CHICKEN BACON GNOCCHI
This Creamy Chicken Bacon Gnocchi recipe is a one-pan wonder that combines tender, pillowy gnocchi with crispy bacon, juicy chicken, and a luscious cream sauce. It’s the ultimate comfort food that’s quick to whip up, perfect for a weeknight dinner or special meal with loved ones. Packed with flavor and ready in under 30 minutes, this dish is sure to be a family favorite!
One cold evening, I was in search of something warm and hearty for my family. I had some leftover chicken and gnocchi, and that’s when this Creamy Chicken Bacon Gnocchi was born. The combination of crispy bacon, succulent chicken, and gnocchi in a creamy sauce quickly became an instant hit at the dinner table. Now, it’s our go-to dish whenever we crave something indulgent yet simple. The kids love it, and my husband can’t get enough—it’s a win for everyone!
Why You’ll Love Creamy Chicken Bacon Gnocchi
•One-Pan Meal: Everything cooks in one pan, making cleanup a breeze.
•Flavor Explosion: Creamy sauce, crispy bacon, and tender chicken come together in a rich, flavorful combination.
•Quick & Easy: This dish is ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
•Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike will love the creamy, cheesy goodness.
Ingredients Notes for Creamy Chicken Bacon Gnocchi
•Gnocchi: Store-bought or homemade, either will work beautifully for this dish.
•Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best. Cooked, shredded rotisserie chicken can also be used for a shortcut.
•Bacon: Adds a smoky, salty crunch to complement the creamy sauce.
•Cream: Heavy cream creates a luxurious sauce. For a lighter version, use half-and-half.
•Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nutty richness and helps thicken the sauce.
•Garlic & Spinach (Optional): For added flavor and a pop of color, fresh spinach and garlic are great additions.
Recipe Steps for Creamy Chicken Bacon Gnocchi
Step 1: Cook the Bacon
1.In a large skillet, cook 6 slices of bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and set aside on a paper towel to drain. Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the skillet.
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Step 2: Cook the Chicken
2.In the same skillet, add 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (seasoned with salt and pepper). Cook for 5-6 minutes per side until fully cooked through. Remove from the skillet, slice, and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Gnocchi
3.Add the gnocchi to the same skillet, cooking in the leftover bacon grease and chicken juices for 3-4 minutes until golden. Stir occasionally to ensure even browning.
Step 4: Make the Cream Sauce
4.Lower the heat and add 2 cloves minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
5.Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1/2 cup chicken broth, stirring to combine. Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes until it begins to thicken.
6.Stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Combine Everything
7.Add the sliced chicken and crispy bacon back to the skillet, along with 1 cup of fresh spinach (optional). Toss everything together to coat in the creamy sauce.
8.Let everything simmer together for 2-3 more minutes until the spinach is wilted and everything is heated through.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
9.Serve the creamy chicken bacon gnocchi hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley if desired.
Storage Options
•Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
•Freezer: This dish doesn’t freeze well due to the creamy sauce. It’s best enjoyed fresh.
Variations & Substitutions
•Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken for mushrooms or zucchini, and skip the bacon for a meatless version.
•Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free gnocchi to accommodate dietary needs.
•Add Veggies: Throw in some roasted bell peppers or sautéed mushrooms for added texture and flavor.
CHICKEN BACON GNOCCHI
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast diced
- 6 slices of bacon chopped
- 1 package 16 oz potato gnocchi
- 2 cups spinach fresh
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
- Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and drain on paper towels, leaving the bacon grease in the skillet.
- Cook the Chicken: In the same skillet, add a drizzle of olive oil if needed, and add the diced chicken. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add Spinach: Stir in the spinach and cook until wilted.
- Prepare the Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer, then add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Cook the Gnocchi: Meanwhile, cook the gnocchi according to package instructions. Once cooked, drain and add the gnocchi to the skillet with the sauce.
- Combine Everything: Add the cooked chicken and bacon back into the skillet, tossing everything together until the gnocchi are well coated in the creamy sauce.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve warm.
