Creamy Chicken & Bacon Gnocchi
There are some recipes that come into your life quietly and then suddenly become part of the weekly rotation without you even realizing it. That’s exactly what happened with this Creamy Chicken & Bacon Gnocchi. It all started on a chilly Tuesday evening when I needed something comforting, quick, and hearty enough to satisfy my always-hungry crew. I had a package of gnocchi sitting in the pantry, some leftover rotisserie chicken in the fridge, and a craving for something rich and cheesy. A little experimenting later, this dish was born—and oh my goodness, did it deliver.
The first time I made it, my husband went back for seconds before I’d even sat down, and my kids, who are usually suspicious of anything green, didn’t even blink at the parsley. The creamy sauce clings to every bite of pillowy gnocchi, and the crispy bacon on top adds just the right amount of savory crunch. I think the best part is that it comes together in under 30 minutes, which makes it perfect for those weeknights when you just can’t do another complicated dinner.
Since then, it’s become a cozy staple in our home—a go-to comfort meal that’s always met with big smiles and clean plates. If your family is anything like mine, this might just become your new favorite too.
Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe
Can I use store-bought gnocchi?
Absolutely! Shelf-stable gnocchi works beautifully and saves so much time.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prep the sauce ahead, but I recommend cooking the gnocchi fresh for best texture.
Is there a way to make it lighter?
Yes—use light cream cheese, low-fat milk instead of heavy cream, and skip the bacon if you’d like.
Can I freeze it?
Cream-based sauces don’t always freeze well, but you can refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days.
What can I use instead of chicken?
Leftover turkey or even sautéed mushrooms work well as a substitute.
What You Need to Make Creamy Chicken & Bacon Gnocchi
1 package (16 oz) potato gnocchi
2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie works great)
4 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup chicken broth
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 tbsp olive oil or butter
Fresh chopped parsley for garnish
Special tools:
Large skillet or sauté pan
Wooden spoon or spatula
Whisk
How to Make Creamy Chicken & Bacon Gnocchi
In a large skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Stir in the cream cheese until melted and smooth. Then slowly add chicken broth and heavy cream, whisking until the sauce is combined.
Add in cheddar cheese, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until cheese is fully melted.
Toss in the cooked chicken and gnocchi. Stir to coat everything in the sauce.
Let simmer for 5–7 minutes, or until gnocchi is tender and the sauce has thickened.
Top with crumbled bacon and parsley.
Serve warm and enjoy the cozy deliciousness!
Tips for Making the Best Creamy Chicken & Bacon Gnocchi
Don’t overcook the gnocchi. It only needs a few minutes to become tender.
Use rotisserie chicken to save time—plus it adds a great flavor!
Want extra texture? Pop it under the broiler for a minute or two to get a golden, bubbly top.
Out of heavy cream? Whole milk plus a bit of flour can work in a pinch, though it won’t be as rich.
Make it spicy. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick.
Reader Reviews
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “This was a huge hit with my entire family! So creamy and flavorful—definitely going into our regular dinner rotation.” – Amanda T.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “I loved how easy this was to make. Perfect for a busy weeknight when you still want something homemade and comforting.” – Jess M.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Tasty and filling! Next time I might add a bit of spinach to sneak in some greens for the kids.” – Rachel P.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “I made this for a potluck and everyone asked for the recipe! The bacon on top is a must.” – Erica G.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Very rich and indulgent. I used turkey bacon and light cream cheese to cut back a bit, and it was still delicious.” – Karen L.
Printable Recipe
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Creamy Chicken & Bacon Gnocchi
This Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi is the ultimate comfort food—soft, pillowy gnocchi smothered in a rich, cheesy sauce with savory chicken and crispy bacon. It’s a 30-minute, one-pan dinner that’s quick enough for weeknights and cozy enough for Sunday supper. Perfect for busy families who crave something hearty, delicious, and totally satisfying.
Ingredients
- 1 package (16 oz) potato gnocchi
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie works great)
- 4 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
- Fresh chopped parsley for garnish
- Special tools:
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Whisk
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the cream cheese until melted and smooth. Then slowly add chicken broth and heavy cream, whisking until the sauce is combined.
- Add in cheddar cheese, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until cheese is fully melted.
- Toss in the cooked chicken and gnocchi. Stir to coat everything in the sauce.
- Let simmer for 5–7 minutes, or until gnocchi is tender and the sauce has thickened.
- Top with crumbled bacon and parsley.
- Serve warm and enjoy the cozy deliciousness!
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