This Chicken Bacon Gnocchi is a creamy, comforting dish that combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, and pillowy gnocchi in a rich, garlicky Parmesan sauce. It’s a quick and satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. With just one pan and simple ingredients, you’ll have a restaurant-quality dish ready in under 30 minutes!

Ingredients

For the Chicken and Bacon

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 6 slices bacon, chopped

For the Gnocchi and Sauce

• 1 tbsp butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
• ½ cup (120 ml) chicken broth
• ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 package (16 oz / 450 g) potato gnocchi
• 1 cup (120 g) fresh spinach (optional)

Directions

Step 1: Cook the Bacon and Chicken

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy, about 5 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
3. In the same pan, add the cubed chicken, season with salt and black pepper, and cook until golden brown and fully cooked, about 6-7 minutes. Remove and set aside with the bacon.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce

4. Melt butter in the skillet and add the minced garlic, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, then stir in the Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 3: Cook the Gnocchi

6. Add the gnocchi directly into the sauce and stir well. Cover and let simmer for 4-5 minutes, or until the gnocchi is tender and the sauce thickens.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

7. Stir in the cooked chicken and bacon. If using spinach, add it now and cook for 1-2 minutes until wilted.
8. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and black pepper.

Notes

• For extra flavor: Use smoked bacon or pancetta.
• Gnocchi alternatives: Swap potato gnocchi for cauliflower gnocchi for a lower-carb option.
• Make it lighter: Substitute half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Why This Recipe Works

This dish combines crispy bacon, juicy chicken, and soft gnocchi in a creamy Parmesan sauce, creating the perfect balance of texture and flavor. The one-pan method makes cleanup a breeze, making it ideal for any night of the week.

Conclusion

Creamy Chicken Bacon Gnocchi is the ultimate comfort food with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Whether you’re cooking for family or impressing guests, this dish is sure to be a hit. Try it tonight and enjoy a warm, satisfying meal in no time!