If you are looking for a comforting yet bright and vibrant weeknight dinner, this Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Skillet with Spinach and Parmesan Recipe is the perfect choice to add some excitement to your table. It brings together pillowy gnocchi, succulent chicken, and fresh spinach in a luscious lemon-infused creamy sauce enriched with Parmesan, creating a harmony of flavors and textures that will make your taste buds sing. Best of all, it comes together in under an hour, so you can enjoy a restaurant-quality meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Skillet with Spinach and Parmesan Recipe plays a vital role, balancing flavors and textures to create that crave-worthy dish you’ll want to make again and again. From the gnocchi’s tender bite to the brightness of lemon and the richness of Parmesan, these simple staples come together effortlessly.
- 1 pound of gnocchi: Use store-bought for convenience or homemade for a more hands-on approach with pillowy texture.
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Adds lean protein that soaks up the sauce beautifully.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the other flavors.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For a golden, flavorful sear on the chicken.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Lends an aromatic depth to the sauce.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Adds savory moisture and helps deglaze the skillet.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Provides rich creaminess that binds the sauce together perfectly.
- Juice and zest of 1 large lemon: Brings a fresh, zesty brightness that lifts the whole dish.
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped: Adds vibrant color and a nutritious punch.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Imparts a sharp, nutty flavor that enriches the sauce.
- Fresh parsley, chopped: A fresh herb garnish that adds a burst of green and freshness.
How to Make Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Skillet with Spinach and Parmesan Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Season your chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then add the chicken. Cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest; this locks in the juices and keeps it tender. Once rested, slice into bite-sized pieces so it’s ready to mingle with your gnocchi.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Build the Sauce
Lower the heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the same skillet. Stir it around for about a minute until fragrant but not browned, releasing that irresistible aroma. Pour in the chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up all those flavorful brown bits stuck to the bottom — this little trick amplifies the savory depth of your sauce. Let the broth simmer for a couple of minutes to reduce slightly.
Step 3: Add Cream and Lemon
Next, stir in the heavy cream along with the lemon juice and zest. The cream softens the citrus’s punch into a silky, dreamy sauce while keeping it light enough for gnocchi. Allow this mixture to simmer gently for about five minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, signaling it’s ready for the next step.
Step 4: Wilt the Spinach and Melt the Parmesan
Add the chopped spinach to the sauce and give it a good stir. Watch it quickly wilt down, adding a beautiful pop of green and a subtle earthy flavor. Now sprinkle in the grated Parmesan, stirring well to melt it into the sauce. Taste and adjust your seasoning with salt and pepper here; the cheese adds saltiness, so a little goes a long way.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Return the cooked gnocchi to the skillet, gently tossing to coat every piece in the luscious sauce. Then fold in the sliced chicken, ensuring every bite has that satisfying blend of creamy lemon goodness and tender meat. Let everything warm through on low heat for another 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the flavors to marry perfectly before serving.
How to Serve Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Skillet with Spinach and Parmesan Recipe
Garnishes
Finishing touches make all the difference. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the skillet for a fresh herbal note and a vibrant splash of color. If you’re a Parmesan fan, an extra dusting on top just before serving adds that salty, melty charm that’s impossible to resist.
Side Dishes
This dish is satisfying on its own but pairs beautifully with crunchy crusty bread to soak up the sauce or a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts also complement the lemony flavors wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a lovely dinner presentation, serve your Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Skillet with Spinach and Parmesan Recipe family-style in the skillet it was cooked in, inviting everyone to dig in right at the table. Alternatively, plate individual servings in shallow bowls to showcase the creamy sauce draping over tender gnocchi and chicken pieces—simple yet stunning.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken as it sits, so a quick stir or warming with a splash of broth will restore its lovely creamy texture.
Freezing
This dish freezes well, though spinach might change texture slightly when thawed. If freezing, place portions in freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stovetop.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers over low heat to prevent the sauce from breaking. Adding a little splash of chicken broth or cream helps maintain creaminess while warming the dish evenly. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep the sauces from becoming grainy.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of Parmesan?
