Easy One Pan Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Recipe That Sings With Flavor

Crafting a delightful one pan lemon chicken gnocchi promises an effortless culinary adventure that sparks joy in every kitchen.

Soft potato pillows nestle alongside tender chicken pieces, creating a harmonious symphony of flavors.

Mediterranean ingredients dance together in a single skillet, infusing your meal with bright, zesty notes.

Weeknight dinners demand simplicity, and this recipe delivers maximum satisfaction with minimal cleanup.

Fragrant herbs and a splash of citrus transform ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary.

Lemony, comforting, and quick – you’ll fall in love with this streamlined approach to a classic comfort dish.

Each forkful whispers tales of home-cooked warmth and culinary creativity.

Dive into this recipe and let your taste buds celebrate a perfect weeknight triumph.

FAQs

• Why use lemon pepper seasoning for the chicken?

Lemon pepper adds a zesty, tangy flavor that complements the chicken and brightens the overall dish, creating a more complex and interesting taste profile.

• Can I substitute gnocchi with another pasta?

While gnocchi works best for this recipe, you could use small shells or cavatappi pasta as alternatives that will hold the creamy sauce similarly.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), or cut into the thickest part to ensure there’s no pink meat remaining.

• What if my sauce becomes too thick?

Simply add a splash of chicken broth to thin it out and restore the desired creamy consistency while maintaining the rich flavor.

One Pan Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Made Simple

• Whip Up a Speedy Skillet Sensation: This one-pan wonder delivers maximum flavor with minimal cleanup, making it perfect for busy home cooks who want a delicious meal without the hassle.
• Customize Your Culinary Masterpiece: The recipe offers incredible flexibility, allowing you to swap ingredients or adjust seasonings to match your taste preferences or dietary needs.
• Create a Restaurant-Quality Dish at Home: Impress your family and friends with a gourmet-style meal that looks and tastes like it came straight from a high-end restaurant kitchen, all prepared with simple ingredients and basic cooking skills.
• Nutrition Meets Comfort: Packed with protein from chicken, greens from spinach, and satisfying gnocchi, this dish strikes a perfect balance between wholesome nutrition and pure comfort food indulgence.

What To Gather For One Pan Lemon Chicken Gnocchi

• Chicken Thighs: Tender meat that forms the main protein of the dish.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds rich, salty flavor and helps thicken the sauce.

• Garlic: Provides aromatic and savory base flavor for the sauce.
• Spinach: Adds fresh green color and nutritional boost to the dish.
• Lemon: Brings bright, tangy citrus notes to enhance the overall flavor.

• Gnocchi: Soft potato dumplings that serve as the hearty carbohydrate base of the recipe.
• Chicken Broth: Creates the liquid foundation for the sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Provides richness and helps create a smooth, creamy sauce.
• Olive Oil, Butter: Used for sautéing and adding depth of flavor.
• Garlic Powder, Lemon Pepper Seasoning, Salt, Black Pepper: Seasonings that add layers of flavor to the chicken and dish.

How To Cook One Pan Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Easily

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Cutlets

Slice chicken breasts horizontally to create thinner cutlets.

Generously season both sides with garlic powder and lemon pepper seasoning.

If your lemon pepper blend lacks salt, sprinkle additional salt to enhance flavor.

Step 2: Sear Chicken to Golden Perfection

Heat a skillet with oil and butter over medium-high heat.

Carefully place chicken cutlets in the pan and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until they develop a beautiful golden-brown exterior and are fully cooked through.

Transfer chicken to a plate and loosely cover with foil to keep warm.

Step 3: Infuse Garlic Aroma

Reduce skillet heat to medium.

Add minced garlic and sauté for approximately 30 seconds, releasing its fragrant oils into the pan.

Step 4: Create Flavorful Liquid Base

Pour in chicken broth and fresh lemon juice.

Use a wooden spoon to scrape up delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet, incorporating those concentrated flavors into the sauce.

Step 5: Cook Gnocchi in Creamy Sauce

• Chicken broth
• Lemon juice
• Heavy cream
• Gnocchi

Stir in cream and gnocchi, ensuring the pasta is fully submerged.

Allow the mixture to simmer gently, uncovered, for 5-7 minutes.

