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    Home » All Recipes

    Author: Donna | Published: Jun 23, 2022 | Modified: Jun 23, 2022

    One Pan Lemon and Garlic Chicken and Gnocchi

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    One Pan Lemon and Garlic Chicken and Gnocchi

    The ultimate flavor-packed one-pan family-friendly meal, this lemon and garlic chicken and gnocchi recipe will have the entire family satisfied. Comfort food at its best, this meal comes together easily and leftovers can be packed for lunch the next day and simply reheated. Trying to eat lower in carbs? Cauliflower gnocchi is becoming more and more accessible in the stores and makes a great lower in carbs option.

    Overhead shot of lemon garlic chicken and gnocchi

    I have developed a new love for cauliflower gnocchi since it has become more available at the store, next time why not try this Pizza Seasoned Cauliflower Gnocchi In The Air Fryer next?

    Lemon and Garlic Chicken and Gnocchi

    Need a one-pan dish that is just bursting with flavor?

    This lemon and garlic chicken and gnocchi recipe is just that! Little bites of gnocchi are surrounded by a lemon and cream sauce with lots and lots of garlic, slices of perfectly cooked chicken breast, and a healthy handful of baby spinach to get some extra veggies in there.

    You will need:

    • boneless skinless chicken breasts: you can sub in chicken thighs if that is what you prefer, however, I think chicken breasts work best in this recipe;
    • Cajun seasoning: you can also use Old Bay seasoning or another seasoning blend of choice that goes well with garlic, cream, and lemon if preferred such as Italian seasoning;
    • olive oil or other cooking oil of choice;
    • butter or ghee;
    • garlic cloves: as always, fresh is best, however, prepared garlic can be used in a pinch. Garlic powder will work as well, but the flavor will not be as good;
    • chicken broth or chicken stock: double-check the salt content before purchasing;
    • lemon juice: fresh is best but prepared lemon juice can be used in a pinch;
    • heavy cream: you can sub in some milk of choice instead if preferred, just add a little extra parmesan to thicken up the sauce;
    • uncooked gnocchi: the best gnocchi for this recipe is shelf-stable potato or cauliflower gnocchi as it holds together well when everything is added to the pan. This can be found at most local grocery stores near the pasta section. Frozen gnocchi can be used as well, however, you may have to adjust the cooking time a little. If you would prefer to use your own homemade gnocchi just be sure to boil it in water before adding to the sauce to prevent it from falling apart;
    • Parmesan cheese: freshly grated parmesan is better as the pre-grated stuff tends to have preservatives added that can give the sauce a grainy texture, which is the last thing you want in a creamy sauce;
    • baby spinach or baby kale: fresh spinach is best, although frozen spinach can be used in a pinch if the excess moisture has been removed before adding it to the pan.
    Overhead shot of ingredients required for a one pan chicken breast and gnocchi recipe

    I have a bunch of add-ins that I like to use to switch things up so be sure to check them out below under the Tips, Tricks, and Substitutions heading.

    Scroll to the end to find the recipe card and the full recipe.

    Up close shot of a sliced chicken breast on top of gnocchi in a creamy sauce with lemon
    All of these delicious ingredients combine to create the ultimate one-pot experience.

    How To Make This One Pan Meal

    I love this meal not only just for the flavor, but also for how easy it is to make and for the fact that it comes together in one skillet, which means fewer dishes. Plus the kids always come back for seconds, which is always a huge plus.

    Winner winner.

    Use a large skillet for this meal so that everything can fit in together.

    We are simply going to season chicken breasts and cook for about 5 minutes on each side until cooked through. Chicken breasts are cooked through when they reach an internal temperature of 165F or 75C.

    • Season the chicken breasts.
    • Process shots for cooking seasoned chicken breasts in a large white skillet
      Cook until 165F (75C) internally.

    Remove the tender chicken from the pan and set aside until needed. As the chicken cools, it will create a nice juice underneath it, be sure to catch that juice as it will add so much flavor to the sauce.

