Creamy Lemon Chicken Gnocchi (Printable)
Tender chicken and fluffy gnocchi in a zesty lemon cream sauce with spinach and Parmesan.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Protein & Dairy
01 - 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 14 oz), 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
10 - 1 pound potato gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
→ Liquids
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, for serving
# How-To 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 chicken and cook until golden brown and just cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Remove chicken to a plate and set aside.
03 - In the same skillet, add remaining 1 tablespoon butter. Sauté onion for 2-3 minutes until softened and translucent, then 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 cheese and spinach, then return cooked chicken to the skillet.
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 chopped parsley and extra Parmesan.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The way the lemon cuts through the cream makes every bite feel bright instead of heavy
- Everything cooks in one pan, so you spend less time cleaning and more time eating
02 -
- Don't skip the lemon zest, it's where all that bright aromatic flavor lives
- The gnocchi will absorb liquid as it sits, so serve immediately while the sauce is creamy
03 -
- Pat your chicken really dry before seasoning—wet chicken steams instead of searing
- Grate your Parmesan from a wedge if possible, it makes a huge difference in how smoothly it melts