Oh, you know those nights, right? When you’re craving pure comfort but also staring down the barrel of a super-busy week? That’s when this Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi swoops in to save the day. Seriously, “crack” is no joke – this stuff is addictive! It’s creamy, it’s cheesy, it’s got bacon…need I say more? And the best part? It’s ridiculously easy to throw together, even when you’re juggling a million things. I remember the first time I tried gnocchi. Honestly? I was terrified I’d mess it up. But trust me, even if you’re a gnocchi newbie, this recipe is totally foolproof.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi Recipe
Okay, seriously, let me count the ways you’re gonna be obsessed with this Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl, but way faster to make!
- The taste? O.M.G. Creamy, cheesy, savory… it’s a flavor explosion, guaranteed to make your taste buds sing.
- Weeknight win! You can whip this baby up in, like, 25 minutes. Perfect for those crazy evenings when you just need dinner now.
- Cleanup is a breeze. One pan (okay, maybe two if you boil the gnocchi separately), and you’re done. Hallelujah!
- Even picky eaters will devour it. I’m not kidding; my kids practically inhale this stuff. Sneaky way to get them to eat dinner? Absolutely!
Ingredients for Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi
Alright, let’s gather our goodies for this amazing Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi! Don’t skimp on the good stuff, okay? It really does make a difference!
- You’ll need 1 pound of gnocchi. I like the potato kind, but hey, you do you!
- Grab 1 pound of cooked and shredded chicken breast. Rotisserie chicken from the store? Total lifesaver!
- 8 ounces of cream cheese, softened. SUPER important it’s soft, or you’ll have lumps!
- 1 cup of ranch dressing. Full fat, baby! We’re going for creamy here!
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Because, CHEESE!
- 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled. Crispy is key! I mean, is there any other way?
- And finally, 1/4 cup of chopped green onions. Adds a nice little zing, ya know?
How to Make Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi: Step-by-Step Instructions
Okay, so here’s the deal. This Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi is seriously easy, I promise! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll be diving into a bowl of creamy, cheesy goodness in no time. Trust me, you got this!
- First things first, cook your gnocchi according to the package directions. Don’t overcook ’em! You want them nice and pillowy, not mushy. Drain ’em well and set aside for now.
Pro Tip: Sometimes the gnocchi package will suggest a cook time, and then the gnocchi floats to the top when it’s done. Keep a close eye! Floating doesn’t always mean it’s *perfectly* cooked! - Now, in a large bowl – and I mean LARGE, you’re gonna need the space! – combine your cooked chicken, softened cream cheese, ranch dressing, cheddar cheese (reserve a little for topping, if you’re feeling fancy!), bacon, and green onions.
- Give everything a good stir until it’s all nicely combined. It might take a minute to get the cream cheese all smooth and incorporated. Don’t worry if it’s not 100% perfect.
- Add your cooked gnocchi to the bowl with the creamy chicken mixture. Gently stir everything together until the gnocchi is coated in all that deliciousness.
- And now, the best part: Serve immediately! If you reserved some cheddar, sprinkle it on top for extra cheesiness. Wow! Talk about YUM!
Seriously, that’s it! I told you it was easy. Now, go forth and conquer that craving!
Tips for the Best Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi
Okay, let’s talk secrets! Want to take your Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi from “pretty good” to “OMG, give me more”? Here’s the inside scoop:
- Gnocchi gold: Seriously, splurge on the good stuff! Fresh, high-quality gnocchi makes ALL the difference.
- Fresh is best… mostly! While I’m all for shortcuts, using freshly shredded cheese just melts better and tastes better than the pre-shredded stuff, ya know?
- Don’t be shy with the bacon! More bacon = more happiness. I might even add a little extra… just sayin’.
- Spice it up! A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a little kick that complements the creaminess perfectly. Don’t go overboard, unless you’re into that kinda thing!
These little tweaks will seriously elevate your Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi game. You’re welcome!
Variations for Your Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi
Okay, so you’ve made the Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi, and it was a hit! Now you’re wondering, “How can I remix this masterpiece?” Well, buckle up, buttercup, ’cause the possibilities are endless! This recipe is practically begging for you to get creative. Let’s get those wheels turning:
- Veggie power! Toss in some roasted broccoli, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes for a pop of color and nutrients. Seriously, sneak those veggies in!
- Cheese, please! Swap out the cheddar for some Gruyere, mozzarella, or even a little Parmesan for a more sophisticated flavor. Or, hey, use a blend! Why not?!
- Spice it up…even MORE! Add a dash of smoked paprika, garlic powder, or Italian seasoning to the mix for extra depth.
- Dietary swaps? No problem! Use gluten-free gnocchi or dairy-free cream cheese and ranch for a lighter take.
Honestly, experiment! That’s half the fun. Don’t be afraid to get a little wild and create your own signature Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi. You might just surprise yourself!
Serving Suggestions for Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi
Alright, so you’ve got this amazing bowl of Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi, but what goes with it? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! You want something that complements the richness without being too heavy, ya know?
- A simple side salad is always a winner. Something with a light vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess.
- Garlic bread? YES, PLEASE! I mean, is there anything garlic bread *doesn’t* go with?
- Roasted vegetables are another solid choice. Broccoli, carrots, bell peppers… whatever you’re in the mood for! A little bit of healthy with your, uh, *crack* chicken. Hehe!
Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi
Got questions about this Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi? I bet you do! Don’t worry, I’ve got answers! Here are a few of the most common questions I get about this recipe:
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! Cheddar is classic, but feel free to experiment! Gruyere, mozzarella, or even a little Parmesan would be delicious. A blend of cheeses? Even better! Just make sure it’s a cheese that melts well. Nobody wants clumpy cheese in their Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You *can*, but I don’t recommend it. The gnocchi tends to soak up the sauce and can get a little mushy if it sits for too long. If you absolutely need to make it ahead, I’d suggest cooking the gnocchi separately and adding it to the sauce right before serving. That way, it stays nice and pillowy!
How do I store leftovers?
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. You might need to add a splash of milk or broth to loosen up the sauce a bit when reheating. Nobody wants dry gnocchi! This Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi reheats decently!
Can I freeze this?
Freezing isn’t my go-to with this recipe. Creamy sauces with cream cheese can sometimes separate when thawed. Can you do it in a P pinch? Probably, but it might not have the same amazing texture as when it’s freshly made. You’ve been warned!
How to Store Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi
Okay, so you managed *not* to eat the entire batch of Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi in one sitting? I’m impressed! But don’t worry, even leftovers are pretty darn good. Here’s the lowdown on storing and reheating like a pro:
- First things first, make sure it’s cooled down a bit. Then, pop it into an airtight container and stash it in the fridge. It’ll be happy there for up to 3 days.
- Reheating is a breeze! You can nuke it in the microwave (stirring occasionally, of course, so it heats evenly). Or, if you’re feeling fancy, heat it up on the stovetop over low heat. You might wanna add a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce back up.
Seriously, that’s all there is to it! Enjoy your Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi, round two!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Heads up, friends! Just so we’re clear: the nutrition info here is a *rough* estimate. It can change depending on the brands you use and your exact ingredient amounts. Don’t take it as gospel, okay?
Print
Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi
- Total Time: 25 min
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
Creamy chicken and gnocchi dish with bacon and cheese.
Ingredients
- 1 pound gnocchi
- 1 pound chicken breast, cooked and shredded
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
Instructions
- Cook gnocchi according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked chicken, cream cheese, ranch dressing, cheddar cheese, bacon, and green onions.
- Add cooked gnocchi to the bowl and stir until well combined.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 15 min
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 100mg



