Chicken Bacon Gnocchi

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Few things bring comfort quite like a creamy, indulgent, one-pan meal, and this Chicken Bacon Gnocchi recipe by Natasha Bull delivers all the cozy flavors you crave. From pillowy soft gnocchi and crispy bacon to juicy chicken in a rich, garlicky cream sauce, this dish has everything you could ever want in a quick and satisfying dinner.

Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights while still being restaurant-quality. It’s one of those one-skillet wonders that will make its way into your regular meal rotation—because who doesn’t love a dish that’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and requires minimal cleanup?

In this guide, we’ll take you through every step of making this creamy, dreamy Chicken Bacon Gnocchi, plus expert tips, variations, serving suggestions, and more. Let’s get cooking!

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Why You’ll Love This Chicken Bacon Gnocchi Recipe

✔ One-Pan Magic: Everything cooks in a single skillet—less cleanup, more flavor!
✔ Quick & Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes with simple ingredients.
✔ Restaurant-Worthy: Creamy, cheesy, and full of depth—just like something from your favorite Italian spot.
✔ Family-Friendly: A dish that both kids and adults love!
✔ Perfect for Leftovers: If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, they reheat beautifully.

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🥓 Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps it simple, using staple ingredients that combine to create something extraordinary.

Main Ingredients:

• 6 slices bacon – Adds crispy, smoky goodness to the dish.
• 2 medium chicken breasts – Cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
• 1 large clove garlic – Freshly minced for bold, aromatic flavor.
• ½ cup chicken broth – Helps create a rich, flavorful base.
• 1 cup heavy/whipping cream – Adds luscious creaminess to the sauce.
• ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning – A perfect blend of herbs to complement the dish.
• 1 pound uncooked potato gnocchi – Soft, pillowy, and comforting!
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese – For a salty, nutty, and creamy finish.
• Salt & pepper to taste – Enhances and balances all the flavors.

💡 Want to add a little green? Stir in fresh spinach or peas at the end for extra nutrition!

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🔥 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Bacon 🥓

1️⃣ In a deep skillet, cook the bacon over medium-high heat until it’s crispy (about 10 minutes).
2️⃣ Remove the bacon from the pan and drain excess grease, leaving about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the skillet. (You can discard the rest or save it for another use.)

💡 Tip: Use kitchen shears to quickly cut the bacon into small pieces before cooking—it’s a game-changer!

Step 2: Sear the Chicken 🍗

1️⃣ Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the skillet.
2️⃣ Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the chicken turns white on the outside but is not fully cooked through.
3️⃣ If the chicken is sticking to the pan, let it cook for another minute or two until it naturally releases.

Step 3: Add Garlic & Create the Sauce 🧄🥄

1️⃣ Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
2️⃣ Reduce the heat to medium, then add:

• Chicken broth
• Heavy cream
• Italian seasoning
• Uncooked gnocchi
• The crispy bacon (reserving a little for garnish)
  3️⃣ Stir everything well, making sure the gnocchi is fully coated in the sauce.

Step 4: Cook the Gnocchi 🍽

1️⃣ Cover the pan and let everything simmer for 4 minutes.
2️⃣ Remove the lid and continue cooking uncovered for another 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3️⃣ The sauce should start thickening, and the gnocchi should become soft and tender.

💡 Tip: If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of chicken broth to loosen it up.

Step 5: Add Parmesan & Finish the Dish 🧀

1️⃣ Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce.
2️⃣ Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt & pepper if needed.
3️⃣ Sprinkle the reserved crispy bacon on top before serving.

✨ Serve immediately and enjoy this creamy, cheesy, indulgent masterpiece! ✨

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💡 Pro Tips for the Best Chicken Bacon Gnocchi

✔ Use Fresh Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan melts better than pre-shredded cheese, creating a smoother sauce.
✔ Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Since it will continue cooking in the sauce, avoid overcooking it in step 2.
✔ Heavy Cream for Best Results: If you want extra richness, stick with heavy cream instead of substitutions.
✔ Crispy Bacon = Flavor Boost: Save some bacon for topping the dish at the end—it adds a delicious crunch!
✔ Gnocchi Cooking Hack: No need to boil the gnocchi separately—it cooks directly in the sauce, soaking up all the flavors.

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🥗 What to Serve with Chicken Bacon Gnocchi

This rich and creamy dish pairs perfectly with lighter, fresh sides:

✔ Garlic Bread or Breadsticks – Perfect for soaking up that creamy garlic sauce!
✔ Crisp Green Salad – A refreshing contrast to balance the richness.
✔ Roasted Vegetables – Try asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or green beans.
✔ Steamed Broccoli – Adds a nutritious touch to the meal.
✔ Glass of White Wine – A crisp Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc complements the creamy flavors beautifully.

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🥡 How to Store & Reheat Leftovers

Refrigeration

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheating

• Stovetop: Reheat over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
• Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until warm.

💡 Avoid overcooking when reheating to keep the chicken and gnocchi tender!

Freezing

This dish isn’t ideal for freezing, as the cream-based sauce may separate when reheated.

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✨ Variations & Customizations

✔ Add Veggies: Stir in baby spinach, mushrooms, or peas for extra nutrition.
✔ Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
✔ Swap the Protein: Try shrimp, sausage, or leftover rotisserie chicken instead.
✔ Make it Lighter: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.

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🤩 Why This Recipe is a Must-Try

Chicken Bacon Gnocchi is creamy, comforting, and downright addictive. With only one pan and 30 minutes, you get a meal that tastes gourmet but is ridiculously easy to make.

✔ Perfect for Weeknights – Quick, minimal prep, and tons of flavor!
✔ Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food – A guaranteed hit with the whole family.
✔ Rich, Creamy & Satisfying – Every bite is pure indulgence.
✔ Endlessly Customizable – Make it your own with your favorite add-ins.

💛 If you love one-pan pasta dishes, this Chicken Bacon Gnocchi will become a staple in your home. So grab your ingredients, fire up that skillet, and enjoy the ultimate comfort food!

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