There is nothing quite like a comforting, hearty skillet meal that comes together with simple ingredients but delivers a burst of fresh, vibrant flavors. The Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Skillet with Creamy Spinach and Parmesan Recipe is exactly that—a luscious combination of tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a zesty lemon cream sauce that’s finished with bright spinach and savory Parmesan. This dish is both elegant enough for a dinner party and easy enough for a weeknight treat, guaranteed to become a new favorite in your recipe collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this recipe truly special are the straightforward yet essential ingredients that each bring their own magic—whether it’s the rich creaminess of the heavy cream, the fresh zing from lemon zest, or the earthy bite of Parmesan cheese. Every item on this list plays a key role in balancing flavor, texture, and color.
- Gnocchi, 1 pound: Whether store-bought or homemade, the soft potato dumplings soak up the sauce perfectly.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 2 pieces: Provides lean, juicy protein and a mild flavor that complements the creamy sauce.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance all the components.
- Olive oil, 2 tablespoons: For browning the chicken and sautéing garlic, adding a fruity richness.
- Garlic, 3 cloves minced: Adds a fragrant depth that perks up the creamy sauce.
- Chicken broth, 1 cup: Creates a flavorful base and helps deglaze the skillet, picking up all those tasty browned bits.
- Heavy cream, 1 cup: The luscious heart of the sauce, making it silky and indulgent.
- Lemon juice and zest of 1 large lemon: Brings the bright, tangy punch that lifts the entire dish.
- Fresh spinach, 1 cup chopped: Adds a pop of color and subtle earthiness, along with important nutrients.
- Parmesan cheese, 1/2 cup grated: Infuses a nutty, salty finish that melts beautifully into the sauce.
- Fresh parsley, chopped: For garnish, adding freshness and a hint of herbaceous brightness.
How to Make Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Skillet with Creamy Spinach and Parmesan Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Gnocchi
If you’re using homemade gnocchi, start by boiling russet potatoes until very tender. Peel and mash them smooth, then combine with flour, an egg, and a pinch of salt to form a soft dough. Shape into ropes, cut into pieces, and create ridges with a fork. Boil the gnocchi in salted water until they float, which means they’re perfectly cooked and ready to soak up all that delicious sauce.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Season your chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. In a hot skillet with olive oil, cook them until golden brown on each side and cooked through. Resting the chicken before slicing keeps it juicy, and cutting into bite-sized pieces ensures every mouthful has the perfect amount of tender chicken.
Step 3: Build the Creamy Lemon Sauce
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and sauté minced garlic just until fragrant. Add chicken broth, scraping the pan to lift all those tasty brown bits stuck to the bottom. After a brief simmer, stir in heavy cream along with fresh lemon juice and zest. Let the sauce thicken gently while you prep the greens.
Step 4: Add Spinach and Parmesan
Stir in chopped spinach and cook just until wilted, adding a beautiful green contrast and nutrition. Then fold in grated Parmesan cheese to melt into this tangy, creamy environment, delivering that irresistible umami taste that makes this recipe so memorable.
Step 5: Combine Gnocchi and Chicken
Gently toss the cooked gnocchi in the creamy sauce, coating every little dumpling. Add the sliced chicken back to the skillet, mixing until everything is evenly distributed. Let it all warm together for a few minutes, allowing flavors to meld into a harmonious, comforting dish.
Step 6: Final Touch and Serve
Remove from heat and serve right from the skillet, garnished with chopped parsley. Optional extra Parmesan sprinkled on top adds a lovely finishing touch. This is the moment your kitchen fills with the inviting aroma of a cozy, homemade meal.
How to Serve Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Skillet with Creamy Spinach and Parmesan Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh parsley on top not only adds vibrant color but also a subtle freshness that cuts through the richness of the sauce. If you love cheese, a few extra shreds of Parmesan sprinkled just before serving will make this dish even more decadent.
Side Dishes
This Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is wonderfully filling on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or some crusty artisan bread completes the meal beautifully. The bread helps scoop up every last bit of that luscious sauce, while a fresh salad adds crunch and lightness.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this skillet directly at the table for a warm, family-style feel, or plate individual portions delicately garnished with a lemon twist and parsley sprigs for something more elegant. You can even drizzle a little extra olive oil infused with garlic or chili flakes for an extra flavor kick.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to cool the dish before sealing to maintain freshness without steaming the ingredients.
