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- 1 pound gnocchi (store-bought or homemade) - 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded - 1 cup cream cheese, softened - 1 cup chicken broth - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup frozen peas (optional) - Fresh parsley, chopped For this dish, you need simple and tasty ingredients. Gnocchi is the base, and it can be store-bought or homemade. I love using rotisserie chicken for ease. It adds great flavor and saves time. Cream cheese makes the sauce rich and creamy. Chicken broth adds depth to the flavor. Spices like garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian herbs give a nice kick. Don't forget to season with salt and pepper to taste. If you want, add frozen peas for color and nutrition. Fresh parsley on top adds a lovely touch. Each ingredient plays a role in making this meal delightful. Gather these items before you start cooking. It makes the process smooth and fun! {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. The salt helps flavor the gnocchi. 2. Add 1 pound of gnocchi to the boiling water. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes. 3. Watch closely! They are done when they float to the surface. This tells you they are ready. 4. Drain the gnocchi and set them aside while you make the sauce. 1. In a large skillet, heat 2 cups of shredded chicken over medium heat. This can be rotisserie chicken. 2. After about 2-3 minutes, the chicken should be warm. 3. Lower the heat and add 1 cup of softened cream cheese. Stir until it melts and blends with the chicken. 4. Gradually pour in 1 cup of chicken broth, mixing well until the sauce is creamy and smooth. 5. Add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and 1 teaspoon of dried Italian herbs. Season with salt and pepper to your taste. 1. Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Wait until it fully melts into the sauce. 2. Now, add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet. Gently stir to coat them in the sauce. 3. If you want, toss in 1 cup of frozen peas. Stir until they are heated through, which takes about 2 minutes. 4. Remove the skillet from heat and let the dish sit for a minute to thicken a bit. 5. Serve warm and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a nice pop of color. Using rotisserie chicken makes this dish easy and quick. It saves time and adds flavor. You can shred it right before use. This gets you ready for a creamy meal in no time. Adjust the creaminess with chicken broth. For a thicker sauce, use less broth. If you prefer a lighter sauce, add more broth. This gives you control over the texture. Heat your skillet at medium to cook evenly. If your heat is too high, the chicken may burn. Stir gently to mix in all the flavors. This helps the cream cheese melt into the sauce seamlessly. Make sure to stir often. It will help prevent sticking and burning. Good stirring means better sauce integration. Your sauce will be smooth and rich. Pair your gnocchi with a fresh salad or garlic bread. A crisp side enhances the meal's taste. You can also add a sprinkle of extra cheese on top. For a fun touch, serve in individual bowls. This makes it feel special for guests. Garnish with fresh parsley for color and flavor. It brightens up the dish! Pro Tips Use Rotisserie Chicken: For a quick and flavorful option, rotisserie chicken is ideal. It saves time and adds a delicious depth of flavor to your dish. Adjust the Creaminess: If you prefer a creamier sauce, add more cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream. This will enhance the richness of the dish. Fresh Herbs for Flavor: Consider adding fresh herbs like basil or parsley at the end of cooking for a vibrant flavor boost and beautiful presentation. Customize with Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables such as spinach or bell peppers for added nutrition and color. Just sauté them with the chicken. {{image_2}} You can easily swap out chicken for other proteins. Try using turkey or tofu for a twist. Turkey gives a nice flavor, while tofu makes it vegan. Both options work well in this creamy dish. Want more flavor? Add spices like paprika or cayenne for heat. These spices will make your dish sing! You can also add veggies like spinach or bell peppers. They boost nutrition and add color. Just toss them in when cooking the chicken. If you can’t find gnocchi, don’t worry! You can use pasta like penne or fusilli. Each type gives a different taste and texture. For gluten-free options, look for gluten-free gnocchi or pasta. They work just as well and keep the dish delicious. To store your Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh. The dish lasts about three to four days in the fridge. Always check for changes in smell or color before eating leftovers. You can freeze this dish for meal prep. Portion it into smaller containers. This helps with reheating later. It freezes well for up to three months. When you want to eat it, thaw it overnight in the fridge. For quick thawing, put it in a bowl of cold water. To reheat, use a skillet on low heat. This helps keep the creaminess. Add a splash of chicken broth if it looks dry. Stir often to avoid sticking. If you notice separation, whisk it gently to blend. Enjoy your tasty meal again, just like fresh! Yes, you can use homemade gnocchi! Homemade gnocchi adds a personal touch. It often has a fresher taste and a softer texture. When you make it yourself, you control the ingredients. This can lead to a lighter, fluffier gnocchi. However, store-bought gnocchi works great too. It saves time and is very convenient. Both options will blend well with the creamy sauce. This recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays fresh for about three days. When reheating, use low heat on the stovetop. Add a splash of chicken broth to keep the sauce creamy. You may also use a microwave, but be careful to avoid overcooking. For a complete meal, serve this dish with a simple salad. A side of garlic bread pairs nicely too. You can also add steamed vegetables for extra color and nutrition. Roasted broccoli or green beans work well. These sides complement the creamy chicken gnocchi and create a balanced plate. This recipe for Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi is quick and easy. You learned to cook gnocchi, make a creamy sauce, and assemble everything perfectly. With tips for storage and serving ideas, you can impress your guests. Experiment with different proteins and flavors to make it yours. Remember, this dish is perfect for meal prep. Enjoy your cooking, and happy eating!

Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi

A rich and creamy dish featuring gnocchi, shredded chicken, and a blend of cheeses.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  • 1 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
  • to taste fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, bring a generous amount of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 2-3 minutes until they float to the surface. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, add the shredded chicken and cook for 2-3 minutes to heat through.
  • Lower the heat and add the softened cream cheese to the skillet, stirring until it melts and combines with the chicken.
  • Gradually pour in the chicken broth, stirring continuously until the mixture becomes creamy and smooth.
  • Add the garlic powder, onion powder, dried Italian herbs, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, allowing it to melt fully into the sauce before adding the cooked gnocchi to the skillet.
  • If using, add the frozen peas and stir until heated through, about 2 minutes.
  • Remove from heat and let the dish sit for a minute before serving to thicken slightly.
  • Serve warm, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color.

Notes

Rotisserie chicken works great for this recipe.
Keyword cheese, chicken, creamy, gnocchi