Creamy Chicken and Bacon Gnocchi
Imported from Instagram
20 minEasy4 servings

Creamy Chicken and Bacon Gnocchi

Creamy chicken, crispy bacon, pillowy gnocchi and plenty of melty Red Leicester cooked in one pan.

Mise turned a cooking video on Instagram into this written step-by-step recipe — 11 ingredients, 4 steps, 20 min, with a generated photo for every step.

Cook step-by-step in Mise → Free · iPhone
Time20min
LevelEasy
Servings4
Method 4 steps
01

Cook bacon in a cold pan till crispy, remove and leave the bacon fat behind.

02

Add chicken and onion with the seasonings and cook for 10 mins.

03

Add the gnocchi, stir to combine, pour in the cream and stock, cover with a lid and simmer for 3-5 mins.

04

Stir in the cheese, top with bacon and chives.

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Notes

This one-pan dinner centers on the textural contrast between crispy bacon and soft, pillowy potato dumplings. By starting the bacon in a cold pan, the fat renders out slowly, providing a flavorful base for browning the chicken and softening the onions without needing additional oils. The red leicester melts into the cream and stock to create a thick, vibrant sauce that coats the gnocchi as they simmer under the lid. It is a hearty, savory meal designed for busy weekday evenings when efficiency is required.

The dish delivers a rich profile where the smokiness of the ham stock and bacon meets the mild tang of the cheese. Unlike traditional pasta dishes that require separate boiling, these gnocchi absorb liquid directly in the skillet, resulting in a more concentrated flavor and a starch-thickened sauce. Expect a comforting, orange-hued finish with a consistent bite from the chicken and a fresh herbal lift from the chives added just before serving.

Before you start

  • When starting the bacon, place it in a cold pan to ensure the fat liquefies completely before the meat browns, providing the necessary base for the chicken.
  • Ensure the chicken and onions achieve a golden-brown color during the ten-minute cook time to develop the deep savory notes that a short simmer cannot provide alone.
  • The simmer step is complete when the gnocchi feel tender and have expanded slightly; overcooking beyond five minutes will cause the dumplings to become mushy and lose shape.
  • Stir the cheese in over low heat until just melted to prevent the cream from separating or the cheese from becoming oily and grainy in the pan.

Swaps that work

  • Replace red leicester with an equal amount of sharp cheddar for a similar melt but a paler color and more aggressive tang.
  • Substitute single cream with 50ml of full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free creamy texture, though this will introduce a subtle nutty flavor.
  • Swap ham stock for 75ml of vegetable stock if you prefer a less salty base, though the final sauce will lack the traditional smoky depth.

Keeping it

This dish is best eaten immediately as gnocchi continue to absorb moisture, leading to a heavy and gummy texture over time. If necessary, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat gently in a small saucepan over low heat with a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce. Do not freeze this dish, as the cream and potato dumplings will separate and become grainy upon thawing.

Questions

Why did my gnocchi come out dense or chewy?

Gnocchi become dense if the liquid ratio is too low or if they are undercooked. Ensure the pan is tightly covered during the simmering stage so the steam can penetrate the dumplings. If the sauce evaporates too quickly before the gnocchi soften, add a tablespoon of water.

Is this dish spicy due to the paprika?

This version is not spicy. The small amount of paprika is used primarily for warmth and color rather than heat. If you prefer a spicy kick, you would need to add red chili flakes or use a hot smoked paprika instead of the standard variety provided.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Preparing this in advance is not recommended. The starch in the gnocchi will thicken the sauce into a paste as it cools, and the bacon will lose its characteristic crunch. For the best results, cook and serve the meal within twenty minutes as intended by the method.

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