Irresistible Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi in 30 Min

Name: Irresistible Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi in 30 Min
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 lb potato gnocchi; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 1/2 tsp paprika; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1/2 cup chicken broth; Salt to taste

Author: Carry

Published: August 6, 2025

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Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my latest kitchen obsession – this insanely delicious creamy crack chicken gnocchi! I stumbled upon this recipe when I needed something quick but decadent for a busy weeknight, and wow, did it deliver. The moment that rich cheese sauce coats the pillowy gnocchi and tender chicken… it’s pure comfort food magic.

What I love most (besides how ridiculously tasty it is) is how simple everything comes together. Just a few pantry staples, one skillet, and about 30 minutes – that’s all it takes to make this restaurant-worthy dish at home. My family goes absolutely wild for it, and I’ll bet yours will too. Trust me, once you try this creamy, cheesy perfection, you’ll be making it on repeat!

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi

Let me count the ways this dish will become your new weeknight hero:

Crazy quick: From fridge to table in 30 minutes flat – perfect for those “what’s for dinner?!” panic moments
Flavor explosion: That creamy cheese sauce with garlic and paprika? It’s like a hug for your taste buds
Pantry-friendly: No fancy ingredients here – just simple staples that pack major flavor
Kid-approved magic: My picky eaters devour this creamy crack chicken gnocchi faster than I can say “seconds please!”

Seriously, this dish checks every box for busy cooks who still want that “wow” factor at dinnertime.

If you’re a fan of slow cooker crack chicken, this gnocchi version takes the same addictive flavors and elevates them with the satisfying texture of gnocchi.

Ingredients for Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi

Alright, let’s talk ingredients – and I promise you won’t need anything weird or hard to find for this creamy crack chicken gnocchi! Here’s what you’ll want to grab:

The chicken: 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb total) – this gives us plenty of tender bites throughout
The gnocchi: 1 lb potato gnocchi (fresh is best for that perfect pillowy texture!)
The creamy magic: 1 cup heavy cream and 1/2 cup chicken broth – this combo makes the sauce irresistibly rich
The cheesiness: 1 cup packed shredded cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan (trust me, freshly grated makes all the difference)
The flavor boosters: 1 tsp each of garlic powder and onion powder, 1/2 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and salt to taste
The cooking essential: Just 1 tbsp olive oil to get everything started

See? Nothing fancy – just good, simple ingredients that transform into something truly special. Now let’s get cooking!

Equipment You’ll Need

Don’t worry – you won’t need any fancy gadgets for this creamy crack chicken gnocchi! Just grab these kitchen basics:

Large skillet: A 10-12 inch one works perfectly for even cooking
Wooden spoon: My go-to for stirring that luscious sauce
Measuring cups & spoons: For getting those seasonings just right
Box grater: If you’re grating your own parmesan (which I highly recommend!)
Tongs: For flipping that chicken like a pro

That’s it! Now let’s make some magic happen.

How to Make Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi

Okay, let’s dive into the good stuff! Making this creamy crack chicken gnocchi is easier than you think, and I’ll walk you through every step. Get ready for your kitchen to smell absolutely amazing!

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

First things first – let’s get that chicken going! Heat your olive oil in that large skillet over medium heat. While it’s warming up, season both sides of your chicken breasts with the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, and a good pinch of salt. I like to really rub it in there – makes every bite extra flavorful.

Once your oil is shimmering (not smoking!), add the chicken. You’ll want to cook it for about 6-7 minutes per side until it’s golden brown and cooked through. No peeking too much – let it get that beautiful crust! When it’s done, transfer it to a plate and let it rest for a minute before shredding. Oh, and don’t clean that skillet – all those tasty browned bits at the bottom? That’s flavor gold for our sauce!

Step 2: Prepare the Gnocchi

While the chicken rests, let’s cook those pillowy gnocchi. Use the same skillet (yep, all that flavor is staying right here!) and follow the package instructions – usually about 2-3 minutes in boiling water or broth. I like to taste-test one to make sure they’re perfectly tender but still holding their shape. Drain them and set aside briefly – they’ll get cozy in the sauce soon enough!

