Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi is just what u need for dinner tonight! I’m obsessed with how the pillowy gnocchi combines with that rich, tangy sauce and tender chicken. It’s one of those meals that feels like a total indulgence but comes together in no time. When I first made this Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi, my whole fam couldn’t stop reaching for seconds. The combo of cream cheese, bacon, and ranch seasoning gives it that addictive quality that’ll have u wondering where this recipe has been all ur life.
Keep reading to find out why this dish has become a weeknight staple at my house!
Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi
Ever struggle with finding meals that are both comforting and quick? This Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi solves that problem perfectly. I remember making this for my sister when she visited last month – she’s super picky but ended up asking for the recipe before she even finished her plate!
What makes this Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi special is how versatile it is. Need to feed picky eaters? Want something that reheats well for lunches? Looking for a dish that feels fancy but doesn’t take forever? This recipe checks all those boxes.
The best part is u can customize it based on what’s in ur fridge. No fresh spinach? Frozen works great. Out of bacon? Try pancetta or even skip it for a lighter version. It’s almost impossible to mess up this Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi – exactly what we need on busy weeknights.
Now let’s get into what you’ll need to make this amazing dish!
Ingredients You’ll Need for Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi
For the Chicken Mixture:
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts – u want them diced into bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly and quickly
- 8 oz cream cheese – full fat works best here for the creamiest texture, but reduced-fat will work if ur watching calories
- 1 packet ranch seasoning – this is key for that classic “crack chicken” flavor, but i’ll share some alternatives below
- 6-8 strips bacon – cooked crispy and crumbled, adds amazing flavor but could be swapped with turkey bacon
- 2 cloves garlic – minced or pressed, gives depth to the sauce without overpowering
- 1 cup chicken broth – helps thin the sauce and adds flavor, use low sodium if u prefer
For the Gnocchi and Finishing:
- 16 oz potato gnocchi – store-bought is totally fine, shelf-stable or refrigerated both work great
- 1/2 cup heavy cream – creates that luxurious texture, half and half can work too
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – sharp cheddar gives the best flavor, but any melting cheese works
- 2 cups fresh spinach – adds color and nutrition, can be omitted or swapped with kale
- 1/4 cup green onions – sliced for garnish and fresh flavor
- Red pepper flakes – optional, for a bit of heat
If ur avoiding dairy, u could try dairy-free cream cheese and nutritional yeast instead of cheddar. For gluten-free diets, just make sure to get gluten-free gnocchi which is available at most grocery stores these days.
How to Make the Ultimate Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi
- Prep everything first: Cook and crumble bacon, dice chicken, measure ingredients. Trust me – this makes the whole process way easier.
- Cook the chicken: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced chicken and cook until no longer pink, about 5-6 minutes. The chicken should be slightly golden on the outside. Season with salt and pepper while cooking.
- Make the sauce base: Lower heat and add cream cheese and ranch seasoning to the same pan. Stir until the cream cheese melts completely and coats the chicken. It might look a bit weird at first but keep stirring!
- Add liquids: Pour in chicken broth and stir to combine. Let this simmer for about 2-3 minutes until it starts to thicken slightly. The sauce will still seem thin at this point but don’t worry.
- Cook the gnocchi: Meanwhile, bring a pot of salted water to boil and cook gnocchi according to package directions until they float to the top. This usually takes 2-3 minutes. They should be tender but still have a slight bite. Drain well.
- Combine everything: Add cooked gnocchi to the chicken mixture along with heavy cream, most of the bacon (save some for topping), and shredded cheese. Stir gently until cheese melts and the sauce thickens, about 2 minutes.
- Add finishing touches: Fold in fresh spinach and let it wilt into the hot mixture. The color should brighten and spinach should reduce in volume by a lot.
- Serve: Top with remaining bacon crumbles, sliced green onions, and red pepper flakes if desired. The chicken should be tender, the sauce creamy, and the gnocchi soft but not mushy.
This Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi is best served right away when it’s at its creamiest, but it also reheats amazingly in the microwave with a splash of milk to revive the sauce.
Tasty Variations of Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi
Spicy Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi
Add a diced jalapeño with the garlic and swap the cheddar for pepper jack cheese. This gives amazing heat that pairs so well with the creamy sauce. If ur into spicy food, check out my Spicy Chicken and Chorizo Rice for another flavor-packed option.
