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Ultimate Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi: Easy 30-Minute Recipe


  • Author: Brian Murry
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 1 skillet meal 1x

Description

This Ultimate Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi is your new weeknight hero! A rich, cheesy, and indulgently creamy one-skillet meal that’s packed with juicy chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a luscious cream cheese-Parmesan sauce. It’s ready in under 30 minutes, yet tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. Inspired by the rustic flavors of Tuscany, this dish is the perfect comfort food for busy nights.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approx. 300g / 10.5 oz), cut into bite-sized pieces

  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 4 oz (113g) full-fat cream cheese

  • 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream

  • 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese

  • 1 lb (450g) potato gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)

  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

  • Additional Parmesan, for garnish (optional)


Instructions

  • Prep the Chicken: Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and season generously with salt and pepper.

  • Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Remove and set aside.

  • Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add cream cheese, heavy cream, and Parmesan. Stir constantly until the cheese is fully melted and sauce is smooth.

  • Add the Gnocchi: Add gnocchi to the skillet and gently toss to coat in the sauce. Cook for 2–3 minutes until gnocchi is heated through and slightly browned. If sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of cream or milk.

  • Combine and Serve: Return chicken to the skillet. Stir to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan, if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.

Add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for a veggie boost.

Sun-dried tomatoes make an excellent addition for Mediterranean flair.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of cream.

For gluten-free: use gluten-free gnocchi and double-check all ingredient labels.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dinner / Main Course
  • Cuisine: Italian-American