Velvety Chicken Basil Gnocchi

Featured in Delicious Main Course Recipes for Every Occasion.

A comforting Italian-style meal with basil-flavored gnocchi, crispy bacon, and creamy parmesan sauce. Perfect for a quick family dinner in under 55 minutes.
Mena
Updated on Mon, 10 Mar 2025 18:09:35 GMT
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Sometimes the best recipes come from spontaneous inspiration in the grocery aisle. That's exactly how this luxurious gnocchi dish came to be. After discovering basil-infused gnocchi during a routine shopping trip, it sparked an idea that evolved into our most cherished homemade pasta creation - one that rivals any restaurant version.

After numerous test runs and refinements in the kitchen, this recipe has been perfected to deliver restaurant-quality results in the comfort of your own home.

Key Ingredients

  • Bacon - Standard thickness works best for even cooking and proper crumbling
  • Chicken - Dark meat thighs provide superior moisture and flavor
  • Basil Gnocchi - Regular potato gnocchi works well with added fresh basil
  • Sun-Dried Tomatoes - Use oil-packed variety and reserve the flavorful oil
  • Heavy Cream - Essential for achieving proper sauce consistency
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Cooking Instructions

1.
Complete all prep work before starting - measure ingredients and chop vegetables in advance for smooth cooking process
2.
Begin with bacon in an unheated pan for optimal fat rendering. Reserve the rendered fat for additional flavor development
3.
Cook chicken pieces undisturbed until properly browned, allowing a flavorful crust to develop
4.
Season onions with salt at the beginning of sautéing for proper caramelization

Technique Tips

Key techniques for best results:
* Use freshly grated Parmesan for smooth sauce integration
* Stir gnocchi occasionally while boiling to prevent sticking
* Monitor sauce temperature to prevent separation

Recipe Variations

Tested customization options:
* Add sautéed mushrooms with the onions
* Incorporate white wine for depth of flavor
* Finish with fresh herbs for enhanced presentation

Serving Suggestions

Recommended accompaniments:
* Light arugula salad with citrus dressing
* Traditional garlic bread
* Chilled Pinot Grigio

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Storage Instructions

Proper storage guidelines:
* Store in sealed container up to 3 days
* Add liquid when reheating
* Heat gently while stirring for smooth sauce

Advance Preparation

Preparation timeline:
* Complete ingredient prep day before
* Store cooked bacon separately
* Prepare sauce ahead; cook pasta fresh

Recipe Notes

This recipe has become a treasured household favorite, surpassing restaurant alternatives for special occasions. The combination of flavors and textures creates a truly memorable dining experience.

Remember that perfection comes with practice - each preparation helps refine technique and timing.

Chicken Bacon Gnocchi

Soft gnocchi coated with a savory cream sauce, loaded with chicken, bacon, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes. Feel-good food that hits all the right notes.

Prep Time
25 Minutes
Cook Time
30 Minutes
Total Time
55 Minutes
By: Mena

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Italian-American

Yield: 6 Servings

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Main Ingredients

01 6 slices of crispy, crumbled bacon
02 1 pound of chicken, cut into small pieces (pick breast or thigh meat without skin or bones)
03 2 tablespoons of salted butter
04 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
05 6 to 7 garlic cloves, crushed or minced
06 1/3 cup of sun-dried tomatoes packed in Italian herb oil
07 1 cup of chicken stock
08 2 cups of heavy whipping cream
09 5 ounces of freshly shaved Parmesan cheese
10 4 ounces of fresh spinach, coarsely chopped
11 16 ounces of shelf-stable gnocchi made with basil-flavored potato

→ Seasonings

12 1 tablespoon of onion powder
13 1 tablespoon of garlic powder
14 1 tablespoon of dried basil
15 1 tablespoon of dried oregano
16 A pinch of red pepper flakes if you want some spice (optional)
17 Salt and black pepper as needed

Instructions

Step 01

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until it crisps. Scoop it out with a slotted spoon and keep it on the side. Add the chicken to the bacon fat, season it with salt and pepper, and cook until it’s fully done. Remove it from the pan and set it aside.

Step 02

Drop some butter into your pan. Add the chopped onion and cook for around 5 minutes. Toss in the garlic and let it cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until it smells amazing.

Step 03

Mix in your sun-dried tomatoes, chicken stock, heavy cream, and all the seasonings except salt and pepper. Let the mixture gently simmer for 3 to 4 minutes.

Step 04

Stir in the Parmesan cheese till it melts. Add the spinach and let it soften. Finally, bring back the cooked chicken and bacon to the pan.

Step 05

Follow the package directions to cook your gnocchi in a small pot. Save 1 cup of the water from boiling it. Drain the rest.

Step 06

Combine the cooked gnocchi and reserved water with the chicken mixture. Stir well and keep it on a very low heat for about 10 minutes to let it thicken. Add more salt or pepper if it needs extra flavor.

Notes

  1. Pasta water is handy for thickening up the sauce
  2. You can use any type of gnocchi you like
  3. For a spicy kick, a dash of red pepper flakes works great, but it's totally optional

Tools You'll Need

  • A large frying pan
  • A pot for boiling gnocchi
  • A slotted spoon to scoop things out
  • Measuring cups and small spoons for accuracy

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (this dish includes cheese, butter, and cream)
  • Gluten (present in the gnocchi)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: ~
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: ~