Freezing
This dish freezes best without the fresh spinach, which can become mushy. You can freeze the gnocchi, chicken, and sauce separately or together in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore the sauce’s creaminess. Avoid microwaving directly as it can cause uneven heating and toughen the gnocchi and chicken.
FAQs
Can I use different greens instead of spinach?
Absolutely! Kale or Swiss chard make great alternatives but may require slightly longer cooking to soften. Just be sure to chop them finely to melt into the creamy sauce effortlessly.
Is it necessary to use heavy cream in the sauce?
Heavy cream provides the luxurious richness that defines this recipe. You can substitute half-and-half or a milk-cream mix for a lighter version, but the sauce may be thinner and less creamy.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the chicken and add heartier vegetables like mushrooms or roasted butternut squash. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a fully vegetarian dish.
Do I have to make homemade gnocchi?
Not at all. Store-bought gnocchi works beautifully and saves a lot of time. Just watch the cooking time on the package to avoid overcooking.
How can I make this recipe more lemony?
Feel free to add an extra teaspoon of lemon zest or a splash more lemon juice right before serving. Fresh lemon slices alongside the dish also brighten the flavors and look lovely.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a meal that feels gourmet but is surprisingly simple to prepare, the Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Skillet with Creamy Spinach and Parmesan Recipe is calling your name. Its vibrant lemony sauce combined with tender chicken and melt-in-your-mouth gnocchi makes for a dinner you’ll want to make again and again. Trust me, once you taste this skillet, it will become one of those recipes you proudly share with friends and family!
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Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Skillet with Creamy Spinach and Parmesan Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Lemon Chicken Gnocchi recipe is a delicious and creamy dinner option featuring tender chicken breasts, fluffy gnocchi, and a zesty lemon-infused sauce with spinach and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a quick yet elegant meal, it combines savory and bright flavors for a satisfying dish.
Ingredients
Gnocchi
- 1 pound of gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
- For homemade gnocchi: 2 large russet potatoes
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (for homemade gnocchi)
- 1 egg (for homemade gnocchi)
- Salt, to taste
Chicken and Sauce
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Juice and zest of 1 large lemon
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare Gnocchi Dough: If making gnocchi from scratch, boil 2 large russet potatoes in salted water until fork-tender, about 30-40 minutes. Drain, cool slightly, peel, and mash until smooth. Mix in 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 egg, and a pinch of salt until a soft dough forms; add more flour if too sticky.
- Shape Gnocchi: Roll the dough into ropes roughly 1/2 inch thick. Cut into 1-inch pieces and use a fork to press ridges on one side of each piece, which helps sauce cling to the gnocchi.
- Cook Gnocchi: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook gnocchi in batches, allowing them to cook until they float to the surface, about 2-3 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
- Prepare Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Remove and let rest before slicing into bite-sized pieces.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, lower heat to medium and sauté minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
- Make Sauce Base: Add 1 cup chicken broth to the skillet, scraping the bottom to deglaze and lift flavor. Let simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Add Cream and Lemon: Stir in 1 cup heavy cream, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for about 5 minutes until it slightly thickens.
- Add Spinach and Cheese: Mix in chopped spinach, stirring until wilted, about 2 minutes. Then add 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and the sauce is smooth. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Combine Gnocchi and Sauce: Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet, tossing to coat thoroughly with the creamy lemon sauce.
- Incorporate Chicken: Gently fold the sliced chicken into the gnocchi and sauce mixture to evenly distribute.
- Finish Cooking: Continue cooking everything together on low heat for an additional 2-3 minutes to meld flavors.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve the lemon chicken gnocchi in bowls. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and optionally sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top.
- Enjoy: Pair the dish with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- Store-bought gnocchi can be used to save time.
- Make sure the chicken is cooked thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Be careful not to burn the garlic while sautéing as it can turn bitter.
- Lemon zest and juice brighten the sauce; adjust lemon quantity to taste.
- Fresh spinach can be substituted with baby kale or swiss chard if preferred.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and melting properties.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop.
