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Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Skillet with Spinach and Parmesan Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 147 reviews

A delightful and creamy Lemon Chicken Gnocchi recipe perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner. Tender chicken breasts are pan-seared and combined with pillowy gnocchi in a zesty lemon cream sauce with fresh spinach and Parmesan cheese, creating a comforting and flavorful meal ready in under an hour.

Ingredients

Scale

Gnocchi

  • 1 pound of gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
  • For homemade gnocchi: 2 large russet potatoes
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (for homemade gnocchi)
  • 1 egg (for homemade gnocchi)
  • Pinch of salt (for homemade gnocchi)

Chicken and Sauce

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • Juice and zest of 1 large lemon
  • 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Garnish

  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Extra Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Potatoes (if making gnocchi from scratch): Boil 2 large russet potatoes until fork-tender, about 30-40 minutes. Drain, cool slightly, and peel off the skins.
  2. Make Gnocchi Dough: Mash the peeled potatoes until smooth. Mix in 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 egg, and a pinch of salt. Knead the dough gently, adding more flour if too sticky, until a soft dough forms.
  3. Shape Gnocchi: Roll the dough into ropes approximately 1/2 inch thick. Cut the ropes into 1-inch pieces and press each piece with a fork to create ridges.
  4. Cook Gnocchi: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the gnocchi in batches; they are done when they float to the surface (2-3 minutes). Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
  5. Season Chicken: Pat chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
  6. Cook Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken breasts for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F/75°C). Remove from skillet and let rest.
  7. Slice Chicken: Once rested, slice chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
  8. Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and sauté minced garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  9. Deglaze Skillet: Add 1 cup of chicken broth to the skillet. Scrape the bottom to release any browned bits, and simmer for 2-3 minutes.
  10. Add Cream and Lemon: Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Simmer the sauce for about 5 minutes until it slightly thickens.
  11. Add Spinach: Stir in 1 cup of chopped fresh spinach and cook until wilted, approximately 2 minutes.
  12. Incorporate Parmesan: Mix in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted and fully combined. Taste and adjust salt and pepper seasoning as needed.
  13. Add Gnocchi: Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet and toss gently to coat them evenly in the lemon cream sauce.
  14. Combine Chicken: Gently fold the sliced chicken into the gnocchi and sauce mixture, ensuring even distribution.
  15. Final Simmer: Cook everything together on low heat for an additional 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors.
  16. Serve: Remove from heat and serve the lemon chicken gnocchi in bowls. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and, optionally, sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top.
  17. Enjoy: Pair this dish with crusty bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Notes

  • Using store-bought gnocchi saves significant time without compromising flavor.
  • Ensure chicken breasts are cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safety.
  • Adjust lemon juice to taste if you prefer a more or less tangy sauce.
  • Fresh spinach can be substituted with kale or arugula for variation.
  • For a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut cream.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.

Keywords: lemon chicken gnocchi, creamy gnocchi recipe, lemon cream sauce, quick chicken dinner, Italian-American gnocchi dish

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