Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Recipe: Bright, Creamy, and Easy
Looking for a quick and cozy dinner that tastes like something from a restaurant? This Lemon Chicken Gnocchi is your new go-to. With tender chicken, soft pillowy gnocchi, and a creamy lemon sauce that wakes up your taste buds, this meal comes together in just 30 minutes. It’s fresh, tangy, and perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
Whether you’re feeding the family or meal prepping for the week, this one-pan dish makes it easy. If you are craving more creamy skillet chicken try this Creamy Chicken Breast in Spinach Parmesan Sauce, it’s rich, garlicky, and perfect for a cozy night in.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast (boneless, skinless, diced)
- 1 lb potato gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 lemon (zest and juice)
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for dairy-free)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil (for garnish)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Chicken: Swap for turkey, tofu, or chickpeas.
- Cream: Use plant-based options like coconut or almond cream.
- Greens: Try arugula or kale instead of spinach.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free gnocchi.
Cooking Time:
Prep Time
5-10 Minutes
Cook Time
15-20 Minutes
Total Time
25-30 Minutes
Instructions
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Dice the chicken and halve the tomatoes. Zest and juice the lemon, and mince the garlic.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook 5–7 minutes until golden and cooked through.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Tomatoes
Push chicken to one side. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds, then stir in cherry tomatoes.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth and cream. Stir everything together and bring to a simmer.
Step 5: Add Gnocchi, Spinach, and Lemon
Add gnocchi, spinach, lemon juice, and zest. Cook for 3–5 minutes until the gnocchi is heated and spinach is wilted.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Adjust salt, pepper, and lemon to taste. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or basil.
Want something just as cheesy but handheld? These Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps make a great lunch or dinner on the go.
Tips for Success
- Don’t overcook the gnocchi. It cooks fast.
- Don’t skip the lemon zest, it adds a ton of flavor.
- Simmer the sauce for a few minutes so everything blends well.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
Based on 4 servings:
- Calories: 485
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Protein: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
For a lighter version, use low-fat cream or coconut milk.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Freeze the sauce and gnocchi separately for up to 1 month.
- Reheat: Use a skillet on low heat with a splash of broth for moisture.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette.
- Add garlic bread or toasted sourdough for dipping or keep it low-carb with Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Asparagus — quick, buttery, and packed with flavor.
- Great for meal prep or make-ahead lunch boxes.
Conclusion
There’s something magical about how lemon, cream, and garlic come together in this dish. It’s cozy, zesty, and downright satisfying. So grab your favorite skillet, pour yourself a glass of something bubbly, and bring this Lemon Chicken Gnocchi to life in your own kitchen.
