High-Protein Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Recipe

Introduction

This High-Protein Creamy Chicken Gnocchi is a comforting and satisfying meal that combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, and cheesy gnocchi in a luscious creamy sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s packed with flavor and protein to keep you full and happy.

Ingredients

• 1 1/4 cups whole milk cottage cheese
• 1 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth, divided
• 4 slices bacon (about 4 oz.), cut into 1/2 inch pieces
• 3 (6-oz.) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for seasoning
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 shallot, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 (17-oz.) package gnocchi
• 3 oz. mozzarella, shredded (about 3/4 cup)
• 2 oz. Parmesan, finely grated (about 1 cup)
• 4 cups (4 oz.) fresh spinach

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a blender, blend the cottage cheese with 3/4 cup of chicken broth until smooth, about 30 to 60 seconds. Set the mixture aside.
2. Step 2: Place the bacon pieces in a single layer in a large, cold skillet. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until crispy, about 7 to 9 minutes. Transfer the bacon to a plate, leaving the fat in the skillet.
3. Step 3: Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt and black pepper. Arrange them in the skillet in a single layer and cook over medium heat, turning occasionally, until browned on both sides—about 6 minutes per side. The chicken will not be fully cooked at this point. Transfer to a plate.
4. Step 4: In the same skillet over medium heat, add the chopped shallot and 1 teaspoon of salt. Cook, stirring, until the shallot is translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add minced garlic, thyme, and crushed red pepper flakes; stir and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in 1/2 cup chicken broth and scrape the browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
5. Step 5: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then add the chicken breasts back to the skillet. Cover and simmer until the chicken is cooked through and an instant-read thermometer registers 165°F, about 4 to 6 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a clean cutting board and cover to keep warm.
6. Step 6: Let the sauce simmer uncovered until most of the liquid evaporates. Stir in the reserved cottage cheese mixture and bring back to a simmer. Add the gnocchi and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 2 to 3 minutes. Fold in the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese until melted, then stir in the spinach until wilted. If the sauce is too thick, add the remaining 1/4 cup of chicken broth. Finally, fold in three-quarters of the crispy bacon and season with salt as needed.
7. Step 7: Slice the cooked chicken crosswise into pieces and return them to the skillet. Season with additional black pepper if desired. Serve hot, garnished with the remaining bacon.

Tips & Variations

• For a smoky flavor boost, use smoked mozzarella with the regular cheese blend.
• Swap fresh spinach for kale or Swiss chard for a different texture and flavor.
• If you prefer less spice, reduce or omit the crushed red pepper flakes.
• To make it vegetarian, omit bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm gently on the stovetop over low heat to prevent the cheese from separating, or use a microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth if the sauce thickens too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen gnocchi for this recipe?

Yes, frozen gnocchi works well. Just add an extra minute or two to the cooking time until the gnocchi are tender.

What can I substitute for cottage cheese?

Ricotta cheese is a great substitute that will keep the creamy texture and mild flavor in the sauce.

High-Protein Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Recipe

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4.4 from 117 reviews

This High-Protein Creamy Chicken Gnocchi recipe combines tender chicken breasts, crispy bacon, and pillowy gnocchi in a luscious, cheesy sauce made with cottage cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Fresh spinach adds a vibrant touch, making this comforting skillet meal both satisfying and nutritious.

• Author: Elena
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

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Protein and Dairy

• 1 1/4 cups whole milk cottage cheese
• 3 (6-oz.) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 4 slices bacon (about 4 oz.), cut into 1/2″ pieces
• 3 oz. mozzarella, shredded (about 3/4 cup)
• 2 oz. Parmesan, finely grated (about 1 cup)

Vegetables and Aromatics

• 1 shallot, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 cups (4 oz.) fresh spinach

Pantry and Seasonings

• 1 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth, divided
• 1 tsp. kosher salt, plus more to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tsp. fresh thyme leaves
• 1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 (17-oz.) package gnocchi

Instructions

1. Prepare Cottage Cheese Mixture: In a blender, combine the cottage cheese and 3/4 cup of chicken broth. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth, about 30 to 60 seconds. Set aside this creamy base for later use.
2. Cook Bacon: Place the bacon pieces evenly in a large, cold skillet. Heat the skillet over medium heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until the bacon is crispy and golden, about 7 to 9 minutes. Transfer the cooked bacon to a plate and leave the rendered fat in the skillet for added flavor.
3. Brown the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts generously on both sides with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Place the chicken in the skillet with the bacon fat in a single layer. Cook over medium heat, turning occasionally, until each side is nicely browned, about 6 minutes per side. The chicken will not be fully cooked at this stage. Remove the chicken to a separate plate.
4. Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the finely chopped shallot and 1 teaspoon of salt. Cook, stirring, until the shallot becomes translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add the minced garlic, fresh thyme leaves, and crushed red pepper flakes. Continue cooking and stirring until fragrant, approximately 1 minute. Pour in 1/2 cup of chicken broth and stir well, scraping up any browned bits adhering to the skillet’s bottom.
5. Simmer Chicken: Bring the mixture to a simmer. Nestle the browned chicken breasts back into the skillet, cover with a lid, and cook gently until the chicken is fully cooked through and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 165°F, about 4 to 6 minutes. Remove chicken onto a clean cutting board and cover to keep warm.
6. Reduce Sauce and Add Gnocchi: Continue simmering the sauce uncovered until most of the liquid has evaporated and the sauce has thickened slightly. Stir in the reserved cottage cheese mixture and bring back to a simmer. Add the gnocchi and cook, stirring often, until the gnocchi are tender and cooked through, about 2 to 3 minutes. Fold in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses until they melt smoothly into the sauce. Then stir in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted and tender. If the sauce seems too thick at this point, gently fold in the remaining 1/4 cup chicken broth to reach desired consistency. Stir in three-quarters of the reserved crispy bacon and adjust the seasoning with salt if necessary.
7. Finish and Serve: Slice the cooked chicken crosswise into bite-sized pieces. Return the sliced chicken to the skillet and give everything a final gentle stir to combine. Season with freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve warm, garnished with remaining bacon if desired.

Notes

• For best flavor, use low-sodium chicken broth and adjust salt seasoning at the end of cooking.
• Ensure the chicken is fully cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.
• Cottage cheese blending creates a creamy, protein-rich sauce without needing heavy cream.
• You can substitute fresh spinach with kale or Swiss chard if preferred.
• Adding the broth gradually helps maintain a creamy but not watery sauce consistency.

Keywords: chicken gnocchi, creamy chicken recipe, high protein dinner, easy stovetop dinner, bacon gnocchi, cheesy gnocchi recipe