One Pan Lemon Chicken Gnocchi (Printable Version)

Tender chicken and soft gnocchi simmer in a bright lemon-cream sauce with spinach and Parmesan. Ready in 35 minutes, one pan.

# What You Need:

→ Meats

01 - 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (approximately 12 ounces), cut into bite-size pieces

→ Gnocchi

02 - 1 pound potato gnocchi (shelf-stable or refrigerated)

→ Vegetables & Aromatics

03 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
06 - 5 ounces baby spinach
07 - Zest and juice of 1 large lemon

→ Dairy

08 - ½ cup heavy cream
09 - ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese

→ Others

10 - ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
11 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
12 - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (optional)
13 - Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

# How-To Steps:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken pieces generously with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Add to the hot skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken to a plate and set aside.
02 - In the same pan, add chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
03 - Stir in gnocchi and chicken broth. Cover the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until gnocchi begins to soften.
04 - Pour in heavy cream and add lemon zest and lemon juice. Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Stir well to combine and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken and the gnocchi are tender.
05 - Stir in spinach and Parmesan cheese. Cook for 2 additional minutes until spinach wilts and cheese melts completely. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
06 - Serve immediately while hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley and additional lemon zest if desired.

# Helpful Tips:

01 -
  • The sauce clings to every piece of gnocchi like a warm hug
  • Ready in under 40 minutes with only one pan to wash
  • That lemon zest makes everything taste bright and fresh
02 -
  • Do not skip the lemon zest, it is where all the bright flavor lives
  • The gnocchi will continue absorbing sauce, so serve immediately for the creamiest texture
  • Reserve a little pasta water if the sauce looks too thick
03 -
  • Pat the chicken dry before seasoning for a better golden sear
  • Room temperature cream incorporates more smoothly into hot sauces
  • Grate your Parmesan from a wedge instead of using pre-shredded cheese

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