Description
This creamy lemon garlic chicken gnocchi recipe is a comforting and flavorful dish combining tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and fresh spinach in a luscious lemon-infused garlic cream sauce. Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that feels indulgent yet wholesome.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 2 chicken breasts (about 1 lb or 450 g), diced
Pasta
- 1 package of gnocchi (about 16 oz or 450 g)
Vegetables & Herbs
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 cups (about 60 g) fresh spinach
Dairy & Oils
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Other
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and season evenly with salt and black pepper to enhance flavor.
- Cook the Gnocchi: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the gnocchi according to the package instructions until they float to the surface. Drain well and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook until golden brown on the outside and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Simmer Sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the heavy cream and freshly squeezed lemon juice, stir to combine, and let the mixture simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked gnocchi and chicken to the skillet. Add fresh spinach and gently stir everything together. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the spinach wilts and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve the gnocchi warm topped with extra Parmesan cheese and freshly ground black pepper.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon juice for a brighter, fresher flavor compared to bottled lemon juice.
- Gnocchi cooks quickly; watch closely to avoid overcooking and becoming mushy.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a lactose-free cream.
- Adding spinach at the end helps keep it vibrant and prevents it from overcooking.
- Parmesan cheese can be substituted with Pecorino Romano if desired for a sharper taste.
