Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi – One Skillet Comfort Food

When you need a cozy, one-pot dinner that delivers creamy, cheesy comfort in every bite, this Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi will be your new favorite go-to meal. Soft pillowy gnocchi, tender shredded chicken, and a rich ranch-seasoned cream sauce come together to create the ultimate weeknight comfort dish. It’s the perfect balance of hearty and creamy — and best of all, it’s ready in under 30 minutes!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Creamy, flavorful sauce that coats every bite of gnocchi.
  • Made with simple pantry ingredients and cooked in one pot.
  • Perfect for weeknights — ready in less than 30 minutes.
  • Kid-friendly and reheats beautifully for leftovers.
  • A comforting dish that combines the richness of Alfredo with the tang of ranch seasoning.

Ingredients

Flat lay of ingredients for creamy chicken gnocchi

  • 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works well)
  • 1 pound potato gnocchi
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning mix
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Chopped parsley for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step-by-Step Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi

  1. Sauté the garlic: In a large skillet or sauté pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  2. Add the liquid base: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir until well combined and slightly warmed.
  3. Incorporate cheeses and seasoning.: Add the cream cheese, ranch seasoning, mozzarella, and cheddar. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and a creamy sauce forms.
  4. Cook the gnocchi: Add the uncooked gnocchi directly to the sauce. Cook for 4–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gnocchi is tender and cooked through.
  5. Add the chicken: Stir in the shredded chicken and mix well, letting it heat through for 2–3 minutes.
  6. Season and serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

  • Use homemade gnocchi: If you have time, fresh homemade gnocchi adds a soft, pillowy texture.
  • Lighten it up: Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream and use reduced-fat cheese.
  • Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce to give it some heat.
  • Vegetarian option: Swap the chicken for sautéed mushrooms or spinach for a meatless twist.
  • Extra creamy: Stir in a tablespoon of sour cream just before serving.

Storage & Freezer Instructions

  • Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth if needed.
  • Freeze: Allow the dish to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Serving & Pairing Ideas

This Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables. Try serving it with:

Creamy chicken gnocchi served with garlic bread and salad

  • Steamed broccoli or asparagus for a fresh side.
  • A simple garlic bread or dinner roll to soak up the creamy sauce.
  • A refreshing cucumber salad to balance the richness.
  • Sparkling water with lemon or iced tea for a light drink option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen gnocchi for this recipe?

Yes! Frozen gnocchi works perfectly — no need to thaw. Just add it straight to the sauce and cook until tender. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

What can I use instead of ranch seasoning?

If you don’t have ranch mix, combine dried parsley, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt for a quick homemade blend. It delivers the same flavor depth.

Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

You can! Add cooked shredded chicken, cream cheese, ranch seasoning, broth, and cheeses to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 3–4 hours, stir in the gnocchi for the last 20–30 minutes, and serve when tender.

How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?

If your sauce thickens too much while sitting, just add a splash of milk or chicken broth and stir until smooth again.

Ready to Make It?

If you’re craving a cozy, satisfying dinner that’s creamy, flavorful, and easy to make — this Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi is calling your name. Everything cooks in one pot, and cleanup is effortless. Save this recipe to your favorites or share it with someone who loves quick comfort meals!

You Might Also Like

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Skillet filled with creamy chicken gnocchi topped with green onions

Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

  • Author: Myla
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

Soft gnocchi, creamy ranch sauce, and tender chicken come together for the ultimate one-pot comfort meal. Quick, flavorful, and ready in under 30 minutes.


Ingredients

Scale

2 cups cooked shredded chicken

1 pound potato gnocchi

1 cup chicken broth

1 cup heavy cream

4 ounces cream cheese, softened

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

½ cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 tablespoon ranch seasoning mix

2 tablespoons butter

2 cloves garlic, minced

Salt and pepper to taste

Chopped parsley for garnish


Instructions

1. In a large skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.

2. Add chicken broth and heavy cream, then stir until warm.

3. Whisk in cream cheese, ranch mix, mozzarella, and cheddar until melted.

4. Add gnocchi and cook for 4–6 minutes until tender.

5. Stir in shredded chicken and cook for 2–3 more minutes.

6. Season with salt and pepper, garnish with parsley, and serve.

Notes

Use frozen or fresh gnocchi — both work great.

To make it lighter, swap heavy cream for half-and-half.

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy twist.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 520
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 860mg
  • Fat: 32g
  • Saturated Fat: 17g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: 120mg

Leave a Comment

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star