Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Lemon Chicken Gnocchi with Spinach and Parmesan Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

3.8 from 5 reviews

  • Author: Molly
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Description

This Lemon Chicken Gnocchi is a creamy, comforting one-pan meal featuring tender chicken cutlets seared to golden perfection and simmered with pillowy potato gnocchi in a luscious lemon-infused cream sauce. Enhanced with fresh baby spinach and Parmesan cheese, this quick and easy 30-minute dish combines bright citrus flavors with hearty textures for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Chicken

  • 2 large chicken breasts
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
  • Salt & pepper, to taste

Sauce and Gnocchi

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
  • 1 pound uncooked potato gnocchi
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups packed fresh baby spinach

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Cut each chicken breast in half lengthwise to create 4 thin cutlets. Season both sides of the chicken with garlic powder, lemon pepper seasoning, and salt if your lemon pepper blend does not contain salt.
  2. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken cutlets and sear for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside, tenting with foil to keep warm if desired.
  3. Sauté Garlic: Reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Deglaze the Pan: Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits, infusing the sauce with flavor.
  5. Cook Gnocchi in Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream and add the uncooked gnocchi. Mix well to submerge the gnocchi in the sauce. Let the mixture gently bubble uncovered for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gnocchi is tender and the sauce thickens. Be careful not to over-thicken; add a splash of chicken broth if needed.
  6. Finish the Dish: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in Parmesan cheese and fresh baby spinach, tossing until the spinach wilts and everything is well combined. Return the chicken to the pan along with any accumulated juices and spoon sauce over the top. Season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • If your lemon pepper seasoning does not contain salt, be sure to season the chicken accordingly.
  • Do not precook gnocchi before adding to the sauce; it will cook in the sauce and release starch to thicken it.
  • If the sauce thickens too much while cooking, add extra chicken broth to loosen it.
  • Tent chicken with foil after cooking to keep it warm without drying out.
  • Fresh baby spinach adds color and nutrition, but you can substitute with kale or arugula if preferred.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Find it online: https://recipeglimpse.com/lemon-chicken-gnocchi-with-spinach-and-parmesan-recipe/