If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, look no further than this Lemon Chicken Gnocchi with Spinach and Parmesan Recipe. It’s that perfect balance of zesty lemon brightness, tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and the freshness of spinach all tossed in a creamy parmesan sauce. Imagine the comforting, silky sauce clinging to every bite of gnocchi, with savory chicken adding substance and vibrant greens popping with color and nutrients. This dish is effortlessly elegant yet completely homey, making it one of my all-time favorite weeknight dinners to impress family or friends without hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple but essential—they each add a unique layer of flavor, texture, or color that transforms this dish into something truly special. From the lemony kick of seasoning to the creamy richness of the sauce and the fresh earthiness of spinach, you’re in for a treat.
- Chicken breasts: Providing hearty protein, choose large, boneless pieces for easy slicing and even cooking.
- Garlic powder: Adds a subtle depth of flavor without overpowering the dish.
- Lemon pepper seasoning: A zesty blend that brings brightness and a mild kick; salt separately if your mix lacks it.
- Olive oil: For a healthy, flavorful base to sear the chicken perfectly.
- Butter: Adds luxurious richness and helps brown the chicken beautifully.
- Fresh garlic: Minced for an aromatic punch that awakens the sauce.
- Chicken broth: Builds a savory, umami foundation for the sauce and helps cook the gnocchi.
- Lemon juice: Enhances the tangy brightness crucial to this recipe.
- Heavy cream: Creates that silky, indulgent sauce that clings to every gnocchi piece.
- Uncooked potato gnocchi: The star carb—soft and pillowy, soaking up all that delicious sauce.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated for a nutty, salty flavor boost and creamy texture.
- Baby spinach: Adds vibrant color, nutrients, and a fresh, slightly earthy contrast.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance all the flavors.
How to Make Lemon Chicken Gnocchi with Spinach and Parmesan Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken
Start by slicing the large chicken breasts lengthwise into thinner cutlets, which helps them cook evenly and quickly. Season each side generously with garlic powder and lemon pepper seasoning. If your lemon pepper mix doesn’t include salt, sprinkle a pinch to ensure your chicken is flavorful right to the core.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken to Golden Perfection
Heat olive oil and butter together in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken cutlets and sear them for about 5 to 6 minutes per side. You’ll want that gorgeous golden crust that locks in juices and flavor. Once cooked through, transfer the chicken to a plate and tent it with foil to keep warm while you prepare the sauce.
Step 3: Build the Flavorful Sauce Base
Lower the heat to medium and toss in minced garlic, cooking just 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Then pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping the pan’s bottom to loosen those tasty browned bits left behind from searing—they bring incredible depth to your sauce.
Step 4: Add Cream and Gnocchi for a Luxurious Simmer
Pour in the heavy cream and stir until combined. Next, add the uncooked potato gnocchi directly into the sauce, making sure they’re submerged. Let everything simmer uncovered for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally. The gnocchi will cook right in the sauce, releasing starch that thickens it naturally—no need to pre-boil your gnocchi! Just keep an eye on the thickness, adding a splash of broth if it starts to get too thick.
Step 5: Finish with Parmesan, Spinach, and Chicken
Remove the pan from heat and sprinkle in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring to create a creamy, cheesy coating. Then gently toss in the baby spinach until it wilts and blends beautifully. Finally, nestle your chicken back into the skillet along with any juicy drippings—spoon some sauce on top for an irresistible presentation. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and get ready to savor every bite.
How to Serve Lemon Chicken Gnocchi with Spinach and Parmesan Recipe
Garnishes
Brighten your plate with a scattering of fresh lemon zest or a sprinkling of chopped fresh parsley. Both add a lovely burst of color and a fresh note that complements the creamy, savory flavors perfectly.