Mediterranean Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi
Replace spinach with sun-dried tomatoes and artichoke hearts, and add a handful of kalamata olives. Top with crumbled feta instead of extra bacon for a Mediterranean twist.
Garlic Parmesan Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi
Double the garlic, skip the ranch packet, and instead use 1/2 cup grated parmesan in the sauce. Add 1 tsp Italian seasoning and finish with fresh basil instead of green onions.
Broccoli Cheddar Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi
Swap spinach for 2 cups small broccoli florets (steam them slightly first) and use sharp cheddar. This is great for getting veggies into picky eaters!
Buffalo Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi
Add 1/4 cup buffalo sauce with the chicken broth and top with blue cheese crumbles. The tangy spice works so well with the creamy base. If u love Spanish flavors, my Spanish Chicken in Bravas Sauce has that same perfect balance of spice and comfort.
Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Pot for boiling gnocchi
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups/spoons
- Slotted spoon or colander
Ingredients
- For the Chicken Mixture:
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts diced
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1 packet ranch seasoning
- 6 –8 strips bacon cooked and crumbled
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- For the Gnocchi and Finishing:
- 16 oz potato gnocchi
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1/4 cup green onions sliced
- Red pepper flakes optional
Instructions
- Prep all ingredients: cook and crumble bacon, dice chicken, and measure remaining items.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chicken and cook until golden and no longer pink, about 5–6 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Reduce heat and stir in cream cheese and ranch seasoning until melted and combined with chicken.
- Pour in chicken broth and simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Meanwhile, boil gnocchi in salted water until they float (2–3 minutes), then drain.
- Add gnocchi to the skillet along with heavy cream, most of the bacon, and shredded cheese. Stir until cheese is melted and sauce thickens.
- Fold in fresh spinach and cook until wilted.
- Serve hot, topped with remaining bacon, green onions, and red pepper flakes if using.
Notes
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi
Why is it called crack chicken?
Crack chicken gets its name cause it’s literally addictive – u can’t stop eating it! The combo of cream cheese, ranch seasoning, and bacon creates this tangy, creamy, savory flavor that keeps u coming back for more. Nothing to do with actual drugs obvi, just a funny way of saying it’s super addictive. I’ve had friends literally text me at midnight saying they were still thinking about this Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi days after trying it!
What is traditionally served with gnocchi?
Gnocchi is traditionally served with simple sauces like butter and sage, tomato sauce, or pesto. In Italian cooking, gnocchi is treated similar to pasta, so anything that works well with pasta usually pairs great with gnocchi too. This Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi takes that concept and adds American flavors for something totally unique and delicious. I usually serve it with a simple side salad to balance the richness.
Is chicken gnocchi soup fattening?
Similar to our Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi, chicken gnocchi soup does contain carbs from the gnocchi and fat from cream and cheese. But everything in moderation! You can make it lighter by using low-fat cream cheese, turkey bacon, and adding extra veggies. What matters is portion size and how it fits into ur overall diet. This dish is definitely an indulgence but worth every calorie!
What is the best way to eat crack chicken?
Crack chicken is super versatile! This Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi is my fave version, but u can also serve crack chicken on sandwiches, stuffed in baked potatoes, wrapped in tortillas, or as a dip with chips. The key is that creamy, tangy sauce with bits of bacon which works on practically anything. For this gnocchi version, make sure each bite has some chicken, gnocchi, and sauce for the perfect flavor combo.
What can I use instead of cream cheese in crack chicken?
If ur out of cream cheese or want an alternative for this Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi, try mascarpone for an even richer result, or Greek yogurt for a tangier, lighter version. Cottage cheese blended until smooth can work too. In a pinch, a bechamel sauce with added ranch seasoning will give u that creamy texture without cream cheese. The dish will have a slightly different flavor but still be delicious!
Make This Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi Your New Favorite Meal
Some nights when I’m super tired after work, I still make this Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi cause it’s that easy and satisfying. My kids have started calling it “that really good chicken pasta stuff” and request it almost weekly.
There’s something special about a dish that combines old-school comfort food elements with new flavors. This recipe balances traditional Italian gnocchi with American ranch and bacon vibes in the best possible way.
I hope u make this Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi ur own – add veggies u love, adjust the seasonings, make it spicier or milder. Food should make u happy, and this dish has brought so much joy to my family’s dinner table. I bet it’ll do the same for urs!