This Chicken Bacon Gnocchi recipe is a creamy and flavorful comfort food that combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, and soft gnocchi in a rich, savory sauce. Made with boneless skinless chicken thighs, bacon, and sun-dried tomatoes, this easy-to-make dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. The creamy sauce made with heavy cream, chicken broth, and tomato paste is both indulgent and satisfying, while the gnocchi adds a pillowy texture that complements the savory ingredients. Whether you’re looking for a new chicken dinner recipe or a hearty gnocchi dish, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons minced onion
- 1 ½ teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon sun-dried tomato powder
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Sauce:
- 6 slices bacon, diced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 3 large sun-dried tomatoes, diced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 12 oz gnocchi
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken
Begin by washing and patting dry the chicken thighs. Cut them into small cubes and toss with the smoked paprika, sun-dried tomato powder, thyme, Italian seasoning, and salt until the chicken is evenly coated. - Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 4 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is no longer pink and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside. - Boil the Gnocchi
While the chicken is cooking, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the gnocchi according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside. - Prepare the Sauce
In the same skillet, cook the diced bacon over medium heat for 5 to 7 minutes until crispy. Add the minced onion, tomato paste, sun-dried tomatoes, and chicken broth to the skillet. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. - Finish the Sauce
Lower the heat to medium-low and add the heavy cream, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Stir the mixture and allow the sauce to simmer and thicken for a few minutes. - Combine the Chicken and Gnocchi
Add the cooked chicken and gnocchi to the skillet, stirring gently to combine. Let everything heat through for about 2-3 minutes. Serve the dish topped with crispy bacon and fresh basil for an added burst of flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Chicken Bacon Gnocchi is the perfect comfort food with a rich, creamy sauce that combines the flavors of crispy bacon, tender chicken, and soft gnocchi. The sun-dried tomatoes and seasonings give it a unique and savory flavor profile, while the bacon adds an irresistible crunch. It’s a filling, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that the whole family will love.
Tips, Variations, and Substitutions
- Chicken Variations: You can substitute boneless skinless chicken thighs with boneless skinless chicken breasts for a leaner option. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Gnocchi Substitution: If you don’t have gnocchi, you can use pasta such as penne or fettuccine instead. Just cook the pasta according to package directions.
- Dairy-Free Version: Use coconut cream or another dairy-free cream substitute, and swap the bacon with a plant-based alternative to make this dish dairy-free.
- Spice it Up: Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the sauce if you prefer a little heat.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and bacon ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them when ready to make the sauce and combine.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze leftovers for up to 3 months. However, gnocchi may lose its texture after freezing, so it’s best to store just the chicken and sauce. Reheat and cook fresh gnocchi when serving.
Can I make this recipe without sun-dried tomatoes?
Yes, if you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes, you can skip them or use fresh tomatoes. Just be sure to adjust the flavor to your liking by adding a little extra tomato paste or herbs.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables. You can also serve it with a warm, crusty baguette to soak up the creamy sauce. Enjoy with a glass of white wine, such as Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio, to complement the richness of the dish.
Chicken Bacon Gnocchi Recipe
4
servings10
minutes20
minutesIngredients
For the Chicken:
4 boneless skinless chicken thighs
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons minced onion
1 ½ teaspoons smoked paprika
1 teaspoon sun-dried tomato powder
½ teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon salt
For the Sauce:
6 slices bacon, diced
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup chicken broth
3 large sun-dried tomatoes, diced
2 tablespoons tomato paste
12 oz gnocchi
Directions
- Prepare the Chicken
- Begin by washing and patting dry the chicken thighs. Cut them into small cubes and toss with the smoked paprika, sun-dried tomato powder, thyme, Italian seasoning, and salt until the chicken is evenly coated.
- Cook the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 4 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is no longer pink and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside.
- Boil the Gnocchi
- While the chicken is cooking, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the gnocchi according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce
- In the same skillet, cook the diced bacon over medium heat for 5 to 7 minutes until crispy. Add the minced onion, tomato paste, sun-dried tomatoes, and chicken broth to the skillet. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Finish the Sauce
- Lower the heat to medium-low and add the heavy cream, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Stir the mixture and allow the sauce to simmer and thicken for a few minutes.
- Combine the Chicken and Gnocchi
- Add the cooked chicken and gnocchi to the skillet, stirring gently to combine. Let everything heat through for about 2-3 minutes. Serve the dish topped with crispy bacon and fresh basil for an added burst of flavor.
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