Dinner

High-Protein Creamy Chicken & Gnocchi Recipe

ByMariam Harutyunyan July 22, 2026July 22, 2026

Introduction

This high-protein creamy chicken and gnocchi dish combines tender chicken breasts with cheesy gnocchi and crispy bacon for a comforting, satisfying meal. It’s rich, flavorful, and perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner.

A close-up view of a creamy dish in a white round pan filled with three thick slices of golden-brown grilled chicken breast placed on top. The dish has a rich pale yellow cream sauce with small, soft gnocchi pieces scattered throughout, mixed with bright green spinach leaves and crispy dark red bacon bits. A black spoon is scooping some of the creamy mixture, showing the layers of sauce, gnocchi, bacon, and chicken. The whole dish is sprinkled with cracked black pepper, and the pan rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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″ pieces
3 (6-oz.) boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 tsp. kosher salt, plus more
Freshly ground black pepper

1 shallot, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tsp. fresh thyme leaves

1/4 tsp. 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

Step 1: In a blender, combine the cottage cheese and 3/4 cup of chicken broth. Blend until smooth, about 30 to 60 seconds, then set aside.

Step 2: Place the bacon pieces in a single layer in a large cold skillet. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the bacon is crispy, 7 to 9 minutes. Remove the bacon to a plate and reserve the fat in the skillet.
Step 3: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with 1 tsp. kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Arrange the chicken 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 yet. Transfer to a plate.
Step 4: In the same skillet, add the shallot and 1 tsp. salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring, until translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add the garlic, thyme leaves, and crushed red pepper flakes, cooking and stirring for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in 1/2 cup chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the skillet to release browned bits.

Step 5: Bring the mixture to a simmer. Add the chicken back to the skillet; cover and simmer until the chicken is cooked through and a thermometer reads 165°F (74°C), about 4 to 6 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and cover to keep warm.
Step 6: Return the sauce to a simmer and cook uncovered until most of the liquid evaporates. Stir in the reserved cottage cheese mixture and bring to a gentle simmer. Add the gnocchi and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, 2 to 3 minutes. Fold in the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese until melted, then stir in the fresh spinach until wilted. If the sauce is too thick, add the remaining 1/4 cup chicken broth. Fold in three-quarters of the crispy bacon, then season with salt if needed.
Step 7: Slice the cooked chicken crosswise into pieces and return them to the skillet. Season with black pepper to taste. Serve warm, topped with the remaining bacon pieces.

Tips & Variations

For a creamier texture, use whole milk cottage cheese and avoid low-fat versions.
Swap fresh spinach with kale or Swiss chard for a different leafy green flavor.
Add mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes in step 4 for extra depth.

Use turkey bacon as a lower-fat alternative if preferred.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Adding a splash of broth while reheating helps maintain the creamy sauce consistency.

How to Serve

The image shows a white pan filled with sliced golden-brown cooked chicken breast arranged in a layer at the bottom. On top of and between the chicken slices are small, soft, pale yellow gnocchi pieces scattered evenly. The dish is covered with a creamy, light beige sauce that has visible green spinach leaves mixed in. Crispy, reddish-brown bacon bits are sprinkled over the chicken and sauce, adding a crunchy texture. In the top right, a spoon lifts a portion showing a piece of chicken breast, two gnocchi, a spinach leaf, and bacon in the creamy sauce. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dish up to step 6 and refrigerate it before adding the spinach and finishing the dish. When ready to serve, reheat and fold in the spinach and bacon.

Is gnocchi necessary or can I substitute it?

You can substitute gnocchi with small pasta like gnocchetti, mini shells, or even diced potatoes, but cooking times and texture will vary.

Mariam Harutyunyan