I recently prepared a Lemon Chicken Gnocchi that caught my attention with its bright and savory flavor profile. I combined bite-sized chicken with lemon pepper seasoning, garlic, and onions, then tossed it with baby spinach and Parmesan. This dish sits perfectly among my easy dinner recipes gnocchi selections and is simply irresistible.

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I recently whipped up this Lemon Chicken Gnocchi recipe that immediately impressed me with its bright flavors and ease of prep. The combination of tender chicken breasts seasoned with lemon pepper and garlic, plus the brief sautéed onion in olive oil give the dish an amazing foundation.

I tossed in bite sized chicken pieces along with soft potato gnocchi, letting them mingle with a creamy sauce made with chicken broth, heavy cream, lemon juice and a pinch of lemon zest. I also mixed in fresh baby spinach near the end and topped it off with grated Parmesan cheese, which brought a rich finish to every bite.

Even on those busy nights when you need a quick dinner that still feels special, this easy lunch recipe with chicken and gnocchi offers a satisfying twist that is anything but ordinary. It’s one of those dishes that will quickly become a family favorite.

Why I Like this Recipe

I like this recipe becuase the flavors are amazing. The mix of lemon, garlic, and Parmesan creates a tangy yet creamy taste that really brightens the dish.

I also love how quick and simple it is to make. Even on a busy weeknight, I can throw everything into one pan and still have a meal that tastes like something special.

Another reason is that the texture is perfect—the tender chicken and soft potato gnocchi make every bite enjoyable.

Lastly, the addition of baby spinach gives it a fresh vibe and a pop of color that makes it feel a bit healthier without sacrificing flavor.

Ingredients

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Chicken breasts deliver lean protein, ensuring a fulfilling, hearty bite while keeping flavours bold.
Minced garlic enhances the savory aroma, great for health and adding a zestful flavor punch.
Light potato gnocchi are soft, offering comforting carbohydrates that create a satisfying, indulgent base.
Lemon juice and zest add bright tangy notes and make the dish feel extra fresh.
Baby spinach leaves supply fibre, vitamins and a mild earthy taste to brighten up the meal.
Aged Parmesan adds creamy saltiness, extra savory depth and enrichs every bite.
Olive oil brings healthy fats and succulent richness while helping the flavors meld together.
Diced onion releases a subtle sweetness, deepening the savory layers and balancing vibrant flavors.

Ingredient Quantities

2 medium chicken breasts, cut into bite sized pieces

1 1/2 tsp lemon pepper seasoning

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tbsp olive oil

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 small onion, diced

16 oz potato gnocchi

1 cup chicken broth

1/2 cup heavy cream

Juice of 1 lemon

1/2 tsp lemon zest

2 cups baby spinach

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Optional: extra Parmesan and lemon slices for garnish

How to Make this

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1. Start by seasoning your bite-sized chicken pieces with lemon pepper seasoning, salt, and pepper.

2. Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat then add the minced garlic and diced onion. Let ‘em cook until soft.

3. Toss in the seasoned chicken and cook until a nice golden-brown is achieved, about 5-7 minutes.

4. Add the potato gnocchi to the pan and stir everything for a minute so they get a little toasty.

5. Pour in the chicken broth along with the heavy cream, then squeeze in the juice of one lemon and sprinkle in the lemon zest. Mix it all well.

6. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for another 5 minutes to let the sauce thicken up.

7. Stir in the baby spinach and allow it to wilt down for about 2 minutes.

8. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese into the sauce and mix until it melts nicely.

9. Give it a taste and add a little more salt and pepper if needed.

10. Serve the dish hot, and if you want, garnish with extra Parmesan and lemon slices for that extra pop of flavor. Enjoy!

Equipment Needed

1. Cutting board and chef’s knife – to chop the chicken, dice the onion and prepare the garlic
2. A mixing bowl – for tossing and seasoning your bite-sized chicken pieces
3. Measuring spoons and a measuring cup – to get the right amounts of lemon pepper, salt, pepper, chicken broth and heavy cream
4. A large pan – for heating oil, sauteing the garlic and onions, and cooking the chicken and gnocchi
5. A spatula or wooden spoon – to stir and mix all the ingredients in the pan
6. A citrus juicer – to squeeze the lemon and get that fresh juice out
7. A grater – for grating both the Parmesan cheese and the lemon zest if needed
8. A serving platter or bowl – for plating the finished dish with any extra garnishes you decide to add

FAQ

Can i use a different type of gnocchi for this recipe?

