Description
Succulent Lemon Chicken Gnocchi combines zesty Mediterranean flavors with comforting Italian pasta. Creamy sauce, tender chicken, and pillowy gnocchi create a perfect harmony that delights palates without overwhelming complexity.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 large chicken breasts
- 1 pound (454 g) uncooked potato gnocchi
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy/whipping cream
- ½ cup (50 g) freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup (120 ml) chicken broth
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp lemon pepper seasoning
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preparation: Butterfly chicken cutlets into four even portions, generously coating both sides with garlic powder and lemon pepper seasoning for a robust flavor profile.
- Searing Chicken: Meld oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat, expertly searing chicken until golden and thoroughly cooked, approximately 5-6 minutes per side. Transfer to a warm plate.
- Sauce Foundation: Reduce skillet temperature, sauté minced garlic until aromatic. Deglaze pan with chicken broth and lemon juice, meticulously scraping caramelized remnants from the bottom.
- Creamy Gnocchi Integration: Pour heavy cream into the skillet, submerge gnocchi completely. Simmer uncovered for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing sauce to naturally thicken and gnocchi to become tender.
- Final Composition: Remove from heat, gently fold in parmesan cheese and spinach leaves until greens wilt and blend seamlessly. Reintroduce chicken to the skillet, drizzling with accumulated juices. Season with salt and pepper to taste, serving immediately while steaming hot.
Notes
- Butterfly Technique: Slice chicken horizontally to create even, thin cutlets for consistent cooking and faster preparation.
- Seasoning Strategy: Layer garlic powder and lemon pepper generously on both sides to infuse deep, balanced flavor throughout the meat.
- Deglazing Wisdom: Scrape brown bits from skillet bottom while adding broth and lemon juice to capture maximum caramelized flavor essence.
- Sauce Consistency: Monitor simmering gnocchi closely, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and allow natural sauce thickening through starch release.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 570 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg