Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet
If you’re looking for a simple yet delicious one-pan meal, look no further than Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet. This dish combines tender chicken, fluffy gnocchi, and a creamy sauce infused with the bright flavor of lemon and garlic. It’s a satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or any time you want to impress your family and friends.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is a great choice for several reasons. First, it’s quick to prepare, taking only about 30 minutes from start to finish. Second, the combination of flavors—from the zesty lemon to the savory garlic—creates a delightful dish that’s both comforting and vibrant. Finally, it’s a one-skillet meal, which means less cleanup for you!
How to Make Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450 g) chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1” pieces
- 1 lb (450 g) potato gnocchi
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup baby spinach (or more to taste)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional garnish: chopped parsley or extra Parmesan
Directions:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
- Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken to a plate.
- In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of butter. Sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant.
- Stir in the gnocchi and cook, stirring occasionally, until it turns lightly golden, which should take about 2 minutes.
- Pour in the lemon zest, lemon juice, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Stir everything together to combine.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and allow it to cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
- Add the spinach, remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, and Parmesan cheese. Stir until the spinach wilts and the sauce becomes creamy.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if desired.
- Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley or extra Parmesan if you like.
How to Serve Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet
This creamy dish is best served hot right out of the skillet. You can serve it as a main course alongside a simple green salad or some crusty bread to soak up the amazing sauce. If you want to add a little more color to your plate, a side of roasted vegetables would also pair nicely.
How to Store Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet
To store any leftovers, let the dish cool completely and then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over low heat until heated through, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to loosen the sauce.
Tips to Make Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet
- Make sure your skillet is hot enough before adding the chicken to achieve a nice golden color.
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor. If you love garlic, you can add a bit more than the recipe calls for.
- Feel free to add more vegetables like cherry tomatoes or asparagus for extra flavor and nutrition.
Variation
If you want to change things up, you can use shrimp instead of chicken. Just sauté the shrimp until they are pink and cooked through, then continue with the recipe as directed. You can also try adding different herbs like basil or thyme for a unique twist.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen gnocchi for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen gnocchi. Just follow the cooking instructions on the package and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
2. Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Absolutely! You can replace the heavy cream with a dairy-free alternative, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a similar cheesy flavor.
3. How can I make the sauce thicker?
If you want a thicker sauce, you can add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water) to the skillet while it simmers. This will help thicken the sauce quickly.
Enjoy making and savoring this delightful Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet! It’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
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