Description
Enjoy a delightful Lemon Chicken Gnocchi dish featuring tender gnocchi, juicy chicken, and a creamy lemon sauce with fresh spinach and Parmesan cheese. This comforting meal is perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound of gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Juice and zest of 1 large lemon
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- If using store-bought gnocchi, skip this step. For homemade, boil 2 large russet potatoes until fork-tender (30-40 minutes). Drain, cool slightly, and peel.
- Mash the potatoes until smooth. Mix in 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 egg, and a pinch of salt until a dough forms. Add more flour if too sticky.
- Roll the dough into ropes (1/2 inch thick) and cut into 1-inch pieces. Use a fork to create ridges on one side.
- Boil salted water in a large pot. Cook gnocchi in batches until they float (2-3 minutes). Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F/75°C).
- Remove chicken from skillet and let rest before slicing into bite-sized pieces.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and sauté minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add 1 cup of chicken broth, scraping the skillet to deglaze. Simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream, lemon juice, and zest. Simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add chopped spinach and stir until wilted (about 2 minutes).
- Mix in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until melted. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Add cooked gnocchi to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
- Gently mix in sliced chicken, ensuring even distribution.
- Cook together on low heat for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Remove from heat and serve in bowls, garnished with chopped parsley.
- Optionally, sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top.
- Enjoy with crusty bread or a fresh salad!
Notes
- For added vegetables, consider cherry tomatoes or asparagus, sautéing them with the garlic.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based alternative.
- Fresh herbs like basil can enhance the flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes