Chicken Bacon Alfredo Gnocchi

We love fettuccine alfredo at our house. I mean, who doesn't, right? Thick strands of pasta drenched in rich, creamy sauce--can it get any better? And alfredo sauce is soooo easy (it's literally like two ingredients,) so I make it all the time. There's only one thing I can think of that could possibly improve on this classic dish. BACON! I also add some chicken for the sake of my meat-loving hubby.

To mix things up a bit, I decided to swap out the noodles for something just as carb-rific as fettuccine--fluffy pillows of potato in the form of gnocchi. Toss in some green beans and you've got a full meal, all in one bowl and ready in less than 30 minutes. Now that's a winner winner chicken dinner!

Chicken Bacon Alfredo Gnocchi

Prep time: 20 mins 

Serves 4

6 slices bacon, cut into small pieces
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or 3 thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 lb uncooked potato gnocchi

1 cup frozen cut green beans
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
Salt & pepper to taste 

In a deep skillet, over medium-high heat, fry the bacon until it's crispy (about 10 mins.). 

Once the bacon is done, strain it and set the bacon aside, reserving a tablespoon of grease.

Sprinkle the chicken with salt and pepper then add to the pan with the reserved bacon grease. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring often, until the chicken turns white. Strain off any liquid and return chicken to pan.

Add the garlic and cook another minute, until fragrant.

Reduce the heat to medium then add the chicken broth, cream, Italian seasoning, gnocchi, green beans, and bacon back into the pan. Simmer until gnocchi is tender (about 5 minutes) and sauce has reduced to your liking. 

Stir in the parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper, as needed.

518 calories per serving. Click here for more nutritional info and shopping list!