Description
There’s something magical about a dish that brings the entire family together around the dinner table. Quick Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi does exactly that – combining tender, pillowy gnocchi with succulent chicken in a rich, creamy sauce that’s so addictively delicious, it earned the nickname “crack” chicken. This Quick Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi recipe is a one-pan wonder that delivers restaurant-quality flavors in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving serious comfort food. Once you try Quick Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi, you’ll see why it’s becoming a must-have comfort food favorite for families everywhere.
As someone who’s been perfecting family recipes for decades, I can tell you that the best dishes are often the simplest ones. This creamy chicken gnocchi recipe proves that point beautifully, transforming humble ingredients into something extraordinary that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients
Ingredients You’ll Need for Perfect Crack Chicken Gnocchi
For the Chicken:
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Gnocchi and Sauce:
- 1 pound potato gnocchi (fresh or shelf-stable)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup fresh spinach (optional)
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (optional)
Instructions
Start by cutting your chicken into uniform, bite-sized pieces – roughly 1-inch cubes work perfectly. This ensures even cooking and makes the dish easier to eat. Season the chicken generously with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let it sit for about 10 minutes while you gather your other ingredients. This resting time allows the seasonings to penetrate the meat, creating more flavorful chicken.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the seasoned chicken pieces in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the pan – work in batches if necessary. Cook for 5-6 minutes without moving the pieces, allowing them to develop a beautiful golden crust. Flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove chicken and set aside.
Create the Creamy Base
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant – be careful not to burn it. Add the softened cream cheese and whisk continuously until it melts and becomes smooth. This step is crucial for avoiding lumps in your final sauce.
Gradually pour in the heavy cream while whisking constantly. This prevents the cream from curdling. Add the chicken broth slowly, continuing to whisk until you have a smooth, creamy base. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.
Add the gnocchi directly to the creamy sauce. If using shelf-stable gnocchi, no pre-cooking is necessary – it will cook perfectly in the sauce. Stir gently to coat each piece with the creamy mixture. Cover and simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gnocchi is tender and has absorbed some of the flavors.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, along with any accumulated juices. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and incorporated. If using spinach and sun-dried tomatoes, add them now and cook just until the spinach wilts. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Choose the Right Gnocchi: Both fresh and shelf-stable gnocchi work well in this recipe. Fresh gnocchi will cook faster and has a more delicate texture, while shelf-stable varieties hold their shape better during longer cooking times.
Don’t Skip the Chicken Rest: Letting the seasoned chicken rest before cooking allows the flavors to develop and results in more flavorful meat.
Control the Consistency: If your sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of chicken broth. If it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes.
Fresh vs. Dried Herbs: While dried Italian seasoning works wonderfully, fresh herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme will elevate the dish to restaurant quality.