Description
A quick and comforting one-pan dish featuring tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, creamy sauce, and bright spinach.
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 16 oz fresh or frozen gnocchi
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 4 cups fresh spinach (or baby kale; frozen spinach, thawed and well-drained)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or mild, to taste)
- ½ cup crispy bacon bits (store-bought or cooked & crumbled)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil for searing
Instructions
- Pat the chicken dry and cut into bite-sized pieces. Season lightly with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add the chicken in a single layer; cook, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes.
- Lower the heat to medium-low. Add the softened cream cheese and 2 cups chicken broth. Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.
- Add the gnocchi and fresh spinach. Cover the skillet and let simmer for 5–7 minutes, until the gnocchi are tender and spinach has wilted.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar and crispy bacon bits until the cheese melts and everything is evenly coated. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
- Serve hot, straight from the skillet.
Notes
For a lighter version, replace gnocchi with cauliflower gnocchi or serve over steamed vegetables. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian