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Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi is the ultimate one-pan comfort food—rich, cheesy, and loaded with savory flavors. This Cheesy Ranch Gnocchi features tender gnocchi smothered in a creamy ranch-seasoned sauce with shredded chicken, crispy bacon, and melted cheese, living up to its “crack” name: completely addictive.

Why You’ll Love Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi

This Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi recipe is a standout Cheesy Ranch Gnocchi:

Irresistible Flavors: Ranch, bacon, and cheddar create an addictive combo.
One-Pan Ease: Minimal cleanup, perfect for busy weeknights.
Quick Prep: Ready in 30 minutes with simple ingredients.
Crowd-Pleaser: Comforting and satisfying for all ages.
I made this for a cozy dinner, and it was the ultimate Cheesy Ranch Gnocchi hit!

Ingredients for Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi

Here’s what you’ll need for Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi (serves 4):

16 oz potato gnocchi (shelf-stable or refrigerated)
2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works great)
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 tbsp ranch seasoning mix
4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
½ cup heavy cream (or whole milk)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp butter or olive oil
2 tbsp chopped green onions or parsley (for garnish)

Ingredient Tips:

Gnocchi: Shelf-stable or refrigerated; no need to pre-cook.
Chicken: Rotisserie or leftover chicken saves time; shred finely.
Cheese: Shred your own cheddar for smoother melting.
Ranch Mix: Use a quality brand for bold flavor; avoid liquid dressing.
Equipment: Large skillet with lid, spatula, measuring cups.

Directions for Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi

Let’s whip up this indulgent Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi!

Cook Bacon

In a large skillet over medium heat, I cook 4 slices of bacon until crispy, about 5–7 minutes.
I remove them, crumble when cool, and reserve 1 tbsp bacon grease in the pan.

Sauté Garlic

I add 1 tbsp butter or olive oil to the skillet with the bacon grease, then sauté 2 minced garlic cloves for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, setting the base for <strong>Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi.

Make Creamy Sauce

I stir in 4 oz cream cheese and 1 cup chicken broth, whisking until the cream cheese melts into a smooth sauce, about 2 minutes.
I add 1 tbsp ranch seasoning, stirring to combine.

Cook Gnocchi

I add 16 oz uncooked gnocchi to the sauce, bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 5–7 minutes until the gnocchi is tender and pillowy, stirring occasionally.

Combine and Finish

I mix in 2 cups shredded chicken and ½ cup heavy cream, cooking for 2–3 minutes to warm through.
I stir in 1 cup shredded cheddar until melted and creamy, creating a rich Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi.
I top with crumbled bacon and 2 tbsp chopped green onions or parsley.

Serve

I serve the Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi hot, straight from the skillet, for maximum comfort.

Nutrition

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: ~620 kcal per serving
Macros per Serving: 50g carbs, 30g protein, 40g fat, 2g fiber

Variations

Lighter Option: Use turkey bacon or skip bacon; swap cream for whole milk.
Veggie Boost: Add 1 cup spinach or steamed broccoli for color and nutrition.
Cheese Swap: Use mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for variety.
Spicy Kick: Add ½ tsp red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
Gluten-Free: Choose gluten-free gnocchi and ranch seasoning mix.

Storage

I store Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I warm it in a skillet over low heat with a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess, or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring to avoid curdling. Freezing is not recommended, as gnocchi may become mushy upon thawing.

Serving Ideas

Make your Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi a star Cheesy Ranch Gnocchi:

Classic: Serve as a Cheesy Ranch Gnocchi with a side of garlic bread.
Garnish: Sprinkle extra bacon bits or parsley for a pop of color.
Pairing: Enjoy with a crisp green salad or steamed green beans.
Presentation: Serve in shallow bowls for a cozy, restaurant vibe.
Occasion: Perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or comfort food cravings.

FAQs

What is crack chicken?
Crack chicken typically refers to a combination of chicken, ranch seasoning, bacon, and cheddar cheese—ultra flavorful and addictive.

Can I use frozen gnocchi?
Yes, just make sure to adjust cooking time slightly and cook until the gnocchi is tender.

Is it okay to use store-bought ranch dressing?
For this recipe, ranch seasoning mix works better to keep the sauce thick and flavorful.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prep the sauce and components ahead, but cook the gnocchi fresh for the best texture.

Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes, skip the chicken and bacon and add mushrooms, spinach, or roasted vegetables for a veggie-packed Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi.

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Conclusion

Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi is a fast, flavor-packed dinner that checks all the boxes: rich, comforting, and incredibly satisfying. With minimal ingredients and maximum flavor, this Cheesy Ranch Gnocchi is a dish that will quickly become a favorite in your weeknight rotation. Serve it up hot, and don’t expect leftovers!