Stir occasionally as gnocchi releases its natural starches, naturally thickening the sauce.

Be cautious not to over-reduce the liquid.

Step 6: Finish with Cheese and Greens

Remove skillet from heat.

• Parmesan cheese
• Fresh spinach

Toss until spinach begins to wilt and cheese melts smoothly.

Return chicken to the skillet, spooning sauce over the top.

Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as desired.

Serve immediately while hot and creamy.

Tips To Get One Pan Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Just Right

• Slice chicken breasts horizontally to create even, thin cutlets for faster and more uniform cooking, ensuring each piece gets deliciously seasoned.
• Sear chicken at medium-high heat and avoid overcooking by checking internal temperature reaches 165°F, which keeps meat juicy and tender.
• Let gnocchi cook directly in the sauce without pre-boiling, allowing its natural starches to create a creamy, thickened texture without extra steps.
• Add parmesan cheese and spinach off the heat to maintain their fresh taste and prevent overcooking, creating a vibrant, restaurant-quality finish.
• Swap chicken with turkey or plant-based protein, use gluten-free gnocchi, or substitute spinach with kale for flexible dietary needs.

Alternative Spins On One Pan Lemon Chicken Gnocchi

• Gluten-Free Gnocchi Option: Replace traditional wheat gnocchi with potato-based or gluten-free gnocchi for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan cheese to create a lactose-free version.
• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace chicken with pan-seared tofu or white beans to maintain protein content while offering a meat-free option.
• Low-Carb Version: Substitute gnocchi with roasted cauliflower gnocchi or zucchini noodles to reduce carbohydrate intake while keeping the dish's core flavors intact.

Enjoying One Pan Lemon Chicken Gnocchi With Friends

• Cozy Family Dinner Delight: Serve this hearty one-pan meal right from the skillet, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere for everyone to enjoy together.
• Gourmet Lunch Companion: Pair the dish with a crisp mixed green salad and crusty bread to soak up the delicious lemony sauce, transforming it into an elegant midday meal.
• Wine Pairing Magic: Complement the bright, zesty flavors with a chilled glass of sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio, enhancing the chicken's lemon pepper notes and creamy texture.
• Fresh Herb Finish: Sprinkle some chopped fresh basil or parsley on top just before serving to add a vibrant, aromatic touch that elevates the entire dish's presentation and flavor profile.

Keeping One Pan Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Fresh

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent odor absorption.
• Pack the dish in a freezer-safe container, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label the container with the date and contents.
• Place portion in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.

One Pan Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Recipe

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4.6 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savory One Pan Lemon Chicken Gnocchi delivers Mediterranean comfort with zesty charm. Skillet magic blends tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and bright citrus for a quick, satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 2 large chicken breasts
• 2 cups packed fresh baby spinach

Seasonings and Spices:

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt & pepper to taste

Cooking and Finishing Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
• 1 pound uncooked potato gnocchi
• 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. Slice chicken horizontally into 4 thin cutlets, generously seasoning both sides with garlic powder and lemon pepper. Add salt if seasoning blend lacks sodium.
2. Heat skillet with oil and butter over medium-high temperature. Sear chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked. Remove chicken, keeping warm by covering with foil.
3. Reduce heat to medium and quickly sauté minced garlic for approximately 30 seconds, releasing aromatic flavors.
4. Pour chicken broth and lemon juice into skillet, carefully scraping accumulated browned bits from pan surface.
5. Incorporate cream and gnocchi, ensuring pasta is fully submerged. Simmer uncovered for 5-7 minutes, stirring periodically until gnocchi becomes tender and sauce thickens naturally. Adjust liquid if sauce appears too dense.
6. Remove skillet from heat. Fold in parmesan cheese and spinach, stirring until spinach wilts and integrates smoothly.
7. Return chicken to skillet, drizzling accumulated juices over the dish. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.

Notes

• Ensure chicken is evenly pounded to guarantee uniform cooking and tender texture.
• Use fresh lemon zest for an extra bright, citrusy punch that enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Fresh spinach wilts quickly, so add it at the very end to maintain vibrant color and nutrients.
• Replace traditional gnocchi with cauliflower or sweet potato gnocchi for a lighter alternative.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 515 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 430 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg