What the heck is this?
It’s basically the food equivalent of a cozy blanket and a binge-worthy show. We’re talkin’ pillowy gnocchi swimming in a rich, creamy sauce packed with shredded chicken, smoky bacon, and allll the ranchy-cheesy goodness you love. It’s fast, indulgent, and dangerously addictive — hence the name.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One pan. No stress.
Ranch + cheese + bacon = flavor bomb.
It’s like crack chicken and gnocchi had a creamy, dreamy baby.
Weeknight fast, weekend comforting.
Leftovers are chef’s kiss (if you have any).
The Stuff You’ll Need
Main Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (shredded)
- 4 strips bacon, chopped
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 (16 oz) package shelf-stable gnocchi
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
- 2 oz cream cheese
- 1 cup baby spinach (optional but yum)
- Chopped green onions for topping
Let’s Make Magic
- Sizzle Time: In a big ol’ skillet, cook chopped bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside, but leave a little bacon fat in the pan for flavor.
- Chicken In: Add olive oil if needed, then cook the chicken until golden and cooked through. Shred it up using two forks right in the pan or beforehand if using rotisserie chicken.
- Creamy Base: Sprinkle in the ranch mix, garlic powder, and paprika. Stir in chicken broth, heavy cream, cream cheese, and gnocchi. Let it simmer for 5–7 minutes until the gnocchi is soft and the sauce starts to thicken.
- Get Cheesy: Stir in cheddar, Parmesan, and that crispy bacon. Toss in spinach if using. Stir until everything is melty and beautiful.
- Serve It Up: Top with green onions and maybe more cheese (you do you). Eat immediately, preferably in sweatpants.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with crusty bread, garlic knots, or a fresh green salad.
Wine? Go white. Soda? Go root beer. Mood? Pure comfort.
Switch It Up
Make it spicy: add a pinch of cayenne or a splash of hot sauce.
Make it veggie-forward: sub mushrooms or broccoli for chicken.
Low-carb vibe? Try cauliflower gnocchi.
No gnocchi? Use cooked pasta or rice in a pinch.
Questions People Actually Ask
Q: Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken?
A: Absolutely. Just shred it and toss it in after the sauce is bubbling.
Q: What kind of gnocchi works best?
A: Shelf-stable or refrigerated potato gnocchi work great. Frozen works too — just give it a couple extra minutes.
Q: How long does it keep?
A: 3–4 days in the fridge. Reheat gently with a splash of broth or milk to loosen the sauce.
Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi: The Ultimate Cozy Bowl
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4–5 servings 1x
Description
It’s basically the food equivalent of a cozy blanket and a binge-worthy show. We’re talkin’ pillowy gnocchi swimming in a rich, creamy sauce packed with shredded chicken, smoky bacon, and allll the ranchy-cheesy goodness you love. It’s fast, indulgent, and dangerously addictive — hence the name.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
1 tbsp olive oil
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (shredded)
4 strips bacon, chopped
1 packet ranch seasoning mix
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp smoked paprika
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 (16 oz) package shelf-stable gnocchi
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan
2 oz cream cheese
1 cup baby spinach (optional but yum)
Chopped green onions for topping
Instructions
Sizzle Time: In a big ol’ skillet, cook chopped bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside, but leave a little bacon fat in the pan for flavor.
Chicken In: Add olive oil if needed, then cook the chicken until golden and cooked through. Shred it up using two forks right in the pan or beforehand if using rotisserie chicken.
Creamy Base: Sprinkle in the ranch mix, garlic powder, and paprika. Stir in chicken broth, heavy cream, cream cheese, and gnocchi. Let it simmer for 5–7 minutes until the gnocchi is soft and the sauce starts to thicken.
Get Cheesy: Stir in cheddar, Parmesan, and that crispy bacon. Toss in spinach if using. Stir until everything is melty and beautiful.
Serve It Up: Top with green onions and maybe more cheese (you do you). Eat immediately, preferably in sweatpants.
Notes
Make it spicy: add a pinch of cayenne or a splash of hot sauce.
Make it veggie-forward: sub mushrooms or broccoli for chicken.
Low-carb vibe? Try cauliflower gnocchi.
No gnocchi? Use cooked pasta or rice in a pinch
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: ~620 per serving
- Protein: ~35g