If there’s one dish that’s been stealing the spotlight in my kitchen lately, it’s Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi. This recipe is comfort food at its finest—velvety, cheesy, and packed with all the flavors you crave after a long day. Growing up on Texas farms and now raising three kids in New York City, I’ve learned one truth: when dinner can be hearty and fast, it’s a keeper.
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Why You’ll Love This Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi
- Quick & easy: Just 30 minutes from stove to table.
- Family-approved: Even picky eaters can’t resist cheesy gnocchi.
- Versatile: Works as a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend treat.
- One-pan wonder: Less mess, fewer dishes—more time for you.
This dish reminds me of my Good Gravy Crock Pot Chicken Noodles—both are hearty bowls of love that make you want to curl up on the couch with seconds.
What Does Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi Taste Like?
Imagine tender potato gnocchi swimming in a creamy sauce that’s part cheesy, part smoky, and just the right amount of garlicky. It’s indulgent without being over the top—a little like wrapping yourself in your favorite blanket but in food form.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi
When it comes to making Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi, the beauty is in the simplicity of the ingredients. This is one of those dishes where pantry staples and fresh market finds come together to create something so rich and cozy, you’ll be tempted to make it on repeat. Let’s break it down, ingredient by ingredient, so you can shop with confidence and know why each one matters.
- Chicken Breasts (3–4 boneless, skinless, about 1 lb): The star of the dish. I like to chop them into bite-sized pieces so every forkful of gnocchi gets some tender chicken tucked in. If you’re short on time, you can also use shredded rotisserie chicken.
- Gnocchi (16 oz, fresh or frozen): These little potato pillows are what make this recipe so irresistible. Fresh gnocchi cook up faster, but frozen works beautifully too. If you’ve ever loved the creamy comfort of my Crockpot Baked Ziti, you’ll recognize that same hearty, carb-loaded satisfaction here.
- Cream Cheese (8 oz): This is where the “creamy” part of Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi comes alive. It melts down into the sauce, giving it that silky smooth texture we all crave.
- Chicken Broth (2 cups, low-sodium): Think of this as the base of your sauce—it thins the cream cheese just enough and allows the gnocchi to cook right in the same pan, soaking up all that flavor.
- Fresh Spinach (4 cups): Not only does spinach add a pop of green and freshness, but it also balances the richness of the cheese. You can swap in kale if you prefer a sturdier green.
- Cheddar Cheese (1 cup, shredded): Melted cheddar blends with the cream cheese to make the sauce extra luscious and flavorful. Sharp cheddar works best because it cuts through the creaminess with a bold punch.
- Garlic Powder (1 tsp) and Onion Powder (1 tsp): These pantry heroes add depth of flavor without overpowering the sauce.
- Salt and Black Pepper (to taste): The final touch for seasoning—start light, then adjust after the cheese are added since those bring saltiness too.
These ingredients may seem simple, but together they create a bowl of Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi that’s indulgent, cozy, and downright addictive. And the best part? You probably have half of them in your kitchen already.
(See my Crockpot Angel Chicken for another creamy chicken favorite.)
How to Make Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi (Step by Step)
The best part about making Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi is that it’s a one-pan meal—you don’t need to dirty every pot in your kitchen to get a hearty, soul-satisfying dinner on the table. Here’s how to bring this creamy bowl of comfort to life, step by step:
Step 1: Prepare Your Chicken
Start by chopping 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes. Keeping the pieces even helps them cook quickly and stay juicy. Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel so it browns nicely in the skillet instead of steaming.
Step 2: Sear Until Golden
Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown on all sides. Don’t rush this step—the browning adds incredible flavor to your final dish.
(If you’ve tried my Chicken Hashbrown Casserole, you know that golden chicken makes all the difference in comfort recipes.)
Step 3: Make the Creamy Base
Once the chicken is browned, lower the heat to medium. Add 8 ounces of cream cheese and 2 cups of low-sodium chicken broth. Stir slowly as the cream cheese melts into the broth, creating a smooth, velvety sauce. It should coat the chicken evenly without being too thick at this stage.
Step 4: Add the Gnocchi and Spinach
Now, gently stir in 16 ounces of gnocchi (fresh or frozen) along with 4 cups of fresh spinach. Cover the skillet with a lid and let everything simmer for 5–7 minutes. The gnocchi will plump up as they cook, soaking in that rich, cheesy sauce, while the spinach wilts into tender green ribbons.
Step 5: Season and Serve
Taste your Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi and adjust with salt and pepper as needed. Scoop into bowls, sprinkle on a little extra cheddar (because why not?), and serve hot.
This dish is hearty enough on its own, but if you want to stretch it further, serve it with a simple side salad or garlic bread. It’s the kind of meal that feels restaurant-worthy but comes together in just 30 minutes.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi
- Don’t overcook gnocchi—they only need minutes.
- If your sauce feels too thick, add a splash more broth.
- Leftovers reheat best on the stove with a touch of milk or broth.
- For extra flavor, sauté mushrooms along with the chicken.
- Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Storage
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm on the stove with a splash of broth or milk.
- Freezer: Not recommended—the cream sauce tends to separate.
FAQs
Q: Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Shred and add it after the sauce thickens.
Q: Is there a lighter version?
Use reduced-fat cream cheese and swap turkey.
Q: Can I make this ahead?
Yes, but hold off on adding gnocchi until just before serving.
Conclusion
There you have it—Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi: the kind of recipe that makes your kitchen smell heavenly and keeps your family coming back for seconds. If your weeknights are busy (whose aren’t?), this recipe will quickly become a go-to.
Try it tonight, and don’t forget to tag me if you make it—I’d love to see your bowls of cheesy goodness.
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Print
Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi is the ultimate comfort food, delivering a luscious blend of creamy richness and savory flavors in every bite. This dish features tender gnocchi enveloped in a velvety sauce made with chicken, cream cheese, and melted cheddar, topped with crispy for that perfect crunch.
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
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Prepare your ingredients by chopping chicken into bite-sized pieces.
2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Lower heat, add cream cheese and chicken broth, stirring until smooth.
4. Toss in gnocchi and spinach. Cover and simmer for 5-7 minutes until gnocchi are tender.
5. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese and Chicken bits until melted.
6. Serve hot in bowls, garnished with extra cheese if desired.
Notes
For added flavor, substitute spinach with kale or include sun-dried tomatoes.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days; reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth if needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (300g)
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: crack chicken gnocchi, creamy chicken dinner, one-pan gnocchi
