Creamy Chicken Gnocchi

Featured in: Sweet Breads

This comforting dish features bite-sized chicken pieces simmered in a smooth, creamy sauce enhanced by cheddar cheese and ranch dressing. Pillowy potato gnocchi soak up the flavorful sauce, while crispy bacon and frozen peas add texture and bursts of savory goodness. Aromatic herbs like dill, parsley, and garlic create a perfectly balanced taste. Prepared in just 40 minutes, it’s an easy, satisfying meal ideal for a quick dinner served hot and garnished with fresh green onions.

Updated on Sun, 23 Nov 2025 16:29:00 GMT
Creamy crack chicken gnocchi simmered in a rich, cheesy sauce, garnished with fresh green onions for dinner. Pin
Creamy crack chicken gnocchi simmered in a rich, cheesy sauce, garnished with fresh green onions for dinner. | cinnamonnest.com

Experience the ultimate comfort food: pillowy potato gnocchi coated in a rich, creamy chicken sauce loaded with savory herbs, crispy bacon, and cheddar cheese for irresistible flavor.

This is a great one pot meal that combines creamy sauce with hearty gnocchi and savory chicken pieces for a fulfilling dinner.

Ingredients

  • Boneless skinless chicken breasts: 1 lb (450 g), cut into bite sized pieces
  • Cooked bacon: 3 strips, crumbled
  • Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
  • Frozen peas: 1 cup
  • Chopped green onions: 1/4 cup, for garnish
  • Dried dill: 1 teaspoon
  • Dried parsley: 1 teaspoon
  • Onion powder: 1 teaspoon
  • Heavy cream: 1 cup
  • Shredded cheddar cheese: 1 cup
  • Ranch dressing: 1/2 cup
  • Olive oil: 1 tablespoon
  • Condensed cream of chicken soup: 1 can (10.5 oz/298 g)
  • Chicken broth: 1 cup
  • Potato gnocchi: 16 oz (450 g)
  • Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
  • Black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon

Instructions

Step 1:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 45 minutes.
Step 2:
Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 3:
Sprinkle in onion powder, dried dill, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper. Stir to evenly coat the chicken.
Step 4:
Add condensed cream of chicken soup and chicken broth. Stir until well combined.
Step 5:
Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Step 6:
Add shredded cheddar cheese and ranch dressing. Stir until cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
Step 7:
Gently stir in the potato gnocchi, ensuring theyre submerged in the sauce. Cover and cook for 45 minutes, or until the gnocchi are tender.
Step 8:
Stir in the frozen peas and crumbled bacon. Cook for an additional 23 minutes until heated through.
Step 9:
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 10:
Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions.
A skillet of creamy crack chicken gnocchi features tender chicken, bacon, and melted cheddar cheese; so comforting. Pin
A skillet of creamy crack chicken gnocchi features tender chicken, bacon, and melted cheddar cheese; so comforting. | cinnamonnest.com

This recipe brings my family together on chilly evenings with its comforting flavors and creamy texture.

Preparation Time

15 minutes

Cooking Time

25 minutes

Total Time

40 minutes

Close-up image shows the creamy crack chicken gnocchi's savory blend of chicken, peas, and gnocchi after cooking. Pin
Close-up image shows the creamy crack chicken gnocchi's savory blend of chicken, peas, and gnocchi after cooking. | cinnamonnest.com

This creamy chicken gnocchi dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal.

Recipe FAQ

How can I make the chicken more tender?

Ensure chicken pieces are cut evenly and cooked just until browned to keep them juicy. Avoid overcooking by simmering gently in the sauce.

Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?

Yes, fresh dill and parsley can be substituted; use about three times the amount of dried herbs for a fresher flavor.

Is it better to use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Chicken thighs add more richness and stay moist, making them a great alternative for a juicier texture.

How do I prevent the gnocchi from sticking together?

Stir gently when adding gnocchi to the sauce and cook with a lid on to allow even heating without excessive stirring.

Can I add vegetables for more variety?

Absolutely, spinach or mushrooms can be sautéed in earlier steps to complement the dish’s flavors.

Creamy Chicken Gnocchi

Tender chicken and potato gnocchi in a rich creamy sauce with bacon and cheddar.

Prep duration
15 min
Cooking duration
25 min
Total duration
40 min

Category Sweet Breads

Difficulty Easy

Origin American

Yield 4 Servings

Dietary requirements None specified

Ingredients

Meats & Protein

01 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
02 3 strips cooked bacon, crumbled

Vegetables & Herbs

01 2 cloves garlic, minced
02 1 cup frozen peas
03 1/4 cup chopped green onions (for garnish)
04 1 teaspoon dried dill
05 1 teaspoon dried parsley
06 1 teaspoon onion powder

Dairy & Cheese

01 1 cup heavy cream
02 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
03 1/2 cup ranch dressing

Pantry & Staples

01 1 tablespoon olive oil
02 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
03 1 cup chicken broth
04 16 oz potato gnocchi

Seasonings

01 1/2 teaspoon salt
02 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

Step 01

Cook chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 4 to 5 minutes.

Step 02

Sauté garlic: Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 03

Add seasonings: Sprinkle onion powder, dried dill, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper over the chicken and stir to coat evenly.

Step 04

Combine soup and broth: Add condensed cream of chicken soup and chicken broth, stirring until well combined.

Step 05

Simmer sauce: Pour in heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 06

Incorporate cheese and ranch: Stir in shredded cheddar cheese and ranch dressing until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth.

Step 07

Cook gnocchi: Gently stir in potato gnocchi to submerge in the sauce. Cover and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until gnocchi are tender.

Step 08

Add peas and bacon: Stir in frozen peas and crumbled bacon, cooking for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until heated through.

Step 09

Adjust seasoning and serve: Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions.

Necessary tools

  • Large skillet with lid
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Chef’s knife
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Allergy information

Review ingredients carefully for potential allergens and consult with a healthcare provider if you're uncertain.
  • Contains milk (cheese, cream, ranch), wheat (gnocchi, soup), egg (gnocchi, ranch, possibly soup); may contain soy and mustard. Verify labels if allergic.

Nutritional information (per serving)

These values are approximate guidelines only and shouldn't replace professional medical advice.
  • Calories: 620
  • Fat: 34 g
  • Carbs: 48 g
  • Protein: 33 g