Zesty Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Recipe: Bright Summer Comfort

Zesty lemon chicken gnocchi crafts ordinary weeknight dinners into culinary adventures that spark immediate excitement.

Tender pieces of succulent poultry dance alongside soft, pillowy potato dumplings in a bright, tangy sauce.

Mediterranean-inspired flavors burst through each carefully crafted bite, promising a meal that feels both comforting and sophisticated.

Home cooks seeking something beyond standard dinner routines will appreciate this delightful combination of textures and tastes.

Robust herbs and citrusy undertones elevate this dish from simple to spectacular, creating a memorable dining experience.

Professional chefs and passionate home cooks alike understand how strategic ingredient pairings can revolutionize classic comfort food.

The magic happens when carefully selected components merge into a harmonious, mouthwatering masterpiece.

Why Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Is Creamy with a Citrus Kick

• Burst with Zesty Flavor: This lemon chicken gnocchi recipe delivers a bright, tangy punch that wakes up your taste buds with its perfect balance of citrusy lemon and rich, creamy sauce.
• Effortless Gourmet Comfort: Achieve restaurant-quality results with minimal cooking skills, transforming simple ingredients into a luxurious meal that feels like a warm culinary hug.
• Quick Weeknight Wonder: From skillet to table in just 20 minutes, this one-pan marvel solves dinner dilemmas with its speedy preparation and minimal cleanup, making it ideal for busy families and hungry professionals.
• Texture Paradise: Experience a delightful contrast between crispy golden chicken, pillowy soft gnocchi, and silky spinach-infused sauce that creates a symphony of mouthwatering textures in every single bite.

Ingredients for Lemon Chicken Gnocchi

• Chicken Breasts: Tender and lean meat that provides the main protein for the dish, best when fresh and trimmed of excess fat.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds rich, salty flavor and helps thicken the sauce with its sharp, nutty characteristics.

• Garlic Powder, Minced Garlic: Provides deep, aromatic flavor base that enhances the overall taste of the dish.
• Lemon Pepper Seasoning: Brings bright, zesty notes with a mild spicy kick to complement the chicken.
• Salt & Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing the natural flavors of all ingredients.

• Olive Oil, Butter: Create a rich, flavorful foundation for cooking and building the sauce.
• Chicken Broth: Adds depth and moisture to the sauce, creating a more complex flavor profile.
• Lemon Juice: Provides fresh, tangy brightness that cuts through the richness of the cream.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious, smooth sauce that coats the gnocchi and chicken.
• Potato Gnocchi: Soft, pillowy pasta that serves as the hearty base of the dish.
• Baby Spinach: Adds fresh, nutritious green element with a delicate texture.

How to Make Lemon Chicken Gnocchi in One Pan

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Cutlets

• Garlic powder
• Lemon pepper seasoning
• Salt (if seasoning blend lacks salt)

Step 2: Sear Chicken to Golden Perfection

Heat a skillet with oil and butter over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked. Transfer to a plate and cover loosely with foil to keep warm.

Step 3: Infuse Garlic Aroma

Reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic to the same skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 4: Create Flavorful Liquid Base

• Chicken broth
• Fresh lemon juice

Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan to maximize flavor.

Step 5: Cook Gnocchi in Creamy Sauce

Stir in heavy cream and gnocchi. Ensure gnocchi is fully submerged in liquid. Simmer uncovered for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. The gnocchi will release starch, naturally thickening the sauce. Adjust consistency with additional broth if needed.

Step 6: Final Touches and Serving

• Parmesan cheese
• Fresh spinach

Toss until spinach begins to wilt. Return chicken to the skillet, spooning sauce over the top. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.

Tips for Zingy, Tender Lemon Chicken Gnocchi

• Slice Chicken Strategically: Cut chicken horizontally to create uniform, thin cutlets for even cooking and faster preparation.
• Season Generously: Layer flavors by using garlic powder and lemon pepper, ensuring salt is present for a well-balanced taste profile.
• Control Skillet Temperature: Use medium-high heat for perfect chicken sear, creating golden-brown exterior while maintaining juicy interior.
• Watch Gnocchi Cooking: Stir occasionally and let gnocchi gently bubble in sauce, allowing it to release natural starches for thickening without pre-cooking.
• Finish with Fresh Touches: Add parmesan and spinach off-heat to preserve their vibrant flavors and prevent overcooking, creating a fresh, creamy finish.

