Ingredients
Scale
- 2 medium chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 500 grams gnocchi
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 5 ounce fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 lemon wedge
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your chicken. Pat the chicken breasts dry and season them generously with salt and black pepper on both sides. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts and sear for 5-7 minutes per side, or until beautifully golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a cutting board to rest, tented loosely with foil.
- While the chicken rests, in the same skillet (don’t clean it, those browned bits are flavor!), melt a tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and finely chopped onion, cooking for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon – this is crucial for adding depth to your sauce. Bring the broth to a simmer for a few minutes, allowing it to reduce slightly.
- Next, it’s time for the star of the sauce: the cream and lemon. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and fresh lemon juice. Continue to simmer gently for about 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Meanwhile, cook your gnocchi according to package directions; typically, this involves boiling them in salted water until they float to the surface, which usually only takes 2-3 minutes.
- Once the gnocchi are cooked, use a slotted spoon to transfer them directly into the simmering sauce. Slice or shred your rested chicken into bite-sized pieces and add it to the skillet with the gnocchi and sauce. Stir in the fresh spinach, letting it wilt into the warm sauce for just a minute or two.
- Finally, remove the skillet from the heat, stir in the lemon zest and grated Parmesan cheese. Taste and adjust seasonings, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if desired. The sauce should be silky, creamy, and bursting with bright lemon flavor, coating every piece of gnocchi and chicken perfectly.
Notes
Get ready to fall head over heels for this Lemon Chicken Gnocchi, a dish that perfectly marries comfort food with bright, zesty flavors! Imagine tender, plump potato gnocchi swimming in a rich, creamy lemon sauce, studded with succulent, pan-seared chicken and fresh spinach. It’s a symphony of textures and tastes, where the pillowy gnocchi absorbs every bit of that vibrant, tangy sauce, creating an utterly irresistible experience. This recipe is an elevated take on classic comfort, offering a meal that feels both special and incredibly satisfying, perfect for a cozy weeknight or a delightful dinner party.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian