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The Ultimate Quick & Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi (One-Pot Weeknight Wonder)

A close-up shot of creamy crack chicken gnocchi coated in cheese sauce and topped with crispy bacon bits.

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Make this rich, comforting Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi in one pot for a satisfying weeknight dinner. This recipe combines tender gnocchi, juicy chicken, and crispy bacon in a velvety ranch cream sauce.

Ingredients

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  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 1 small yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (16 ounce) package potato gnocchi (shelf-stable or refrigerated)
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 (1 ounce) packet dry ranch seasoning mix
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, cut into cubes
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or milk
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1/2 cup frozen peas (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Season the chicken pieces lightly with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides and mostly cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
  2. Add the chopped onion to the same pot and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Add the uncooked gnocchi and chicken broth to the pot. Stir in the dry ranch seasoning mix. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
  4. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gnocchi are tender and have absorbed some liquid.
  5. Stir in the cream cheese cubes until they melt completely into the sauce. Then, stir in the heavy cream or milk until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  6. Return the cooked chicken to the pot. Stir in the shredded cheese until melted. If using, stir in the frozen peas during the last minute of cooking.
  7. Taste the sauce and add more salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately, topped with the crumbled bacon.

Notes

  • For an extra layer of flavor, use smoked bacon or pancetta.
  • If you prefer a thicker sauce, let the mixture simmer uncovered for an extra 3-5 minutes at the end.
  • You can substitute shredded rotisserie chicken for the raw chicken to save cooking time.

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