Description
This Lemon Chicken Gnocchi is a quick and flavorful Italian-American dish featuring tender chicken pieces and pillowy gnocchi tossed in a zesty lemon butter sauce with garlic and Parmesan. Perfect for a comforting weeknight meal, it combines savory herbs with the bright freshness of lemon for a balanced, satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Gnocchi
- 1 pound potato gnocchi
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
Cooking Fats and Aromatics
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Flavor Enhancers
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Optional: red pepper flakes for a bit of heat
Instructions
- Cook Gnocchi: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the potato gnocchi according to the package instructions until they float to the surface, indicating they are done. Drain and set aside.
- Cook Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, and dried Italian herbs. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and melt the unsalted butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked gnocchi and chicken back into the skillet. Stir in the lemon zest and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Toss everything gently to combine and heat through, ensuring the dish is well coated with the lemon garlic butter sauce.
- Finish and Serve: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley over the gnocchi and chicken mixture. Toss lightly to distribute evenly. Serve immediately, optionally adding red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Notes
- You can substitute gnocchi with cooked pasta if preferred for a different texture.
- For a creamier sauce, add 1/2 cup heavy cream when combining the gnocchi and chicken in the skillet.
- Fresh herbs such as basil or thyme can be added along with parsley to enhance the flavor profile.
- To make it gluten-free, use certified gluten-free gnocchi.
