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Effortless Creamy Gnocchi with Chicken

Featured in Dinner Solutions You'll Love.

A quick, Italian-style dish combining buttery gnocchi, crispy bacon, tender chicken, and a velvety parmesan cream sauce. Ready in 55 minutes, great for family meals.
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Rose
Updated on Fri, 07 Mar 2025 01:07:44 GMT
Rich Creamy Gnocchi with Chicken and Bacon Pin it
Rich Creamy Gnocchi with Chicken and Bacon | tastybysophie.com

This gourmet gnocchi dish was born from a fortunate discovery in the pasta aisle. The combination of basil-infused gnocchi with crispy bacon and tender chicken has become our signature home-cooked meal, rivaling any restaurant version.

This refined recipe delivers restaurant-quality results while allowing you to enjoy a special meal in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Key Ingredients

  • Bacon - Standard thickness provides ideal texture and flavor distribution
  • Chicken Thighs - Preferred for their natural moisture and rich flavor
  • Basil Gnocchi - Specialty variety recommended, though plain gnocchi with fresh basil works well
  • Oil-Packed Sun-Dried Tomatoes - Retain the flavorful oil for cooking
  • Heavy Cream - Essential for achieving proper sauce consistency
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Creamy Chicken and Bacon with Basil Gnocchi Recipe | tastybysophie.com

Preparation Method

1.
Complete all ingredient preparation before starting. Having everything measured and ready ensures smooth cooking progression
2.
Begin with bacon in an unheated pan. This technique properly renders the fat, which becomes a crucial flavor base
3.
Brown chicken pieces undisturbed to develop proper caramelization and depth of flavor
4.
Salt the onions immediately upon adding to the pan to accelerate caramelization

Technique Tips

Expert techniques for best results:
* Use freshly grated Parmesan for superior melting
* Stir gnocchi periodically during cooking
* Maintain proper heat to prevent sauce separation

Recipe Variations

Tested modifications include:
* Adding sautéed mushrooms with the onions
* Incorporating white wine into the sauce base
* Finishing with fresh herbs for enhanced presentation

Serving Suggestions

Recommended accompaniments:
* Simple lemon-dressed arugula salad
* Traditional garlic bread
* Chilled Pinot Grigio

Delicious Creamy Chicken and Bacon with Basil Gnocchi Recipe Pin it
Delicious Creamy Chicken and Bacon with Basil Gnocchi Recipe | tastybysophie.com

Storage Instructions

Proper storage guidelines:
* Refrigerate in sealed container up to 3 days
* Add liquid when reheating
* Heat gently while stirring

Advance Preparation

Efficient preparation strategy:
* Complete mise en place day before
* Prepare bacon separately for texture preservation
* Make sauce ahead, finishing with fresh gnocchi

Recipe Overview

This refined gnocchi preparation has established itself as a signature dish in our kitchen, surpassing traditional dining out options. The combination of flavors and textures creates a truly memorable meal.

The beauty of home cooking lies in both the process and result. Each preparation builds expertise and confidence in the kitchen.

Chicken Bacon Gnocchi

Soft gnocchi paired with chicken, blended in a silky cream sauce with bacon, spinach, and tangy sun-dried tomatoes. The ultimate cozy meal!

Prep Time
25 Minutes
Cook Time
30 Minutes
Total Time
55 Minutes

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Italian-American

Yield: 6 Servings

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Main Ingredients

01 6 strips of bacon, diced into small bits
02 1 pound of chicken (breasts or thighs, boneless and skinless), cut into small chunks
03 2 tablespoons of salted butter
04 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
05 6-7 garlic cloves, chopped into tiny pieces
06 1/3 cup of sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil with Italian seasoning
07 1 cup of chicken stock
08 2 cups of heavy whipping cream
09 5 ounces of parmesan cheese, shaved thinly
10 4 ounces of fresh spinach, roughly torn up
11 1 package (16 ounces) of shelf-stable potato gnocchi flavored with basil

→ Seasonings

12 1 tablespoon onion powder
13 1 tablespoon garlic powder
14 1 tablespoon dried basil
15 1 tablespoon dried oregano
16 Salt and black pepper to taste
17 1 teaspoon of optional chili flakes for a slight kick

Instructions

Step 01

Cook the bacon in a pan over medium heat until crispy. Scoop it out using a slotted spoon and put it aside. Toss the chicken in the leftover bacon grease, season with pepper and salt, and cook through. Remove and set aside when done.

Step 02

Melt the butter in the same pan. Cook the onion for about 5 minutes, then toss in the garlic and let it cook for 1-2 minutes until you can smell it.

Step 03

Mix in the sun-dried tomatoes, chicken stock, heavy cream, and all the seasonings except the salt and pepper. Let it bubble gently for 3-4 minutes.

Step 04

Throw in the parmesan and stir until it's melted. Add the spinach and let it shrink down. Stir in the chicken and bacon you set aside earlier.

Step 05

In a pot, boil the gnocchi following the package directions. Save 1 cup of the water before draining the gnocchi.

Step 06

Combine the cooked gnocchi and reserved water into the sauce with the chicken and bacon. Mix everything and let it simmer on low for about 10 minutes to make it thicker. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Notes

  1. Save some of the gnocchi water to help make the sauce thicker
  2. You can use any flavor of gnocchi you'd like
  3. Add red pepper flakes if you want a bit of heat

Tools You'll Need

  • Large pan or skillet
  • Pot for the gnocchi
  • Slotted spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (includes butter, cream, and parmesan)
  • Gluten (found in gnocchi)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: ~
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: ~