Prepare to fall in love with the bright, creamy flavors and comforting textures of this Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Dish. Packed with juicy chicken, pillowy gnocchi, fresh baby spinach, and a luscious lemon-Parmesan sauce, this one-pan meal feels downright luxurious yet comes together in just 30 minutes. The combination of zesty lemon and savory Italian seasoning transforms everyday ingredients into a weeknight wonder you’ll crave. When you’re after something easy but impressive, the Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Dish absolutely delivers.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Dish is how such simple, familiar ingredients come together to create something bright, satisfying, and memorable. Each one—from the creamy sauce to the spinach—plays a role in the taste, texture, or even the gorgeous color on your plate.
- Olive oil: Adds a lovely richness for searing the chicken and starts the dish off with flavor.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Bite-sized pieces cook up quickly and soak up all the zesty sauce goodness.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for bringing out all the savory notes in both the chicken and the sauce.
- Italian seasoning: Just the right touch of herby flavors to give your dish that Italian-inspired vibe.
- Butter: Gives the sauce extra body and a luxurious, decadent mouthfeel.
- Garlic: Three cloves, minced, make everything pop with aromatic depth.
- Pillow potato gnocchi: Pre-made shelf-stable gnocchi are easy, quick, and create a satisfying, chewy base.
- Chicken broth: Infuses every bite with a light but flavorful foundation for the creamy sauce.
- Heavy cream: The secret behind the dish’s silky, rich texture—feel free to swap for half-and-half for something lighter.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Melts beautifully and turns the sauce irresistibly creamy and nutty.
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon: The heart and soul of this dish, adding freshness, tang, and irresistible brightness.
- Baby spinach: Two cups add color and sneak in extra veggies, wilting perfectly into the creamy sauce at the end.
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional): A sprinkle of parsley on top makes everything feel restaurant-fancy.
How to Make Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Dish
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Start by heating that luscious olive oil in a big skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken pieces generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning—it’s worth tossing them really well to ensure every bite is flavorful. Add the chicken to the hot pan and cook until golden and perfectly cooked through, usually about 5 to 6 minutes. Once cooked, scoop the chicken out onto a plate and set aside so it stays juicy.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Toast Gnocchi
In the same skillet (no need to clean, keep all those tasty bits!), melt your butter and stir in the minced garlic. Let it sizzle just until fragrant, taking care not to burn. Next, add the gnocchi and toss so each piece gets coated in that fragrant, garlicky butter. This little step wakes up the gnocchi and infuses extra flavor into every bite.
Step 3: Simmer Gnocchi with Broth
Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Let the gnocchi cook for around 4 to 5 minutes, stirring now and then. You want the gnocchi to turn tender and soak up most of that savory broth—they’ll almost double as little flavor sponges!
Step 4: Make It Creamy and Lemony
Lower the heat a touch, then pour in the heavy cream. Add the grated Parmesan, lemon zest, and lemon juice all at once—this is when your kitchen starts smelling absolutely amazing. Stir everything together until the cheese melts and you’ve got a dreamy, rich, lemony sauce coating every piece.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Return your cooked chicken (and all its flavorful juices) to the skillet and gently fold to mix. Scatter in the baby spinach, stirring until the leaves are just wilted—about 1 or 2 minutes. Take a quick taste and season if needed, then serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if you’re feeling fancy!
How to Serve Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Dish
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a classic, but you can really make the Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Dish pop with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan, a few grinds of black pepper, or even some paper-thin lemon slices right on top for a bold citrus hit. A drizzle of good olive oil at the table can add an extra layer of flavor and that glossy finish.
Side Dishes
A crisp green salad or a simple arugula salad with lemon dressing is the perfect companion, lightening up the creamy richness of this Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Dish. Warm crusty bread or buttery garlic toast never goes amiss, either—just perfect for mopping up every last bit of that zesty sauce!
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, serve the Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Dish in shallow pasta bowls with a swirl of sauce and a delicate tangle of sautéed spinach on top for height. If you’re entertaining, spoon small portions into ramekins and finish under the broiler for a bubbly, golden top—watch everyone’s faces light up!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you), let the Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Dish cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days—just long enough for quick lunches or an even creamier follow-up dinner.
Freezing
While gnocchi dishes are best freshly made, you can freeze portions if needed. Pack individual servings in airtight, freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to one month. Thaw in the fridge overnight for best results, though the texture of the gnocchi may soften slightly after freezing.
Reheating
Reheat the Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Dish gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce if needed. For microwave reheating, cover loosely and stir halfway through to heat evenly—just be careful not to overcook the chicken or gnocchi.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking fresh chicken?
Absolutely! Grab a cooked rotisserie chicken from the store, shred or dice the meat, and add it back into the skillet right before adding the spinach. This is a perfect shortcut for weeknights or when you want to use up leftovers, without sacrificing that delicious Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Dish flavor.
Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use your favorite gluten-free gnocchi (there are several good brands out there) and double-check your chicken broth to be sure it’s gluten-free as well. The rest of the ingredients naturally fit gluten-free diets, so you won’t miss a thing.
Can I swap the spinach for another green?
Totally. If baby spinach isn’t your thing, try arugula for a peppery kick or kale for extra heartiness. Just be sure to cook heartier greens a bit longer until they wilt and become tender in the sauce.
What can I do to make it more lemony?
If you adore bright citrusy flavors, add a few thin slices of lemon while the gnocchi simmers, or finish the Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Dish with extra zest right before serving. You can also squeeze on a bit more lemon juice to taste!
Can I make this without heavy cream?
You sure can. Half-and-half is a good lighter substitute, or for an even leaner version, use whole milk along with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan for richness. Your sauce will be a little lighter, but the dish will still taste amazing.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready for a meal that’s quick, creamy, and bursting with fresh flavors, you owe it to yourself to try this Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Dish. Whether you dress it up for company or dig into a cozy bowl on a weeknight, this recipe is guaranteed to bring a big, zesty smile to your table!
Print
Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Dish Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A delightful and creamy one-pan dish featuring tender potato gnocchi, juicy chicken, and a bright lemony flavor profile. This Lemon Chicken Gnocchi is easy to make and perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
For the Gnocchi:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 package (16 oz) shelf-stable potato gnocchi
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 2 cups baby spinach
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet and cook seasoned chicken until golden brown. Set aside.
- Cook the Gnocchi: In the same skillet, melt butter, sauté garlic, add gnocchi, pour in chicken broth, and simmer until tender.
- Finish the Dish: Stir in cream, Parmesan, lemon zest, lemon juice, cooked chicken, and spinach. Cook until spinach is wilted.
- Serve: Adjust seasoning if needed and garnish with parsley. Enjoy hot.
Notes
- For extra lemon flavor, add lemon slices while simmering.
- You can use half-and-half for a lighter version.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
