Creamy Lemon Chicken Gnocchi (Printable Version)
Tender chicken and soft gnocchi in a rich lemon cream sauce with spinach and Parmesan, ready in 40 minutes.
# What You Need:
→ Protein & Dairy
01 - 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
02 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
03 - 1/2 cup heavy cream
04 - 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
→ Vegetables & Aromatics
05 - 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
06 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
07 - 2 cups fresh baby spinach
08 - Zest of 1 lemon
09 - Juice of 1 lemon (about 3 tablespoons)
→ Gnocchi & Liquids
10 - 1 pound potato gnocchi
11 - 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
→ Seasoning & Garnish
12 - 1/2 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
13 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
14 - 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
15 - Fresh parsley, chopped
16 - Extra Parmesan, for serving
# Directions:
01 - Season chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper on all sides.
02 - Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5–6 minutes. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
03 - Add remaining 1 tablespoon butter to the same skillet. Sauté onion for 2–3 minutes until softened and translucent. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
04 - Stir in uncooked gnocchi, chicken broth, and lemon zest. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
05 - Remove lid and pour in heavy cream and lemon juice. Stir in Parmesan and spinach. Return chicken to the skillet along with any accumulated juices.
06 - Simmer for 2–3 minutes until spinach wilts and sauce thickens. Adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The way the cream sauce clings to those tender potato dumplings makes every bite feel like a warm hug
- Its a complete meal that comes together in one pan, meaning minimal cleanup and maximum flavor
02 -
- Resist the urge to stir the gnocchi too much while they simmer, or they will break apart and turn into gummy bits
- The sauce will continue thickening off the heat, so remove it from the burner while it still looks slightly looser than you want
03 -
- Zest your lemon before juicing it, otherwise you'll struggle to get those fragrant oils off the squeezed fruit
- If the sauce seems too thick, add broth a tablespoon at a time until it reaches your desired consistency