Lemon Chicken Gnocchi: Creamy One-Pot Dinner Delight Recipe
A creamy and tangy one-pot lemon chicken gnocchi recipe that combines tender chicken, fluffy gnocchi, fresh spinach, and cherry tomatoes in a luscious lemon-infused cream sauce. Perfect for a quick and comforting dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Low Lactose
Ingredients
Protein and Vegetables
- 2 chicken breasts, cubed or sliced thin
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Carbohydrates
- 1 lb potato gnocchi, store-bought or homemade
Liquids and Flavorings
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream or coconut cream for dairy-free
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
Seasonings and Garnish
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Slice the chicken breasts, halve the cherry tomatoes, mince the garlic, and measure out the chicken broth, cream, lemon zest, and juice. Have the gnocchi ready.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken with salt and black pepper, then cook in the skillet for 5 to 7 minutes until golden brown and thoroughly cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Tomatoes: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and sauté for 2 minutes until softened.
- Make the Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat, then carefully stir in the cream, lemon zest, and lemon juice. To prevent curdling of the cream from the lemon acid, briefly remove the skillet from heat when adding the citrus.
- Cook Gnocchi and Spinach: Add the potato gnocchi to the sauce and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the gnocchi become tender. Just before finishing, toss in the baby spinach, allowing it to wilt evenly.
- Finish and Serve: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, warming it through. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with fresh chopped basil or parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream to make the recipe dairy-free.
- To avoid curdling, always remove the skillet from heat before adding lemon juice to the cream.
- Homemade gnocchi can be used for a more authentic texture.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing garlic.
- Serve with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
