One Pan Lemon Chicken Gnocchi (Print Version)

Tender chicken and soft gnocchi simmer in a zesty lemon-cream sauce with fresh spinach, all cooked in one skillet for effortless cleanup.

# What You Need:

→ Meats

01 - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 12 oz), cut into bite-size pieces

→ Gnocchi

02 - 1 lb potato gnocchi (shelf-stable or refrigerated)

→ Vegetables & Aromatics

03 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
06 - 5 oz baby spinach
07 - Zest and juice of 1 large lemon

→ Dairy

08 - 1/2 cup heavy cream
09 - 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

→ Others

10 - 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
11 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
12 - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (optional)
13 - Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

# How-To:

01 - Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces generously with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs if using.
02 - Add the seasoned chicken to the hot skillet. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a clean plate and set aside.
03 - In the same skillet, add the chopped onion. Cook for 2-3 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
04 - Pour in the chicken broth and add the gnocchi. Stir to combine, then cover the skillet with a lid. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gnocchi begins to soften and absorb the liquid.
05 - Add the heavy cream, lemon zest, and lemon juice to the skillet. Return the cooked chicken to the pan along with any accumulated juices. Stir well and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken and coats the gnocchi.
06 - Stir in the baby spinach and grated Parmesan cheese. Continue cooking for 2 additional minutes until the spinach wilts completely and the cheese melts into the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
07 - Remove from heat and serve immediately while hot. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and additional lemon zest if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The entire dish comes together in one pan meaning less cleanup and more time to actually enjoy your evening
  • That bright lemon cream sauce clings to every pillowy gnocchi and tender piece of chicken in the most perfect way
02 -
  • Do not crowd the pan when searing the chicken or it will steam instead of getting that gorgeous golden crust
  • The sauce will continue to thicken as it stands so do not reduce it too much on the stove
03 -
  • Keep some pasta water handy in case your sauce gets too thick
  • Let the pan come back up to temperature after each addition for better cooking results

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