If you are looking for a comfort meal that combines creamy richness with bright, zesty freshness, look no further than this Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe. This dish boasts tender chicken pieces nestled in pillowy gnocchi, all enveloped in a luscious lemon-infused cream sauce and vibrant spinach. It’s an absolute weeknight winner that feels special enough for guests but comes together with surprisingly simple ingredients and straightforward steps. Once you try this skillet recipe, it’s sure to become a favorite in your dinner rotation!

Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe is thoughtfully chosen to build layers of flavor and texture. From the soft and chewy gnocchi to the bright pop of lemon zest, each component plays a crucial role in making this dish sing.

1 pound gnocchi: Whether store-bought or homemade, gnocchi brings tender chewiness that soaks up the sauce beautifully.
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Flavorful and lean, chicken adds hearty protein for a satisfying meal.
Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance every element without overpowering.
2 tablespoons olive oil: A healthy fat that helps crisp the chicken and carries the garlic aroma.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic infuses the dish with an irresistible savory depth.
1 cup chicken broth: This creates a flavorful base for the creamy lemon sauce.
1 cup heavy cream: Brings richness and velvety texture to the skillet.
Juice and zest of 1 large lemon: Adds bright citrus notes that balance the cream and elevate the whole dish.
1 cup fresh spinach, chopped: Wilts gently into the sauce, adding color, nutrients, and freshness.
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the cream, contributing a salty, nutty flavor.
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Adds a pop of herbal brightness and makes the dish look gorgeous.

How to Make Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the chicken

Start by patting the chicken breasts dry and seasoning them generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, and cook the chicken for about 6 to 7 minutes per side until it develops a beautiful golden crust and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Once cooked, remove the chicken and let it rest briefly before slicing into bite-sized pieces. This resting period helps keep the chicken juicy, which makes all the difference in the final dish.

Step 2: Sauté garlic and build the sauce

Using the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add minced garlic. Sauté it just until fragrant — about a minute — to avoid bitterness while releasing its warm aroma. Pour in chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up all those tasty browned bits stuck to the bottom. Let this simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, concentrating the flavor. Next, stir in heavy cream alongside freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest, which will brighten and balance the richness. Let the sauce gently bubble and thicken for about 5 minutes.

Step 3: Add greens and cheese

Once your luscious lemon cream sauce has thickened slightly, add the chopped spinach. Stir continuously until the spinach is just wilted, preserving its vibrant green color and fresh taste. Then, incorporate the grated Parmesan, stirring until it melts and blends smoothly into the sauce. This step creates a beautifully creamy texture and adds a savory, nutty dimension to the dish. Taste your sauce now and adjust salt and pepper as needed — the balance of flavors here is key.

Step 4: Combine gnocchi and chicken

Cook your gnocchi according to package instructions or your homemade method until they float, indicating perfect doneness. Drain and add them directly to the skillet, tossing them gently to coat each piece in the rich lemony sauce. Then, fold in the sliced chicken to distribute it evenly throughout the dish. Let everything simmer together on low heat for an extra 2-3 minutes so the flavors meld beautifully. This finishing touch takes the Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe over the top.

How to Serve Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe

Garnishes

Finish your creation with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a fresh and vibrant look. For those who love a little extra cheesiness, an optional dusting of Parmesan cheese on top adds wonderful flavor and texture. These garnishes not only make the dish more appealing but also provide fresh bursts of herbal and cheesy goodness that complement the creamy skillet base.

Side Dishes

This Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe shines on its own, but pairing it with crusty bread is an unbeatable combo for soaking up that delicious sauce. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette also makes a perfect side, contrasting the creaminess with refreshing crunch and acidity. Either way, keep your side simple to let the skillet be the star of the show.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress guests or elevate your family dinner, serve this dish in shallow bowls that showcase the bright lemon sauce and colors. Drizzle a bit of extra lemon juice or olive oil before garnishing for an elegant touch. For casual meals, family-style plating with a hefty parsley sprinkle invites everyone to dig in and share the warmth of this comforting skillet recipe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let the dish cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, the Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe will keep well for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers just as enjoyable as freshly made.

