Zesty Lemon Gnocchi with Garlic Chicken Recipe
This Zesty Lemon Gnocchi with Garlic Chicken is a delightful and creamy dish combining tender potato gnocchi with succulent sautéed chicken breasts. Infused with fresh lemon zest and juice, garlic, and a hint of red pepper flakes, this recipe delivers a perfect balance of bright, savory, and mildly spicy flavors. Finished with baby spinach and Parmesan cheese, it’s an elegant yet simple meal ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or entertaining guests.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
Gnocchi
- 1 pound potato gnocchi
Chicken and Sauce
- 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
- Cook the Gnocchi: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the potato gnocchi and cook according to the package instructions, typically until they float to the surface, indicating they are done. Drain and set aside to keep warm.
- Prepare Chicken: While the gnocchi cooks, season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt and pepper evenly to enhance their flavor.
- Sauté Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6 to 7 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown and are cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest before slicing to retain juices.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine with the garlic, then add the lemon zest, lemon juice, red pepper flakes, and season with salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes to meld flavors.
- Combine Ingredients: Gently stir the cooked gnocchi and baby spinach into the sauce, mixing until the gnocchi are well coated and the spinach wilts, creating a creamy texture.
- Finish with Cheese: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the skillet contents, stirring until it melts smoothly into the sauce, thickening it to a luscious consistency.
- Serve: Slice the rested chicken breasts and arrange them on top of the lemon gnocchi. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and an optional extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for enhanced flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level.
- Serve with extra lemon wedges for an additional fresh burst of citrus if desired.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and melting quality.
- This dish pairs well with a light green salad or steamed vegetables as sides.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
Keywords: lemon gnocchi, garlic chicken, creamy gnocchi recipe, Italian dinner, easy stovetop meal, lemon pasta, Parmesan gnocchi
