Name: Zesty Lemon Gnocchi with Garlic Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound potato gnocchi; 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; Zest of 1 lemon; 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste); 1 cup baby spinach; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh basil for garnish

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Introduction

This Zesty Lemon Gnocchi with Garlic Chicken is a bright and creamy dish that brings together tender potato gnocchi and flavorful chicken in a luscious lemon sauce. It’s perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner with a refreshing twist.

A white bowl filled with golden-brown pan-seared gnocchi pieces layered over fresh dark green spinach leaves, with slices of cooked white chicken breast placed on top. The dish is covered in a creamy white sauce, sprinkled with black pepper and grated cheese. Bright green basil leaves and thin lemon wedges are placed near the top edge, adding fresh color and contrast. The dish is garnished with small lemon zest bits for a touch of yellow brightness, all set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound potato gnocchi
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
Zest of 1 lemon
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
1 cup baby spinach
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the potato gnocchi according to package instructions. The gnocchi are ready when they float to the top. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: While the gnocchi cooks, season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
Step 3: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and let rest before slicing.
Step 4: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Step 5: Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, red pepper flakes, and season with salt and pepper.
Step 6: Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, then gently stir in the cooked gnocchi and baby spinach until well coated and the spinach has wilted.
Step 7: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy.
Step 8: Slice the cooked chicken and serve it on top of the lemon gnocchi. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and extra Parmesan if desired.

Tips & Variations

For extra zest, add a little lemon zest directly on the plated dish just before serving.
Swap baby spinach for arugula or kale for a different leafy green flavor.
If you prefer less heat, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes.
Use shredded rotisserie chicken as a shortcut to save time.
For a dairy-free option, substitute heavy cream with canned coconut milk and omit Parmesan cheese.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave to prevent the cream sauce from separating. Add a splash of cream or water while reheating if the sauce thickens too much.

How to Serve

A white shallow bowl holds a creamy dish with three main layers: soft, golden-brown seared chicken pieces cut into thick slices arranged on top, plump yellow gnocchi browned in spots beneath the chicken, and vibrant green spinach leaves scattered throughout. Bright green basil leaves are placed on top for garnish, with small bits of lemon zest sprinkled over the dish, adding texture and color contrast. A lemon wedge sits on the side inside the bowl. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen gnocchi for this recipe?

Yes, frozen gnocchi works well. Just cook it according to the package instructions, which may take a minute or two longer than fresh gnocchi.

How can I tell when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken is cooked through when its internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the juices run clear. It should have a golden brown exterior with no pink inside.