Description
Lemon Gnocchi Chicken combines tender, juicy chicken breasts with soft gnocchi in a creamy, zesty lemon sauce. This quick and easy dish is bursting with fresh flavors and makes for a comforting, yet light dinner option. Perfect for any night of the week, it's a satisfying meal that's ready in under 30 minutes!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
For the Gnocchi:
- 1 lb potato gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
For the Lemon Sauce:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or use half-and-half for a lighter version)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken:
Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into bite-sized pieces. - Cook the Gnocchi:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook for 2-3 minutes or until they float to the top. Use a slotted spoon to remove the gnocchi and set aside. - Make the Lemon Sauce:
In the same skillet, add 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the zest and juice of 1 lemon, then add 1/2 cup of chicken broth. Simmer for 2-3 minutes. Add 1/2 cup heavy cream and simmer for another 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens. - Combine Chicken and Gnocchi:
Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet, tossing gently to coat in the sauce. Add the sliced chicken and toss to combine. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to heat everything through. - Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and, if desired, a bit more grated Parmesan. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Vegetarian Option: You can skip the chicken and add sautéed vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, or roasted tomatoes for a vegetarian twist.
- Adjusting the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, allow it to simmer longer. For a lighter sauce, use half-and-half instead of cream.
- Make-Ahead: You can prep the chicken and gnocchi in advance, then just reheat and prepare the sauce when ready to serve.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 470mg
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 80mg