The first time I attempted to make Creamy Chicken with Gnocchi and Bacon, let’s just say the kitchen looked like a tornado had a dance party in there. Flour everywhere, a burnt pan in the sink, and me standing in the middle of it all, trying to figure out where I went wrong. My mom always said, “Cooking is like love, it should be entered into with abandon or not at all.” Well, I certainly had the abandon part down! But you know what? I learned a lot from that culinary chaos, and now, I’ve got a recipe that’s foolproof, heartwarming, and oh-so-satisfying.
Now, whenever the weather turns chilly or I’m just in need of a hug in a bowl, this is my go-to dinner. The kids come running when they smell the bacon sizzling, and the creamy sauce with tender gnocchi and chicken—it’s honestly what comfort food dreams are made of. So, tie on your apron and let’s dive into a recipe that’s sure to become a favorite in your home as it has in mine.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
Now, about those ingredients… I promise nothing too fancy, but every single one adds a layer of flavor that makes this dish truly special. (I mean, don’t skip the garlic, learned that the hard way.)
- 1 lb chicken breasts, cubed
- 1 lb potato gnocchi
- 6 slices of bacon, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
Instructions
Alright, here’s where I spill all my secrets to ensure you get this right the first time. Follow these instructions, and you’ll be in comfort food heaven before you know it.
- Start by cooking the gnocchi according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside. (Don’t let them get mushy!)
- In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. (Oh, the aroma that fills the kitchen!)
- In the same skillet, add a little olive oil if needed and cook the chicken cubes until golden brown on all sides. Season with salt and pepper, then remove and set aside with the bacon.
- In the bacon-chicken flavored oil left in the skillet, sauté the onion and garlic until they’re soft and fragrant. (Trust me, this is where the magic starts.)
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, bringing it to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat and simmer until it thickens a bit.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese until it’s melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Add the spinach and let it wilt in the sauce, then return the chicken and bacon to the skillet. (Game changer!)
- Toss in the gnocchi and cook for a few more minutes to let the flavors meld together.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary, then serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.
Tips & Tricks
Oh, and another tip… here are a few nuggets of wisdom to help make your cooking experience even better:
- Don’t overcook the gnocchi; they should be soft but not falling apart.
- Cook the bacon until it’s really crispy—it adds a delightful crunch and depth of flavor.
- If you’re not a fan of heavy cream, you can use half-and-half for a lighter version, but honestly, the creaminess is what makes this dish.
FAQ
I’ve been asked everything under the sun about this recipe, so let’s clear up a few common questions:
Q: Can I use a different type of protein?
A: Absolutely! While chicken is my go-to, feel free to use leftover turkey, sausage, or even shrimp if you’re feeling fancy.
Q: I’m gluten-free. What can I use instead of regular gnocchi?
A: No worries! They make fantastic gluten-free gnocchi these days, or you could even use cauliflower gnocchi for a lower-carb option.
Q: Can I freeze this dish?
A: This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but if you must, freeze it without the gnocchi. Cook them fresh when you’re ready to serve, then mix into the thawed sauce.
Every time I make this Creamy Chicken with Gnocchi and Bacon, it takes me back to my childhood, sitting at the kitchen table, watching my grandmother cook. Her hands were always busy, but the love that she put into every dish, that’s what made her food taste like home. This recipe, with its rich, indulgent sauce and that comforting trio of chicken, gnocchi, and bacon, is a tribute to her legacy, a way to keep her memory alive in my kitchen and on my family’s dinner plates.
So, there you have it, my ultimate comfort food dinner. Whether it’s a cold winter’s night or you’re just in need of a little extra love, this dish is sure to warm your heart and satisfy your soul. And remember, the best recipes aren’t just about the food; they’re about the stories, the love, and the memories that come with every bite. Enjoy, from my kitchen to yours.
Creamy Chicken with Gnocchi and Bacon – The Ultimate Comfort Food Dinner
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken breasts, cubed
- 1 lb potato gnocchi
- 6 slices of bacon, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
Directions:
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Cook the gnocchi according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside.
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Cook the bacon in a large skillet until crispy, then transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
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Cook the chicken cubes in the same skillet until golden brown, season with salt and pepper, then set aside.
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Sauté the onion and garlic in the skillet until soft and fragrant.
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Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, bring to a boil, and simmer until thickened.
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Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy.
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Add the spinach and let it wilt in the sauce, then return the chicken and bacon to the skillet.
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Toss in the gnocchi and cook for a few minutes to let the flavors meld together.
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Adjust seasoning if necessary and serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.