bacon

Once the gnocchi are cooked, sprinkle in your shredded cheddar cheese and bacon bits. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is irresistibly creamy and studded with salty bacon throughout.

Step 6: Serve and Savor

Spoon the hot Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi into bowls, and if you’re feeling indulgent, top with a little extra cheddar or bacon. Every bite is rich, satisfying, and bound to be a family favorite.

How to Serve Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi

Garnishes

Garnishes are the crowning touch! Try a sprinkle of fresh parsley for brightness, an extra handful of shredded cheddar, or a dusting of black pepper to wake up the flavors even more. Even a few extra crispy bacon bits on top make this Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi irresistible.

Side Dishes

This dish is definitely a meal in itself, but it pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or garlic bread to mop up the last bits of sauce. Roasted vegetables also make a lovely, wholesome side, balancing the decadence of the gnocchi.

Creative Ways to Present

For a stunning presentation, serve Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi in individual casserole dishes or mini cast irons—perfect for dinner parties! You can also stuff it into roasted bell peppers or serve over a large platter for a rustic, family-style meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi holds up well in the fridge. Just let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days—if you can resist finishing it all before then!

Freezing

While gnocchi dishes can sometimes get a bit soft after freezing, you can freeze Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi for up to 1 month. Portion it into freezer-safe containers, making sure they’re well sealed. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best results.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the gnocchi on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of milk or broth to bring the creamy texture back to life. The microwave works too—just stir halfway through and add a little liquid, so it stays luscious and saucy.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Shredded rotisserie chicken makes this dish even faster. Skip directly to Step 3, and stir the chicken in with the gnocchi and spinach.

Can I substitute other greens for spinach?

Definitely. Kale, Swiss chard, or even arugula can be wonderful swaps for spinach in Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi. Just chop the greens a bit smaller and let them wilt into the sauce.

Is it possible to make this gluten-free?

Yes! Simply use a gluten-free gnocchi (which is widely available at most supermarkets), and double-check that your chicken broth and bacon bits are certified gluten-free.

What kind of gnocchi works best—fresh or frozen?

Both fresh and frozen gnocchi work beautifully in Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi. If using frozen, just add an extra minute or two of cooking to ensure they turn perfectly pillowy.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

You can! Swap the chicken for sautéed mushrooms or canned chickpeas, use vegetable broth, and leave out or use vegetarian bacon bits for a meat-free creamy crack chicken gnocchi.

Final Thoughts

There’s something absolutely magical about a big bowl of Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi—it’s the kind of meal that brings comfort, joy, and impressive flavor all in one. I hope you try it soon and let it become a beloved favorite in your kitchen just like it is in mine!