Creamy Lemon Chicken Gnocchi (Printable)

Tender chicken and soft gnocchi in a rich lemon cream sauce with spinach and Parmesan. Ready in 40 minutes.

# What You'll 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

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)

→ Garnish

15 - Fresh parsley, chopped
16 - Extra Parmesan cheese for serving

# Steps:

01 - Season chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper on all sides.
02 - In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 1 tablespoon butter. Add seasoned chicken and cook until golden brown and just cooked through, about 5 to 6 minutes. Transfer chicken to a plate and reserve.
03 - Return skillet to heat and add remaining 1 tablespoon butter. Sauté chopped onion for 2 to 3 minutes until softened and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
04 - Add uncooked gnocchi, chicken broth, and lemon zest to the skillet. Bring to a gentle 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 cheese until melted and incorporated. Add spinach and return reserved chicken to the skillet.
06 - Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until spinach wilts and sauce thickens slightly. Adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The way the lemon zest makes the cream sauce taste bright instead of heavy
  • Everything happens in one pan so you spend less time cleaning
  • Store bought gnocchi turns pillowy and perfect as it simmers in the sauce
02 -
  • Dont crowd the pan when searing chicken or it will steam instead of brown
  • Grate your Parmesan from a wedge for the smoothest sauce texture
  • Add the lemon juice at the end so the cream doesnt separate
03 -
  • Room temperature cream incorporates more smoothly into hot sauces
  • Use a microplane or zester for the lemon zest to avoid bitter white pith

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