Description
This Lemon Chicken Gnocchi recipe is a delightful and quick dinner option featuring tender chicken breasts, pillowy gnocchi, and a creamy lemon-infused sauce with fresh spinach and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a cozy weeknight meal that combines comforting textures with bright citrus flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Gnocchi
- 1 pound of gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 large russet potatoes (if making homemade gnocchi)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (if making homemade gnocchi)
- 1 egg (if making homemade gnocchi)
- Salt (for dough and boiling water)
Chicken and Sauce
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Juice and zest of 1 large lemon
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare Homemade Gnocchi (Optional): If using store-bought gnocchi, skip to step 4. Boil 2 large russet potatoes in salted water for 30-40 minutes until fork-tender. Drain, cool slightly, peel, and mash until smooth. Mix mashed potatoes with 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 egg, and a pinch of salt, kneading until a soft dough forms. Add more flour as needed if the dough is sticky.
- Shape Gnocchi: Roll the dough into ropes about 1/2 inch thick. Cut into 1-inch pieces and use a fork to create ridges on one side of each piece to help sauce adhere.
- Cook Gnocchi: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook gnocchi in batches, boiling until they float to the surface (approximately 2-3 minutes). Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
- Season Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Remove chicken from skillet and let rest for a few minutes before slicing into bite-sized pieces.
- Sauté Garlic: Lower heat to medium. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Deglaze Skillet: Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet to loosen browned bits. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Add Cream and Lemon: Stir in 1 cup heavy cream along with the juice and zest of 1 large lemon. Simmer the sauce for approximately 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
- Add Spinach: Incorporate the chopped fresh spinach into the sauce and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
- Add Parmesan Cheese: Stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and the sauce is creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Combine Gnocchi and Sauce: Add the cooked gnocchi into the skillet and toss gently to coat evenly with the sauce.
- Add Chicken: Gently fold in the sliced chicken pieces, ensuring they are well distributed throughout the dish.
- Final Cook: Allow everything to cook together over low heat for 2-3 minutes to meld flavors and heat through.
- Serve: Remove skillet from heat. Serve the lemon chicken gnocchi in bowls, garnished with freshly chopped parsley. Optionally sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top.
- Enjoy: Pair this delicious dish with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal experience.
Notes
- Using store-bought gnocchi speeds up preparation significantly.
- Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
- Adjust lemon juice to taste for preferred citrus brightness.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or reduce the amount.
- Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and provides deeper flavor compared to pre-grated varieties.
- This dish freezes well; store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat gently to avoid overcooking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: lemon chicken gnocchi, creamy lemon chicken, quick dinner recipe, Italian comfort food, stovetop chicken gnocchi, easy weeknight meal