Absolutely! While Parmesan adds a distinct nuttiness, Pecorino Romano or Asiago can be great substitutes if you want a slightly different flavor profile. Just be mindful of their saltiness and adjust seasoning accordingly.
Is it okay to use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, pre-cooked chicken can save time. Simply warm it through in the skillet with the sauce at the final step to avoid overcooking and drying out the meat.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Definitely! Swap the chicken for sautéed mushrooms or chickpeas for protein, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth in the sauce. The lemon and Parmesan flavors will still shine beautifully.
What type of gnocchi works best for this recipe?
Store-bought gnocchi is convenient and works wonderfully here. If you prefer homemade, using russet potatoes will give you that classic fluffy texture that pairs perfectly with the rich sauce.
How can I make this recipe lighter?
To lighten the dish, you can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream or use a smaller amount of olive oil when cooking. Increasing the spinach quantity also adds bulk with fewer calories.
Final Thoughts
This Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Skillet with Spinach and Parmesan Recipe has become one of those go-to dishes I love sharing because it’s simple, bursting with flavor, and guaranteed to delight everyone at the dinner table. It’s the kind of meal that feels special but comes together without stress, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual entertaining. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own!
Print
Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Skillet with 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 offers a vibrant, creamy sauce with fresh spinach and Parmesan cheese, paired with tender chicken breasts and soft gnocchi. Perfect for a quick yet flavorful dinner, it combines zesty lemon notes with rich creaminess for a satisfying meal that can be made from scratch or using store-bought gnocchi.
Ingredients
For the Gnocchi
- 1 pound of gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 large russet potatoes (if making homemade gnocchi)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (if making homemade gnocchi)
- 1 egg (if making homemade gnocchi)
- Pinch of salt (if making homemade gnocchi)
For the 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
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare Homemade Gnocchi (Optional): If using homemade gnocchi, boil 2 large russet potatoes until fork-tender (30-40 minutes). Drain, cool slightly, and peel the potatoes.
- Mash Potatoes and Form Dough: Mash the peeled potatoes until smooth. Mix in 1 cup flour, 1 egg, and a pinch of salt until a dough forms. Add more flour if the dough feels too sticky.
- Shape Gnocchi: Roll the dough into ropes about 1/2 inch thick, then cut into 1-inch pieces. Use a fork to create ridges on one side of each piece.
- Cook Gnocchi: Bring salted water to a boil in a large pot. Cook gnocchi in batches until they float (2-3 minutes). Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
- Season Chicken: Pat chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Cook Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken breasts for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 165°F/75°C).
- Rest and Slice Chicken: Remove chicken from skillet and let rest for a few minutes, then slice into bite-sized pieces.
- Sauté Garlic: Reduce skillet heat to medium and sauté minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Deglaze Skillet: Pour in 1 cup chicken broth, scraping the skillet bottom to loosen browned bits. Simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Add Cream and Lemon: Stir in 1 cup heavy cream, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Simmer for 5 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
- Wilt Spinach: Add chopped spinach to the sauce and stir until wilted, about 2 minutes.
- Add Parmesan: Stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted, then adjust salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Gnocchi and Sauce: Add cooked gnocchi to the skillet and toss gently to coat them evenly in the sauce.
- Add Chicken: Gently mix in sliced chicken pieces, ensuring even distribution throughout the dish.
- Finish Cooking: Cook the combined gnocchi and chicken on low heat for an additional 2-3 minutes to meld flavors.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve in bowls, garnished with freshly chopped parsley.
- Optional Garnish: Sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top if desired.
- Enjoy: Serve with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- Store-bought gnocchi can be used for a quicker meal, skipping the homemade gnocchi preparation.
- Ensure chicken is cooked fully to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for food safety.
- Adjust lemon juice and zest amounts to your taste for more or less brightness.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days; reheat gently to avoid drying out the gnocchi.
- For a lighter version, consider substituting heavy cream with half-and-half or a lighter cream alternative.
