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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Reduce the skillet’s temperature to medium and introduce minced garlic, allowing it to release its fragrant essence for roughly 30 seconds.
- Deglaze the pan by pouring in chicken broth and fresh lemon juice, simultaneously scraping the flavorful caramelized bits from the skillet’s bottom.
- 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.
- 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