Creamy Chicken Gnocchi with Cheese and Crispy Bacon Recipe

Ingredients

2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
1 lb package of gnocchi
6 slices of bacon, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup of chopped onion
2 cups of spinach
1/2 cup sundried tomatoes
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons of olive oil

Steps and instructions

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and season with salt and pepper. Cook until golden and no longer pink in the center, about 10-12 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Reduce the heat to medium and add the diced bacon to the same skillet. Cook until crisp, then remove with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the bacon grease in the skillet.
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté in the bacon grease until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
While the onion and garlic are cooking, cut the cooked chicken into bite-size pieces.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the gnocchi.
Add the spinach and sundried tomatoes to the skillet, stirring until the spinach wilts.
Reduce the heat to low, then add the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and mozzarella cheese to the skillet. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
Add the cooked gnocchi, chicken, and bacon to the skillet. Stir until everything is well coated in the sauce.
Cook for a few more minutes to heat everything through, then serve hot.

Tools for making

Skillet - A large skillet is needed to cook the chicken, bacon, and vegetables.
Slotted spoon - This utensil is necessary for removing the cooked bacon from the skillet, leaving behind the bacon grease.
Large pot - A large pot is required to boil the gnocchi.
Colander - A colander is needed to drain the cooked gnocchi.
Knife - A knife will be used to cut the chicken breasts into bite-size pieces.
Cutting board - A cutting board is necessary for safely cutting the chicken breasts.
Spatula - A spatula will be used for stirring and combining the ingredients in the skillet.
Stirring spoon - A stirring spoon is needed for mixing the sauce and stirring the ingredients in the skillet.
Measuring cups - Measuring cups are required for accurately measuring the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and mozzarella cheese.

Recipe variations

Substitute turkey bacon or vegetarian bacon for regular bacon to make it a meat-free option.
Replace the chicken with cooked shrimp or sliced Italian sausage for a different protein.
Add roasted red peppers or artichoke hearts for extra flavor and texture.
Use a different type of cheese such as Gruyere or Fontina instead of mozzarella.
Experiment with different herbs and spices like thyme, rosemary, or crushed red pepper flakes to customize the flavor profile.
Add mushrooms or zucchini for added vegetables.
Try using sweet potato gnocchi instead of traditional potato gnocchi for a different twist.
Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free gnocchi or substituting cauliflower gnocchi.
Serve it over a bed of cooked pasta or rice for a heartier meal.
Add a sprinkle of breadcrumbs and broil for a few minutes at the end to create a crispy crust on top.

Recipe overview

This Chicken Gnocchi with Cheese and Bacon recipe is a delightful and hearty dish that you won't be able to resist. Tender chicken breast, decadent cheese, and crispy bacon come together with soft gnocchi in a creamy sauce, delivering an explosion of flavors and textures that will satisfy your tastebuds. Tossed with aromatic garlic, onions, and healthy additions of spinach and sundried tomatoes, this dish is a well-rounded meal that's not only delicious, but also quite easy to make. Expect to spend about 45 minutes from start to finish, making it a perfect choice for weeknight dinners. Dig in and enjoy this savory, cheesy, and utterly comforting dish.

Common questions

Can I use frozen chicken breasts instead of fresh? Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking.
Can I substitute the heavy cream with a lighter option? Yes, you can use half-and-half or whole milk as a lighter alternative to heavy cream. However, the sauce may not be as rich and creamy.
Can I use pre-packaged cooked bacon instead of cooking it myself? Yes, you can use pre-packaged cooked bacon as a time-saving option. Just make sure to follow the package instructions for heating if required.
Can I use a different type of cheese? Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, such as cheddar or Gruyère, to add your own twist to the recipe.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian? Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by omitting the chicken and bacon. You can add more vegetables like mushrooms or roasted bell peppers for added flavor.

Serving dishes and utensils

Skillet - A large skillet is needed for cooking the chicken, bacon, and sauce.
Large pot - A large pot is required to boil the gnocchi.
Slotted spoon - A slotted spoon will come in handy for removing the cooked bacon from the skillet.
Knife - A knife is needed to cut the chicken breasts into bite-size pieces.
Cutting board - A cutting board is necessary for safely cutting the chicken.
Spatula - A spatula will be helpful for stirring and combining the ingredients in the skillet.
Colander - A colander is needed to drain the cooked gnocchi.
Measuring cups - Measuring cups will be required to accurately measure the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and mozzarella cheese.
Garlic mincer - A garlic mincer will make it easier to mince the garlic cloves.
Tongs - Tongs can be useful for handling the cooked chicken and transferring it to the skillet.

Origin stories

Gnocchi, a type of pasta that's often made from potatoes, flour, and eggs, has a long history stretching back to ancient times. Its roots can be traced back to the Roman period, when soldiers introduced a primitive version of gnocchi to different regions as they marched across the continent. The modern variations we enjoy today, including the delightful combination of chicken, bacon, and cheese featured in this recipe, have been influenced by these historical and cultural exchanges. Interestingly, in Italy, gnocchi is traditionally eaten on Thursdays as a way to break the monotony of pasta and risotto meals during the week. We may not be able to travel back in time to join these historical feasts, but we can certainly enjoy the legacy these culinary traditions have left us with, one delicious gnocchi dish at a time.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.