Freezing

While freezing cream-based sauces can sometimes affect texture, this skillet recipe freezes reasonably well if packaged properly. Store in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating to preserve the best flavor and consistency.

Reheating

Gently reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent the cream sauce from separating. Adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce is too thick helps revive the creamy texture. Avoid the microwave if possible for a more even and tasty result.

FAQs

Can I use frozen gnocchi for this recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen gnocchi works just as well as fresh or store-bought refrigerated versions. Just follow the package directions for cooking times, and add it to the skillet once cooked.

What if I don’t have heavy cream on hand?

You can substitute with half-and-half or whole milk mixed with a bit of butter, though the sauce may be slightly less rich and thick. Cook gently to avoid curdling.

Can this recipe be made dairy-free?

Yes, swap the heavy cream with coconut cream or a creamy dairy-free alternative and use a plant-based Parmesan substitute. The lemon, garlic, and chicken broth still pack plenty of flavor.

Is it better to make gnocchi from scratch or use store-bought?

For convenience, store-bought gnocchi is fantastic and saves time. Homemade gnocchi adds a special homemade touch but requires more effort. Either way, the dish is delicious!

How can I add more vegetables?

Feel free to add mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or peas along with the spinach to boost the veggie content. Just sauté them after the garlic step for best texture.

Final Thoughts

I wholeheartedly encourage you to try this Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe—it’s the kind of dinner that feels like a warm hug and a bright celebration all at once. With its easy preparation, comforting textures, and that lovely lemony zing, it’s destined to become one of your favorite go-to meals. So grab your skillet and get cooking; you won’t regret it!

Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe

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4.1 from 57 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This Lemon Chicken Gnocchi is a vibrant and creamy dish that combines tender chicken breasts, pillowy gnocchi, and a zesty lemon-infused sauce with fresh spinach and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a quick yet impressive dinner, it offers a delightful balance of creamy, tangy, and savory flavors in under an hour.

Ingredients

Scale

Gnocchi

1 pound of gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
2 large russet potatoes (for homemade gnocchi)
1 cup all-purpose flour (for homemade gnocchi)
1 egg (for homemade gnocchi)
Salt

Chicken and Sauce

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)

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Instructions

Prepare Gnocchi (if homemade): Boil 2 large russet potatoes until fork-tender, about 30-40 minutes. Drain, cool slightly, and peel the potatoes. Mash until smooth.
Make the Gnocchi Dough: Mix the mashed potatoes with 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 egg, and a pinch of salt until a dough forms. Add more flour if the dough is too sticky.
Shape the Gnocchi: Roll the dough into 1/2 inch thick ropes and cut into 1-inch pieces. Use a fork to create ridges on one side of each piece.
Cook the Gnocchi: Boil salted water in a large pot. Cook the gnocchi in batches until they float to the surface (2-3 minutes). Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
Season the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt and pepper.
Cook the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F/75°C).
Rest and Slice Chicken: Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing into bite-sized pieces.
Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and sauté the minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
Deglaze the Skillet: Add 1 cup of chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet to loosen browned bits. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
Add Cream and Lemon: Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
Add Spinach: Stir in the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
Melt Parmesan: Mix in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted and incorporated. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Toss Gnocchi in Sauce: Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the lemon cream sauce.
Add Chicken: Gently stir the sliced chicken into the gnocchi and sauce, ensuring even distribution.
Heat Through: Cook everything together on low heat for 2-3 minutes to meld flavors.
Serve: Remove from heat and serve portions in bowls, garnished with chopped fresh parsley.
Optional Garnish: Sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top if desired.
Enjoy: Serve with crusty bread or a fresh salad to complete the meal.

Notes

For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half and use reduced-fat Parmesan.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
You can make gnocchi ahead of time and freeze before cooking for convenience.
If preferred, use store-bought gnocchi to significantly reduce prep time.
Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safety.
Adjust lemon juice quantity to taste for more or less tanginess.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-American