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Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Recipe

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4.3 from 14 reviews

This Lemon Chicken Gnocchi recipe features tender seared chicken breasts paired with pillowy potato gnocchi in a creamy, tangy lemon sauce with fresh spinach and parmesan. Cooked entirely on the stovetop, this comforting and flavorful one-pan meal is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that feels both indulgent and fresh.

Ingredients

Chicken

  • 2 large chicken breasts
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning (see note)
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Sauce & Gnocchi

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
  • 1 pound uncooked potato gnocchi
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups (packed) fresh baby spinach

Instructions

  1. Prep the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create four thin cutlets. Season both sides evenly with garlic powder, lemon pepper seasoning, and salt if your lemon pepper blend doesn’t contain it.
  2. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken cutlets and sear for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm.
  3. Sauté Garlic: Reduce the skillet heat to medium. Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Deglaze and Make Sauce: Stir in chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the pan for flavor. Then add the heavy cream and uncooked gnocchi. Stir well to ensure gnocchi is submerged in the liquid.
  5. Cook Gnocchi and Thicken Sauce: Let the mixture simmer gently, uncovered, for 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally until gnocchi are tender and the sauce thickens. The starch released from cooking gnocchi helps thicken the sauce. Avoid over-thickening; add extra broth if needed.
  6. Finish the Dish: Remove the pan from heat. Stir in parmesan cheese and baby spinach until the spinach wilts and is incorporated. Return the chicken and any juices back to the skillet. Spoon sauce over the chicken and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  7. Serve: Serve the lemon chicken gnocchi hot immediately for best texture and flavor.

Notes

  • Lemon pepper seasoning typically includes dried lemon zest, pepper, salt, and spices. If unavailable, simply use salt and pepper but expect a less lemony flavor.
  • You can substitute heavy cream with a lower-fat alternative at your discretion, but the sauce may curdle due to the citrus.
  • Do not pre-cook the gnocchi; it cooks directly in the sauce, releasing starch that thickens it naturally.

Find it online: https://flavorspath.com/lemon-chicken-gnocchi-recipe/