If you’re craving something warm, creamy, and comforting, this chicken and gnocchi recipe is just what you need! Tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, crispy bacon, and fresh spinach all come together in a rich, cheesy sauce that tastes like something you’d order at your favorite restaurant. The best part? Cottage cheese blends into the sauce to add extra protein while keeping everything wonderfully creamy. It’s a one pan dinner that’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for a cozy night at home!
Ingredients
- 1¼ cups cottage cheese
- 1½ cups low-sodium chicken broth, divided
- 4 slices bacon, cut into ½-inch pieces
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 shallot, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 (17 ounce) package gnocchi
- 3 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese (about ¾ cup)
- 2 ounces finely grated Parmesan cheese (about 1 cup)
- 4 cups fresh spinach
Directions
Step 1: Blend the creamy cottage cheese sauce.
First, grab your blender and add the cottage cheese along with ¾ cup of the chicken broth. Blend everything for about 30 to 60 seconds, or until the mixture is completely smooth. Set it aside while you prepare the rest of the ingredients. This simple mixture is the secret to getting a creamy sauce with extra protein, so don’t skip the blending step! It also helps get rid of any grainy texture from the cottage cheese too.
Step 2: Cook the bacon until crispy.
Next, place the bacon pieces in a large skillet spreading them out in a single layer. Turn the heat to medium and cook for about 7 to 9 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the bacon is golden and crispy. Once it’s ready, transfer the bacon to a plate and leave the bacon fat in the skillet. You’ll use that flavorful goodness to cook the chicken and vegetables, which adds even more flavor to the finished dish.
Step 3: Brown the chicken.
Now, season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Arrange them in a single layer in the same skillet over medium heat. Cook for about 6 minutes per side, turning occasionally, until the chicken is nicely browned on the outside. Don’t worry if the chicken isn’t fully cooked through at this point. It’ll finish cooking in the sauce later. Once the outside is golden, transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside.
Step 4: Sauté the shallot, garlic, and herbs.
Using the same skillet, add the chopped shallot and 1 teaspoon of salt. Cook over medium heat for about 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the shallot softens and becomes translucent. Then, add the minced garlic, fresh thyme, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir everything together and cook for about 1 more minute, just until the garlic becomes fragrant. Next, pour in ½ cup of chicken broth. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up the browned bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet. Those little bits add so much flavor to the sauce, so make sure you work them into the broth!
Step 5: Finish cooking the chicken.
Bring the broth mixture to a gentle simmer, then return the browned chicken breasts to the skillet. Cover the pan and let everything simmer for about 4 to 6 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F at its thickest point. Once the chicken is ready, transfer it to a clean cutting board and cover it loosely to keep it warm while you finish the sauce.
Step 6: Make the creamy sauce and cook the gnocchi.
With the chicken out of the skillet, bring the remaining liquid back to a simmer and cook uncovered until most of it has evaporated. This helps concentrate all those delicious flavors. Next, stir in the blended cottage cheese mixture and bring the sauce back to a gentle simmer. Add the gnocchi and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes, stirring regularly, until the gnocchi are tender. Now for the cheesy goodness! Stir in the mozzarella and Parmesan until both cheeses melt into the sauce. Add the fresh spinach and gently stir until the leaves wilt and become tender. If the sauce looks a little too thick, pour in the remaining ¼ cup of chicken broth a little at a time until you reach your preferred consistency. Finally, fold in about three-quarters of the crispy bacon and taste the sauce. Add more salt if needed.
Step 7: Slice the chicken and bring everything together.
Once the sauce is creamy and the gnocchi are tender, slice the cooked chicken breasts crosswise into strips or bite-sized pieces. Return the chicken to the skillet, gently folding it into the creamy gnocchi mixture. Season with a little more freshly ground black pepper, then sprinkle the remaining crispy bacon over the top. That’s it! Serve the creamy chicken and gnocchi while everything is warm, cheesy, and creamy. Make sure each bowl gets plenty of chicken, gnocchi, spinach, and that delicious sauce.
This dish is hearty enough to stand on its own, but you can also pair it with a simple green salad or some roasted vegetables if you’d like. It’s the perfect comfort food dinner when you want something satisfying, packed with flavor, and a little extra protein!
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