Sure, you can try ricotta gnocchi if you prefer a lighter texture, but potato gnocchi works best for the overall flavor and consistency.

Do i have to cook the chicken before adding the gnocchi?

Yes, its important to fully cook the chicken until it’s nicely browned before putting in the gnocchi so you get a good sear and tasty base for the sauce.

Is there a substitute for heavy cream if i want a lighter dish?

You can swap out heavy cream with half-and-half but the sauce will be a tad less rich; just be careful not to overheat it to avoid curdling.

Can i make this ahead of time?

It’s best served fresh cause the gnocchi can get a bit mushy from soaking in the sauce if left too long, but you can prep the ingredients ahead of time to speed up cooking.

What if i dont have lemon zest, can i use more lemon juice?

Yeah, you can add a bit extra lemon juice for brightness though i recommend a little zest if possible cause it adds a nice aromatic flavor that lemon juice alone wont give.

Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Chicken: Instead of chicken breasts, you can use turkey breast or even extra firm tofu if you’re looking for a plant-based option.
Heavy cream: If you dont have heavy cream, try using coconut milk or even a mix of whole milk with a bit of melted butter.
Lemon zest: If you cant get lemon zest, increase the lemon juice or use a bit of lime zest for a tangy twist.
Parmesan cheese: If you’re out of Parmesan, Asiago or Pecorino Romano work pretty well as substitutes.
Baby spinach: When you missing baby spinach, kale or arugula are good alternatives to keep that leafy green vibe.

Pro Tips

1. When you’re browning the chicken, take your time so it gets really golden brown. Rushing it might leave you with dry chicken, so let it cook nicely before moving on.
2. If you can, let the gnocchi get a little toasty in the pan. It adds a great texture and flavor, but don’t overdo it or they’ll start to fall apart.
3. Keep an eye on the spinach. Add it at the very end and stir it in just until it wilts a bit. You dont want it to lose its bright green color or its flavor.
4. Always taste as you go. This dish is all about balancing the lemon zip with the creaminess, so be sure to adjust the salt, pepper and lemon juice until it tastes just right.

Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Recipe

Recipe by Toni Baldesera

0.0 from 0 votes

Servings

servings

Calories

500

kcal

Equipment: 1. Cutting board and chef’s knife – to chop the chicken, dice the onion and prepare the garlic
2. A mixing bowl – for tossing and seasoning your bite-sized chicken pieces
3. Measuring spoons and a measuring cup – to get the right amounts of lemon pepper, salt, pepper, chicken broth and heavy cream
4. A large pan – for heating oil, sauteing the garlic and onions, and cooking the chicken and gnocchi
5. A spatula or wooden spoon – to stir and mix all the ingredients in the pan
6. A citrus juicer – to squeeze the lemon and get that fresh juice out
7. A grater – for grating both the Parmesan cheese and the lemon zest if needed
8. A serving platter or bowl – for plating the finished dish with any extra garnishes you decide to add

Ingredients

2 medium chicken breasts, cut into bite sized pieces
1 1/2 tsp lemon pepper seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, diced
16 oz potato gnocchi
1 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
Juice of 1 lemon
1/2 tsp lemon zest
2 cups baby spinach
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Optional: extra Parmesan and lemon slices for garnish

Directions

Start by seasoning your bite-sized chicken pieces with lemon pepper seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat then add the minced garlic and diced onion. Let ‘em cook until soft.
Toss in the seasoned chicken and cook until a nice golden-brown is achieved, about 5-7 minutes.
Add the potato gnocchi to the pan and stir everything for a minute so they get a little toasty.
Pour in the chicken broth along with the heavy cream, then squeeze in the juice of one lemon and sprinkle in the lemon zest. Mix it all well.
Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for another 5 minutes to let the sauce thicken up.
Stir in the baby spinach and allow it to wilt down for about 2 minutes.
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese into the sauce and mix until it melts nicely.
Give it a taste and add a little more salt and pepper if needed.
Serve the dish hot, and if you want, garnish with extra Parmesan and lemon slices for that extra pop of flavor. Enjoy!

Notes

Below you’ll find my best estimate of this recipe’s nutrition facts. Treat the numbers as a guide rather than a rule—great food should nourish both body and spirit. Figures are approximate, and the website owner assumes no liability for any inaccuracies in this recipe.