Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Creamy Lemon Chicken Gnocchi – A Cozy One-Pan Dinner You’ll Crave


  • Author: Helena
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

This creamy lemon chicken gnocchi is the ultimate cozy comfort food that comes together in just one pan. Juicy chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a velvety Parmesan cream sauce are brightened with fresh lemon and spinach. Perfect for weeknights when you want something quick, hearty, and a little special.


Ingredients

Scale

1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

2 tablespoons olive oil

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 cup chicken broth

1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter)

½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1 lb potato gnocchi (shelf-stable or refrigerated)

2 cups fresh baby spinach

1 lemon (zest + juice)

Salt and black pepper, to taste


Instructions

  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until golden brown on the outside (it doesn’t need to be fully cooked yet).

  • Reduce heat to medium and stir in garlic. Cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

  • Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, scraping the bottom of the pan to release browned bits.

  • Add gnocchi and stir to coat. Simmer for 5–7 minutes, until the gnocchi is tender and sauce begins to thicken.

  • Stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, and spinach. Let spinach wilt down, then add Parmesan and stir until melted into the sauce.

  • Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot with extra Parmesan if desired.

Notes

Swap chicken breasts for chicken thighs for a juicier option.

For dairy-free, use coconut milk and dairy-free Parmesan.

Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Add a splash of broth or cream when reheating to loosen the sauce.

Shrimp or mushrooms make great substitutions if you’d like to change up the protein.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Main Course
  • Method: One-Pan, Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-Inspired

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl (¼ of recipe)
  • Calories: ~520
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 620mg
  • Fat: 26g
  • Saturated Fat: 13g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 46g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 110mg

Keywords: creamy lemon chicken gnocchi, one-pan gnocchi, lemon chicken skillet