Crack Chicken Gnocchi

$- 1 pound gnocchi - 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded - 4 cups chicken broth - 1 cup cream cheese, softened The main ingredients create a rich and hearty meal. Gnocchi is soft and chewy, making it a perfect base. Shredded chicken adds protein and flavor. Chicken broth gives depth to the dish. Cream cheese brings a creamy texture that binds everything together. - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning mix - Salt and pepper to taste The seasonings elevate this dish. Garlic powder adds a nice punch. Onion powder gives a sweet taste without the bite. Ranch seasoning adds a unique flavor twist. Salt and pepper balance the flavors for your taste buds. - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded - 1 cup frozen peas - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Garnishes make this dish pop! Olive oil adds richness and a touch of shine. Cheddar cheese melts beautifully, adding extra creaminess. Frozen peas offer a burst of color and sweetness. Fresh parsley gives a fresh touch and brightens the dish. {{ingredient_image_1}} - First, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. - Add 2 cups of shredded chicken to the pot and sauté for 2-3 minutes. You want it to become slightly crispy. - Next, pour in 4 cups of chicken broth. Bring it to a gentle boil. - Now, stir in 1 cup of softened cream cheese. Break it up with a spoon until it melts and mixes well with the broth. - Add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and 1 tablespoon of ranch seasoning mix. Stir in salt and pepper to taste. - Then, add 1 pound of gnocchi to the pot. Cook according to package instructions, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes. They should float to the top when done. - Once the gnocchi are cooked, mix in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and 1 cup of frozen peas. Stir until everything is well combined and the cheese has melted. - Taste your dish and adjust the seasoning if needed. To get the best texture in your Crack Chicken Gnocchi, watch your cooking time. Gnocchi cooks quickly. Follow the package instructions. They should float when done. This shows they're ready to mix in. For melting cream cheese, take it out early. Let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes. This helps it blend easier. When you add it to the broth, break it up with a spoon. Stir until it melts and combines well. Seasoning can change the taste of your dish. I suggest adding a little more garlic powder or ranch seasoning. Just a pinch can make a big difference. You can also add fresh herbs like parsley or chives. They brighten the dish and add fresh flavor. How you serve can make your meal more inviting. Use shallow bowls to showcase the gnocchi. Top with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of cheddar cheese. This adds color and makes it look fancy. For side dishes, try a simple green salad. It pairs well with the rich flavors. You could also serve crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and quality cheeses enhance the flavor of your dish significantly. Cook Gnocchi Carefully: Avoid overcooking the gnocchi; they should float to the top when done. Customize Your Seasoning: Adjust the ranch seasoning to match your taste preferences for a personal touch. Leftovers Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat gently. {{image_2}} You can easily adapt this dish for your needs. If you want gluten-free gnocchi, look for brands made from rice or corn. Many stores offer these options. For a dairy-free version, use a dairy-free cream cheese. Almond or cashew-based creams work well. This way, you can enjoy the same creamy texture without the dairy. Changing the cheese can make a big difference. Try using mozzarella for a milder taste or pepper jack for a spicy kick. You can also swap the chicken for turkey. Turkey gives a nice twist and is a great way to use leftovers. The flavors mix well with the ranch seasoning too. Adding veggies boosts both nutrition and flavor. Spinach or kale can make this dish even better. Just stir them in during the last few minutes of cooking. You can also add frozen mixed veggies for convenience. Peas, carrots, and corn work great, too. They add color and sweetness to your meal. To store leftovers, place Crack Chicken Gnocchi in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and tasty. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. After that, the flavors may fade, and it could spoil. Always check for any changes in smell or texture before eating. Freezing is a great way to save Crack Chicken Gnocchi for later. To freeze, let the dish cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. It can stay frozen for about three months. When you are ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. This helps keep the texture nice. For reheating, use a stove or microwave to warm the gnocchi. If on the stove, heat it in a pot over low heat. Stir often to avoid overcooking. If using a microwave, use a microwave-safe bowl. Add a splash of broth or water to keep it moist. Heat in short intervals, stirring in between. This keeps the gnocchi soft and creamy. You can make gnocchi at home using just a few ingredients. Start with potatoes, flour, and eggs. Boil potatoes until soft, then mash them. Mix in flour and egg until you form a dough. Roll the dough into small pieces and shape them into little pillows. Cook them in boiling water until they float. For the sauce, follow the steps in the recipe. Sauté chicken, add broth, and stir in cream cheese. When the gnocchi is ready, toss them in this mix. You can also play with flavors by adding herbs or spices for a unique twist. Yes, you can use fresh gnocchi. Fresh gnocchi cooks faster, so keep an eye on them. Start by adding them to the pot after the broth boils. Cook for about 1-2 minutes instead of the usual 2-3 minutes for store-bought. This will help keep them soft and chewy. If you need a cooking time guide, check the package. It can help ensure your meal turns out just right. You can serve a salad on the side. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette goes well. Roasted veggies also make a great choice. Think of carrots, broccoli, or zucchini drizzled with olive oil. For a heartier meal, pair it with garlic bread. The bread can soak up the creamy sauce, making each bite better. Enjoy your meal with a glass of white wine or sparkling water for a refreshing touch! In this post, we covered how to make Crack Chicken Gnocchi, from ingredients to storage tips. You learned about key ingredients like chicken, gnocchi, and cream cheese. We discussed seasonings to boost flavor and garnishes for a great finish. Remember, you can tweak the recipe for your taste or dietary needs. Store leftovers wisely for best quality. Enjoy trying this dish with your family or friends, and explore variations to make it your own. Cooking can be fun and easy!$

A creamy and flavorful gnocchi dish with shredded chicken and cheese.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 500 kcal

Ingredients

1 pound gnocchi
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup cream cheese, softened
1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup frozen peas
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 tablespoon ranch seasoning mix
to taste salt and pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add shredded chicken and sauté for 2-3 minutes until slightly crispy.
Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil.
Stir in the cream cheese, breaking it up with a spoon until it melts and combines well with the broth.
Add garlic powder, onion powder, ranch seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly.
Add the gnocchi to the pot and cook according to package instructions, usually around 2-3 minutes or until they float to the top.
Once the gnocchi is cooked, stir in the cheddar cheese and frozen peas until everything is well combined and the cheese has melted.
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Remove from heat and let sit for a minute before serving.

Notes

Serve the gnocchi in shallow bowls, garnished with fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of cheddar cheese on top for an enticing look.

Keyword chicken, comfort food, creamy, gnocchi