Description
This creamy lemon garlic chicken gnocchi recipe combines tender diced chicken and pillowy gnocchi in a luscious lemon-infused cream sauce with fresh spinach and Parmesan cheese. Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s a delightful and comforting Italian-inspired dish perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 2 chicken breasts (about 1 lb or 450 g), diced
Carbohydrates
- 1 package of gnocchi (about 16 oz or 450 g)
Dairy
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
Produce
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2 cups (about 60 g) fresh spinach
Oils & Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, then season them generously with salt and black pepper to enhance the flavor before cooking.
- Cook the gnocchi: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add the gnocchi, and cook according to the package instructions until they float to the top indicating they are done. Drain and set aside to use later.
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken and cook for about 6-8 minutes or until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the garlic and create the sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Then pour in the heavy cream and freshly squeezed lemon juice, stirring to combine. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Combine gnocchi, chicken, and spinach: Add the cooked gnocchi and chicken back into the skillet. Stir in the fresh spinach and cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the spinach to wilt and everything to heat through evenly.
- Finish the dish: Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese thoroughly until creamy and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed. Serve warm, garnished with extra Parmesan and freshly ground black pepper on top.
Notes
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best bright citrus flavor.
- Feel free to substitute chicken thighs for a juicier texture.
- Gnocchi can be store-bought or homemade depending on your preference.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half but expect a less creamy sauce.
- Make sure not to overcook the spinach; it should just wilt to maintain its vibrant color.