Best Way to Store and Reheat Lemon Chicken Gnocchi

• Refrigerate: Transfer cooled lemon chicken gnocchi to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure the container is tightly sealed to maintain freshness.
• Reheat on Stovetop: Warm the dish in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture and prevent sticking. Stir gently and frequently until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave Option: Place leftovers in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming. Add a little broth if the sauce seems dry.

What to Serve with Lemon Chicken Gnocchi

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: A zesty sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio complements the lemon chicken's bright flavors, cutting through the creamy sauce with refreshing acidity.
• Match with Fresh Green Salad: A light arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette echoes the dish's citrusy notes while providing a crisp contrast to the rich, creamy gnocchi.
• Serve with Crusty Garlic Bread: Toasted sourdough or ciabatta helps soak up the delicious sauce, adding a crunchy texture that balances the soft gnocchi and tender chicken.
• Complement with Sparkling Water: A chilled glass of sparkling water with a slice of lemon refreshes the palate between bites, cleansing the richness of the creamy sauce.

Fresh Ways to Reimagine Lemon Chicken Gnocchi

• Herbal Mediterranean Fusion: Replace lemon pepper with za'atar seasoning and add chopped fresh oregano and mint for a Greek-inspired flavor profile that transforms the dish's taste landscape.
• Spicy Cajun Adaptation: Swap lemon pepper for Cajun seasoning, use andouille sausage alongside chicken, and incorporate diced bell peppers to create a bold, zesty southern-style gnocchi experience.
• Creamy Mushroom Variation: Sauté wild mushrooms like shiitake or porcini before adding chicken, then incorporate a splash of white wine and fresh thyme to enhance the sauce's earthy undertones.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute cream with coconut milk, use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan, and add roasted red peppers for a rich, plant-based version that maintains the dish's creamy texture.

Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Recipe

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4.6 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mediterranean-inspired lemon chicken gnocchi delivers zesty comfort on a plate. Succulent chicken and pillowy gnocchi mingle with bright citrus notes, creating a simple yet elegant dinner you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 2 large chicken breasts
• 1 pound uncooked potato gnocchi

Dairy and Cheese:

• 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
• 1 tablespoon butter
• ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

Seasonings and Liquids:

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 cups fresh baby spinach
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Butterfly the chicken cutlets into thinner portions, creating four even pieces. Generously season both sides with aromatic garlic powder and zesty lemon pepper seasoning, ensuring a comprehensive flavor coating.
2. Heat a skillet with a harmonious blend of oil and butter over medium-high temperature. Carefully sear the seasoned chicken until golden brown and fully cooked, approximately 5-6 minutes per side. Carefully transfer the chicken to a separate plate, keeping it warm.
3. Reduce the skillet’s temperature to medium and introduce minced garlic, allowing it to release its fragrant essence for roughly 30 seconds.
4. Deglaze the pan by pouring in chicken broth and fresh lemon juice, simultaneously scraping the flavorful caramelized bits from the skillet’s bottom.
5. Incorporate heavy cream and pillowy gnocchi into the liquid, ensuring complete submersion. Simmer uncovered for 5-7 minutes, stirring intermittently, allowing the gnocchi to cook and the sauce to naturally thicken through released starches.
6. Remove the skillet from heat and gently fold in grated parmesan cheese and tender spinach leaves. Stir until the spinach begins to wilt and integrates seamlessly with the sauce. Return the chicken to the skillet, drizzling with accumulated juices. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as desired, then serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

• Searing chicken first builds deep flavor in the skillet, creating delicious brown bits that infuse the entire sauce with richness.
• Quick-cooking method ensures gnocchi remains perfectly tender while allowing the sauce to naturally thicken without pre-cooking the dumplings.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 640
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 40g
• Saturated Fat: 20g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 150mg