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

This is where the magic happens! In that same skillet (see a pattern here?), pour in your chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat – you’ll see little bubbles forming at the edges. Now comes the fun part – start sprinkling in your cheeses a handful at a time, stirring constantly with that wooden spoon until everything melts into silky perfection. Be patient here – rushing can make the sauce grainy. When it’s smooth and dreamy, you’re ready for the grand finale!

Step 4: Combine and Finish

Time to bring it all together! Add your cooked gnocchi and shredded chicken back into that luscious sauce. Gently fold everything together – you want every piece coated in that cheesy goodness. Let it all heat through for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should thicken slightly and coat the back of your spoon. Give it a taste – maybe add a pinch more salt or pepper if needed. And just like that, your creamy crack chicken gnocchi is ready to devour!

Tips for Perfect Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi

Want to take your creamy crack chicken gnocchi from good to “oh my goodness, give me the recipe!”? Here are my foolproof tips:

Fresh is best: Splurge on fresh gnocchi from the refrigerated section – they stay pillowy instead of turning gummy
Salt smart: Wait until after adding the cheese to adjust salt – parmesan brings its own saltiness!
Low and slow: Keep the heat medium-low when melting cheese to prevent separation – patience makes perfect sauce
Broth boost: If your sauce thickens too much, splash in an extra tablespoon or two of broth to loosen it up

Trust me, these little tricks make all the difference between good and “can’t-stop-eating-it” great!

Variations for Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi

One of my favorite things about this creamy crack chicken gnocchi is how easily you can mix it up! Try swapping cheddar for smoked Gouda – it gives the sauce this incredible depth. Or toss in a couple handfuls of fresh spinach right at the end for some pretty green pops. Feeling adventurous? A dash of red pepper flakes adds just the right kick!

Serving Suggestions

Oh, you’re gonna love how this creamy crack chicken gnocchi plays with other dishes! My family goes wild when I serve it with warm garlic bread for sauce-dipping (those crispy edges are everything). For something lighter, a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness perfectly. And hey – sometimes we just eat it straight from the skillet with big spoons. No judgment here!

Looking for more creamy pasta ideas? Try our creamy tortellini carbonara or the buttery goodness of cowboy butter chicken linguine.

Storage and Reheating

Now, I know you probably won’t have leftovers (this creamy crack chicken gnocchi disappears fast in my house!), but just in case – here’s how to keep it tasting fresh. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, I recommend the stovetop – just add a splash of chicken broth while warming to bring back that silky sauce texture. The microwave works in a pinch, but might make the gnocchi a bit rubbery. Fair warning – it smells even more amazing the second day!

Nutritional Information

Here’s the scoop on what’s in this creamy crack chicken gnocchi – per serving you’re looking at about 520 calories, 32g protein, and all that cheesy goodness. Remember, nutrition can vary based on your specific ingredients (I’m lookin’ at you, extra parmesan lovers!). These numbers are estimates to help you plan, not strict rules. Now go enjoy every creamy bite!

FAQs About Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi

Can I use frozen gnocchi instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen gnocchi works in a pinch – just cook them straight from frozen (no thawing needed) and add a minute or two to the cooking time. But fair warning – fresh gnocchi gives that perfect pillowy texture we all love in this creamy crack chicken gnocchi.

How can I make this dish spicier?
Ooh, I love this question! Try adding 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper to the chicken seasoning, or stir in some diced jalapeños when you’re making the sauce. My husband swears by a few dashes of hot sauce right at the end – it gives that creamy sauce a nice kick!

Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prep components ahead (cook chicken, make sauce), but I recommend combining everything just before serving. The gnocchi tends to soak up the sauce if it sits too long. If you must, add extra broth when reheating to bring back that luscious consistency.

Any substitute for heavy cream?
Half-and-half works in a pinch, but the sauce won’t be quite as rich. For a lighter version, try whole milk mixed with a tablespoon of flour to help thicken it. Just whisk constantly to avoid lumps!

For more delicious recipes and inspiration, be sure to check out our Pinterest page!