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!
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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
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy, about 5 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
- 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
- Melt butter in the skillet and add the minced garlic, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- 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
- 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
- Stir in the cooked chicken and bacon. If using spinach, add it now and cook for 1-2 minutes until wilted.
- 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!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the Chicken Bacon Gnocchi ahead of time, and if so, how should I store it?
Yes, you can partially prepare this dish ahead of time. You can cook the bacon and chicken a day in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator. You can also make the sauce ahead, but wait to add the gnocchi until you’re ready to serve to prevent them from becoming soggy. Store the cooked bacon and chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, and the sauce for up to 3 days. Reheat the sauce gently, then add the gnocchi and the pre-cooked chicken and bacon.
What are some good ingredient substitutions if I don’t have all the ingredients on hand?
You can substitute pancetta for bacon, using the same amount. If you don’t have heavy cream, you can use half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be slightly thinner. Consider adding a tablespoon of cornstarch to the sauce if using a lighter cream alternative to help it thicken. For the gnocchi, cauliflower gnocchi is a great lower-carb option. If you don’t have Italian seasoning, you can substitute a blend of dried oregano, basil, and thyme.
How do I know when the chicken and gnocchi are perfectly cooked?
The chicken is cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is no longer pink inside. The gnocchi is done when it is tender and has plumped up in the sauce, usually after simmering for about 4-5 minutes. They will also float to the top of the sauce. The sauce is ready when it has slightly thickened and coats the back of a spoon.
Can I double or scale up this recipe for a larger crowd?
Yes, you can easily double or scale up this recipe. Use a larger skillet to accommodate the increased volume. You may need to cook the chicken and bacon in batches to ensure they cook evenly and brown properly. Increase the cooking time for the gnocchi slightly if you are doubling the recipe, and keep a close eye on the sauce’s consistency.
What are some of the nutritional benefits of this Chicken Bacon Gnocchi dish?
This dish provides a good source of protein from the chicken and bacon. Chicken offers essential amino acids, while bacon provides flavor and some fat. Spinach, if added, contributes vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron and fiber. The Parmesan cheese adds calcium. However, be mindful of the high fat content from the bacon, cream, and cheese.
CHICKEN BACON GNOCCHI
This delicious Chicken Bacon Gnocchi is a creamy and savory dish perfect for dinner parties or a comforting meal at home.
Prep
: 10
Total
: 25 minutes
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds chicken breast sliced into bite-sized pieces
- 8 ounces bacon chopped
- 16 ounces gnocchi
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth low sodium
- 0.5 cup parmesan cheese grated
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Cook the chopped bacon in a large pan over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, add the sliced chicken and cook until golden and cooked through. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add the heavy cream and chicken broth to the pan. Bring to a simmer.
- Stir in the gnocchi and cook until they float to the top and the sauce thickens.
- Mix in the crispy bacon and parmesan cheese. Serve hot.
Notes
For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