Side Dishes
A crisp green salad with a simple vinaigrette makes an excellent light contrast to this creamy delight. Alternatively, roasted vegetables like asparagus or zucchini bring wonderful texture and can soak up any leftover sauce on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this dish in shallow bowls to capture all the luscious sauce with every forkful. For a cozy family dinner, place the skillet right on the table so everyone can dig in family-style. Pair with a chilled glass of white wine, like Pinot Grigio, for an elevated dining experience that’s still wonderfully relaxed.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Lemon Chicken Gnocchi with Spinach and Parmesan Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it a perfect next-day meal that reheats beautifully.
Freezing
While gnocchi can change texture slightly after freezing, you can freeze this dish for up to 1 month. Freeze in a freezer-safe container and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove.
Reheating
To reheat, warm it gently over low heat on the stovetop, stirring frequently. You may want to add a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce as it thickens once chilled. Avoid the microwave if possible, to keep the gnocchi texture pillowy and the chicken tender.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought gnocchi, or should I make it from scratch?
Store-bought gnocchi works wonderfully in this recipe and saves a lot of time. It absorbs the sauce beautifully and cooks quickly right in the pan, which is perfect for a weeknight meal.
What can I substitute if I don’t have heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or whole milk mixed with a little butter to add richness, but be aware the sauce will be lighter and less creamy. For a dairy-free option, try coconut cream, but expect a slight flavor change.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! Skip the chicken and boost the flavor with sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables instead. Use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth and you have a delicious vegetarian version of this comforting dish.
How do I know when the gnocchi is fully cooked?
The gnocchi will puff up and become tender during the simmering process. Once the gnocchi float to the top and have a soft but not mushy texture, they’re ready. This usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes.
Can I make this Lemon Chicken Gnocchi with Spinach and Parmesan Recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just make sure to buy gluten-free gnocchi, which is widely available now. This swap keeps the dish accessible while maintaining all the delicious flavors and textures you’d expect.
Final Thoughts
This Lemon Chicken Gnocchi with Spinach and Parmesan Recipe is truly a crowd-pleaser that brings comfort, freshness, and a touch of elegance without fuss. It’s quick, delicious, and versatile — the kind of meal that brightens your evening and fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas. I can’t wait for you to make it your own favorite dinner to share with the people you love.
Print
Lemon Chicken Gnocchi with Spinach and Parmesan Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
A creamy and zesty Lemon Chicken Gnocchi recipe that combines tender seared chicken breast with pillowy potato gnocchi, tossed in a luscious lemon-infused cream sauce with garlic, parmesan, and fresh spinach. Perfect for a quick and elegant weeknight dinner that bursts with bright and comforting flavors.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 large chicken breasts
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
- Salt & pepper to taste
Sauce & 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
- Prepare the chicken: Cut the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create 4 thinner cutlets. Season both sides of each cutlet with garlic powder and lemon pepper seasoning. If your lemon pepper is unsalted, add salt as well to ensure balanced flavor.
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add the chicken cutlets and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm.
- Sauté garlic: Lower the heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for approximately 30 seconds until fragrant, careful not to burn the garlic.
- Deglaze the pan: Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping the bottom of the pan to lift any browned bits for extra flavor.
- Cook gnocchi in cream sauce: Stir in the heavy cream and add the uncooked potato gnocchi to the skillet. Submerge the gnocchi in the liquid and let it simmer gently, uncovered, for 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally until the gnocchi are cooked through and the sauce thickens from the released starch. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash more broth to loosen it.
- Finish the dish: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the grated parmesan cheese and fresh baby spinach. Toss until the spinach wilts and everything combines well. Return the chicken to the skillet along with any accumulated juices and spoon some sauce over the top. Season with salt and pepper as needed and serve immediately.
Notes
- Do not pre-cook the gnocchi; cooking it directly in the cream sauce allows it to thicken the sauce naturally.
- If your lemon pepper seasoning does not contain salt, be sure to salt the chicken during seasoning.
- Adding a splash of chicken broth during cooking helps control the sauce consistency.
- Use fresh baby spinach for best texture and flavor.
