Name: Easy One Pan Creamy Lemon & Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tbsp olive oil, divided; 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1/2 yellow onion, diced; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1/4 tsp dried oregano; 1/4 tsp dried thyme; Pinch of chili flakes; Zest of one lemon; Juice of one lemon; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 cup whole milk; 450 g (16 oz) shelf-stable gnocchi (regular or gluten-free); 1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese; Fresh dill; Parmesan cheese; Chili flakes

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If you love dishes that deliver comfort and elegance with minimal fuss, then you will absolutely adore this Easy One Pan Creamy Lemon & Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Recipe. It combines tender, golden chicken breasts with pillowy gnocchi all swirled in a luscious, zesty lemon and garlic cream sauce that brings brightness and warmth to every bite. The magic here is that it all comes together in one pan, making your dinner both incredibly flavorful and wonderfully easy to prepare. Trust me, this recipe will quickly become a favorite for busy weeknights or when you want a cozy meal that feels special without complicated steps.

Ingredients You’ll Need

On a white plate, four pieces of raw chicken are spread out evenly; each piece is light pink with a thin layer of black pepper and salt sprinkled on top, creating small dark specks. Behind the plate, on a white marbled surface, two whole green limes sit close together to the right, while to the left, a whole light brown onion and a whole white garlic bulb rest side by side. There is also a small part of a yellow container and a small spoon filled with red chili flakes partly visible on the left side of the image. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering simple yet impactful ingredients is essential for making this dish shine. Each item contributes a key element, whether it’s rich flavor, beautiful texture, or vibrant color. Everything here works together perfectly to create that irresistible creamy lemon and garlic sensation you crave.

Olive oil (2 tbsp, divided): Provides a fragrant base for searing chicken and sautéing aromatics, adding depth and richness.
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (4): The tender, juicy star protein that pairs perfectly with the gnocchi.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing the flavors throughout the cooking process.
Yellow onion (1/2, diced): Adds sweetness and soft texture that complements the garlic and herbs.
Garlic cloves (4, minced): Infuses the sauce with its warm, aromatic punch.
Dried oregano (1/4 tsp) and dried thyme (1/4 tsp): These herbs bring a subtle earthiness and complexity.
Chili flakes (pinch): A hint of heat that lifts the flavors without overpowering.
Lemon zest and juice (from 1 lemon): Provide bright citrus notes that brighten and balance the creamy sauce.
Chicken broth (2 cups): Adds savory depth and a natural base for simmering the dish.
Whole milk (1 cup): Creamifies the sauce, making it luxuriously smooth and comforting.
Gnocchi (450 g / 16 oz, regular or gluten-free): The fluffy, pillowy dumplings soak up the creamy lemon sauce perfectly.
Shredded parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Adds a savory, nutty finish that melts into the sauce beautifully.
Garnishes – fresh dill, parmesan cheese, chili flakes: These final touches elevate both flavor and presentation.

How to Make Easy One Pan Creamy Lemon & Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Recipe

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Start by generously seasoning your chicken breasts with kosher salt and freshly ground pepper. This foundational seasoning will bring out the natural flavor of the meat. Heat 1 1/2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken. Let it sear until golden brown on each side, about five to six minutes per side. This step locks in juices and builds a beautiful crust that will make every bite satisfying. Once seared, remove the chicken and set aside—don’t worry, it will finish cooking in the sauce!

Step 2: Sauté Onions and Aromatics

Reduce your heat to medium and add the remaining 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Toss in the diced onion and cook for around four to five minutes until softened and translucent — a crucial component for the sauce’s subtle sweetness. Then, stir in the minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, and a pinch of chili flakes. Cooking this mixture for one minute releases fragrant oils, layering complex aromas that will make your kitchen smell irresistible.

Step 3: Build the Creamy Lemon Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth and use a wooden spoon or spatula to scrape up those golden browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan — these add amazing depth and flavor. Next, stir in the lemon zest and whole milk, blending everything smoothly together. Finally, slowly add the lemon juice while stirring constantly to ensure the sauce emulsifies and gains that bright, tangy pop. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer, setting the stage for the gnocchi to soak up all that saucy goodness.

