Name: Lemon Gnocchi Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 2 large chicken breasts, halved into cutlets; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning (or a mix of dried lemon zest, pepper, and salt); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons butter; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup chicken broth; 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 1 cup heavy cream; 16 oz potato gnocchi (shelf-stable, dry); ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 2 cups fresh baby spinach; Salt and black pepper, to taste

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

I love this one‑pan Lemon Gnocchi Chicken: tender chicken cutlets and soft potato gnocchi simmered in a bright, creamy lemon‑parmesan sauce with spinach, all ready in about 30 minutes.

Lemon Gnocchi Chicken

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I keep coming back to this dish because it’s fast, comforting, and packed with flavor. The lemon sauce is bright and simple, the gnocchi cooks right in the pan so there’s minimal cleanup, and the spinach adds a fresh pop. It’s perfect for busy weeknights yet feels a bit special.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
I put together these ingredients for four servings:

2 large chicken breasts, halved into cutlets
Garlic powder
Lemon pepper seasoning (or a mix of dried lemon zest, pepper, salt)
Olive oil
Butter
Fresh garlic, minced
Chicken broth
Fresh lemon juice
Heavy cream
Potato gnocchi (shelf‑stable dry type)
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh baby spinach
Salt & black pepper to taste

Directions

I break it down like this:

I slice chicken breasts into thinner cutlets and season them with garlic powder, lemon pepper, salt, and pepper.
I heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium‑high heat, then sear the chicken about 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through; then I set them aside.
I reduce heat to medium, add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds.
I stir in chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping up browned bits for extra flavor.
I pour in the heavy cream and add uncooked gnocchi, making sure the gnocchi is submerged; I let it gently bubble for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the gnocchi is cooked and the sauce thickens.
I remove the pan from heat and stir in Parmesan and spinach until the spinach wilts.
I nestle the chicken back into the skillet, spooning sauce over top, season with salt & pepper and serve immediately.

Servings and timing

Serves 4.
Prep time: about 10 minutes.
Cook time: about 20 minutes.
Total time: about 30 minutes.

Variations

I sometimes swap chicken thighs for breasts for a juicier texture.
I may skip spinach or substitute with peas, kale, or zucchini.
I could swap heavy cream for coconut cream or half‑and‑half (though cream helps prevent curdling).
For heat, I might add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
I can use gluten‑free gnocchi if needed.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days (sometimes 3). The sauce thickens over time as gnocchi releases starch. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of broth or cream to loosen it up. Freezing isn’t recommended, since cream sauces can separate and change texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen gnocchi?

Yes, but I recommend cooking it first before adding to the sauce so it doesn’t break down.

2. Can I skip the spinach?

Absolutely—I sometimes leave it out or swap in peas, kale, or zucchini depending on what I have.

3. Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

You can use half‑and‑half or whole milk, but the sauce might be thinner and more prone to curdling when lemon is added. Cream yields the richest, most stable sauce.

4. Will the lemon curdle the sauce?

Heavy cream helps stabilize the sauce; avoid boiling once lemon juice is added. Gentle simmering works best.

5. Can I prepare parts ahead of time?

Yes—I sometimes cook the chicken ahead and refrigerate it, then assemble and gently reheat everything right before serving.

Conclusion

I find this Lemon Gnocchi Chicken recipe to be a perfect marriage of speed, flavor, and comfort. The one‑pan method keeps cleanup easy, and everything comes together in just half an hour. It’s creamy yet bright, cozy yet fresh—and a weeknight favorite I’m always excited to revisit.