Lemon Gnocchi Chicken is a vibrant, creamy dish that combines tender chicken breasts with soft gnocchi in a zesty lemon sauce. This quick and easy recipe makes for a delightful weeknight meal, full of fresh flavors and comforting textures. The tangy lemon sauce, with its balance of creaminess and brightness, coats the gnocchi perfectly, while the chicken adds a hearty touch. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a meal that will impress without requiring hours in the kitchen.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 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 for a lighter version)

  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)

  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

  • 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Directions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Remove from the pan and let rest before slicing.

2. Cook the Gnocchi: Boil a pot of salted water. Add the gnocchi and cook until they float to the surface (about 2-3 minutes). Use a slotted spoon to remove them and set aside.

3. Make the Lemon Sauce: In the same skillet, add olive oil and sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds. Add lemon zest and juice, chicken broth, and bring to a simmer for 2-3 minutes. Stir in heavy cream and simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens.

4. Combine: Add cooked gnocchi to the skillet and toss in the sauce. Add sliced chicken on top and mix well. Cook for another 2 minutes.

5. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with parsley, extra lemon zest, and Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve hot with a side salad or steamed vegetables.

Nutrients

• Calories: 450 kcal per serving

• Carbohydrates: 55g

• Protein: 33g

• Fat: 22g

• Saturated Fat: 12g

• Cholesterol: 80mg

• Sodium: 470mg

• Fiber: 2g

• Sugar: 3g

This dish is a delightful balance of rich and fresh flavors, perfect for a comforting meal!

Why Lemon Gnocchi Chicken is So Irresistible

Lemon Gnocchi Chicken stands out because of its beautiful balance of flavors and textures. The creamy lemon sauce provides the perfect contrast to the soft, pillowy gnocchi, and the addition of tender chicken breasts makes it a well-rounded meal. The zesty lemon brings a fresh brightness to the dish, while the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese create a rich, velvety sauce. With just a hint of heat from red pepper flakes (optional), this dish offers complexity and depth without being overwhelming.

The gnocchi, whether store-bought or homemade, provides a delicate, chewy texture that soaks up the sauce beautifully, adding a comforting feel to the meal. The entire dish is so quick and easy to prepare, making it ideal for anyone looking for a delicious dinner that won’t take up hours in the kitchen.

Preparing the Chicken: Tender and Flavorful

Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil and butter are hot, add the chicken breasts to the pan and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). The combination of olive oil and butter helps the chicken get a crispy golden crust while keeping it juicy and tender on the inside.

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pan and let it rest before slicing. Letting the chicken rest ensures that the juices stay locked in, making the chicken more tender and flavorful when sliced.

Cooking the Gnocchi: Soft and Pillowy

Next, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until they float to the surface. The gnocchi should be soft and pillowy when cooked correctly. Use a slotted spoon to remove the gnocchi from the water and set them aside. If you’re using store-bought gnocchi, you can follow the package instructions for cooking, but homemade gnocchi will add an extra touch of authenticity to the dish.

Making the Lemon Sauce: Bright and Creamy

In the same skillet where the chicken was cooked, add olive oil and sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. This step infuses the oil with the delicious garlic aroma, which will provide the base for the lemon sauce.

Next, add the lemon zest and juice to the pan, along with the chicken broth. Let the mixture come to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine. Then, stir in the heavy cream and continue to simmer for another 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens. The cream adds richness and balances the acidity of the lemon, creating a smooth, velvety sauce that coats the gnocchi and chicken beautifully.

Combining the Ingredients: Tossing Everything Together

Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet with the lemon sauce, and toss gently to coat the gnocchi in the creamy sauce. The gnocchi will soak up the sauce, adding even more flavor. Slice the cooked chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces and add it to the skillet, mixing everything together. Let it cook for another 2 minutes to ensure that the chicken is well-coated in the sauce and heated through.

Garnishing and Serving: A Beautiful Finish

Once everything is combined, remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish the dish with fresh parsley, additional lemon zest, and grated Parmesan cheese if desired. The parsley adds a pop of color and freshness, while the lemon zest enhances the citrusy flavor. The Parmesan adds a salty, nutty finish to the creamy sauce, elevating the dish.

Serve the Lemon Gnocchi Chicken hot, alongside a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. The creamy lemon sauce pairs wonderfully with crisp vegetables or a light, tangy salad.

Nutritional Information for Lemon Gnocchi Chicken

Each serving of Lemon Gnocchi Chicken contains approximately 450 calories, making it a satisfying yet moderate-calorie meal. The dish provides 33 grams of protein, thanks to the chicken, making it a great option for muscle recovery and overall health. The 22 grams of fat, including 12 grams of saturated fat, give the dish its creamy richness, while the carbohydrates (55g) primarily come from the gnocchi.

The sodium content is 470mg per serving, which can be adjusted by controlling the amount of salt in the sauce and using a low-sodium chicken broth if desired. The dish also provides 2 grams of fiber, which contributes to digestive health, and only 3 grams of sugar, keeping it balanced and not overly sweet.

Serving Suggestions for Lemon Gnocchi Chicken

This dish is incredibly versatile and can be paired with a variety of sides to complete the meal. For a lighter option, serve the Lemon Gnocchi Chicken with a crisp, green salad made with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette. The acidity of the vinaigrette will complement the lemony flavors of the dish.

For a more substantial meal, consider serving it with roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or green beans. These vegetables add color and texture, providing a fresh contrast to the creamy, rich gnocchi and chicken.

Conclusion: A Quick, Flavorful, and Satisfying Meal

Lemon Gnocchi Chicken is the perfect weeknight meal—quick to make, packed with flavor, and incredibly satisfying. The creamy lemon sauce adds brightness and richness to the tender chicken and soft gnocchi, creating a dish that’s full of comforting flavors. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a crowd, this dish is sure to impress. Try it today and enjoy a burst of fresh, zesty flavors with every bite!