Step 4: Simmer with Gnocchi and Chicken

Once your sauce is simmering, carefully add the gnocchi to the skillet. Nestle the reserved chicken breasts right back into the pan along with their juices, ensuring everything is submerged in the creamy sauce. Bring to a simmer again, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Let everything cook together for 10 to 15 minutes, giving the gnocchi time to puff up tenderly and the chicken to finish cooking through. This slow simmer melds all the flavors together beautifully.

Step 5: Finish with Parmesan Cheese

When the chicken is cooked and gnocchi perfectly tender, remove the chicken from the skillet. Stir in the shredded parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt fully into the sauce. Let it cook for an additional few minutes to thicken up slightly, creating that perfect creamy consistency that clings to every piece of gnocchi and chicken. Now, your Easy One Pan Creamy Lemon & Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Recipe is ready to satisfy!

How to Serve Easy One Pan Creamy Lemon & Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Recipe

A white plate holds a serving of small, soft gnocchi coated in a creamy light yellow sauce with visible herbs, arranged in a loose pile. On top of the gnocchi sits a piece of golden-brown, slightly seared chicken covered with the same sauce and sprinkled with small green herb pieces. A thin lemon slice rests on the chicken's upper right side. To the right of the plate, a dark fork lies flat, and a small white bowl with lemon wedges is partially visible in the top right corner. The scene is set on a white marbled surface with a black-and-white striped cloth partially visible at the bottom right. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Finishing touches make all the difference. Sprinkle fresh dill over the dish for a pop of herbal brightness and subtle anise notes that pair wonderfully with lemon. Add extra parmesan cheese to enhance the savory richness. If you like a bit of kick, a few more chili flakes on top are a fantastic way to add just the right amount of heat and color contrast.

Side Dishes

This recipe is wonderfully hearty on its own but pairing it with a crisp green salad or lightly steamed seasonal vegetables adds freshness and crunch. Roasted asparagus or garlic butter green beans work beautifully, offering balance to the creamy sauce and satisfying gnocchi. For a more indulgent meal, crusty bread is perfect to mop up every last bit of sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special dinner or when entertaining, plate the chicken sliced over the gnocchi to showcase those juicy, tender breast interiors. Drizzle extra lemon juice or a splash of olive oil for shine before serving. You can also serve individual portions in shallow bowls and garnish each with a lemon wedge and dill sprig to make every guest feel like they’re enjoying a restaurant-quality meal at home.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of this Easy One Pan Creamy Lemon & Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Recipe store very well in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors actually meld and deepen after a day or two, making it even tastier the next time you eat it. To prevent the gnocchi from absorbing too much sauce and getting gummy, try storing the chicken separate if possible.

Freezing

While you can freeze this dish, keep in mind that gnocchi may slightly change texture after freezing and reheating. If you plan to freeze, store the sauce and chicken together but consider cooking fresh gnocchi when ready to serve for best results. Always cool the dish completely before freezing in freezer-safe containers.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to keep the sauce creamy and prevent the gnocchi from sticking. Add a splash of milk or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. Microwaving is convenient but less ideal as it can cook unevenly, so stir halfway through if using this method.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought gnocchi for this recipe?

Absolutely! Whether you pick regular or gluten-free store-bought gnocchi, it works wonderfully in this dish. Just be sure to follow the cooking instructions, as some gnocchi varieties cook faster than others.

Is it possible to use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless chicken thighs can be used and will add extra juiciness and flavor. Adjust cooking time to ensure they are cooked through, and keep an eye on them as thighs might cook faster and are a bit more forgiving than breasts.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make it dairy-free, substitute the whole milk with an unsweetened plant-based milk like oat or almond milk and swap parmesan for a dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast for that cheesy flavor. The dish will still be creamy and delicious!

How spicy is this dish?

This recipe has just a gentle hint of heat from the pinch of chili flakes, which complements the lemon and garlic flavors without overwhelming them. You can adjust the amount of chili flakes to your personal heat preference.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time and finish cooking later?

You can prep the chicken and sauté the aromatics ahead of time, but it’s best to cook the gnocchi and finish simmering with the sauce just before serving to maintain the perfect texture and freshness.

Final Thoughts

This Easy One Pan Creamy Lemon & Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Recipe is truly a gem in the world of effortless, comforting meals. It brings together simple ingredients in a way that feels both fancy and approachable, perfect for sharing with family or friends any night of the week. I encourage you to give it a try and discover how a few key flavors, combined in one pan, can create an unforgettable dinner that’s as delightful to make as it is to eat.