    Once the chicken is ready we are going to make creamy garlic and lemon gnocchi. Add the butter and garlic to the pan and cook over medium heat. Use the chicken broth and lemon to deglaze the pan.

    Tip: use a spatula to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan to incorporate into the sauce. There is so much flavor in these bits.

    • Use a spatula to scrape up browned bits.
    • Process shots for deglazing a skillet and scraping up browned bits from cooked chicken.
      Add stock and lemon juice to deglaze pan.

    Then it is simply a matter of adding the cream, seasoning, gnocchi, and parmesan and cooking until cooked through. We then add in the baby spinach and the chicken.

    You can add the chicken whole or sliced. I am usually serving up to the family so I like to have it sliced for easy serving, but if you are just serving two people and plan to have a whole breast each then add it back in whole.

    • Add the cream and cook gnocchi through.
    • Process shots of making creamy sauce with gnocchi and in baby kale.
      Add the baby kale until just wilted.

    Done and done.

    Sliced chicken breasts added to a creamy sauce with gnocchi and lemon.

    Storing and Freezing Leftovers

    Leftovers should be allowed to cook completely to room temperature before being stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

    To reheat simply pop it into a microwave-safe dish and microwave for about 90 seconds. Alternatively, you could reheat it in a saucepan on the stovetop, however, you will likely need to add a little water or more cream to loosen up the sauce.

    Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days if stored correctly. Do not freeze cooked gnocchi as it can become mushy.

    I would not recommend freezing cooked chicken and gnocchi as it can cause the gnocchi to become mushy.

    Creamy gnocchi with sliced chicken breast served on a white plate with a lemon wedge
    Slice chicken breast and enjoy.

    Tips, Tricks, and Substitutions

    Want to change things up?

    This recipe is super versatile and lends itself well to substitutions, why not try one or a couple of these add-ins:

    • Using leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken or chicken tenders instead of chicken breasts
    • Bacon cooked and chopped
    • Sun-dried tomatoes
    • Jarred artichokes
    • Mushrooms
    • Antipasto mixture - eggplant, artichokes, and sundried tomatoes in oil

    As the gnocchi cooks it will release starch into the cream sauce. If it becomes too thick simply add some more stock to loosen things up a little. If you find the opposite to be true, and your sauce is too runny then make a cornstarch slurry with some of the stock and add it back into the dish.

    No gnocchi? No worries, simply sub some cooked pasta and you are good to go.

    Tip: if you would prefer to turn this into a creamy chicken gnocchi soup with a nice creamy broth (a bit like the olive garden chicken gnocchi soup) then simply chop up the cooked chicken into smaller pieces before adding back into the dish, and add extra chicken broth and cream. Such a comforting soup.

    A piece of gnocchi in creamy sauce being scooped up with a fork.
    The gnocchi should be coated in the lemon garlic sauce.

    Serving Suggestions

    This lemon and garlic chicken and gnocchi is the perfect meal as is, however, if you like to serve meals with more veggies why not try serving a side of:

    • Lemon and Garlic Air Fryer Broccoli
    • Garlic Pepper Skillet Green Beans
    • Honey, Lemon, and Sea Salt Air Fryer Asparagus
    • a simple side salad or a large handful of extra baby spinach
    • steamed vegetables
    • with a sprinkle of fresh thyme or fresh parsley

    If you love carbs then serving this with a side of crispy baguette or crusty bread for mopping up the sauce is just amazing!

    Oh and red pepper flakes go perfectly on top.

    Whole chicken breasts with gnocchi in a creamy sauce with lemon all in one pot.
    One-pot means fewer dishes!

    Need More One-Pan Recipes?

    A good one pan and one skillet recipe can be the saving grace of a busy week.

    Try one of these popular recipes next:

    • One Pan Creamy Garlic Chicken with Potatoes and Garden Herbs
    • One Pan Lemon Parmesan Chicken with Garlic Butter Veggies
    • The Perfect Slow Cooker Ratatouille Recipe
    • One-Skillet Honey Pomegranate Balsamic Glazed Chicken Thighs

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can I use frozen gnocchi?

    Yes. However, you may need to add a little more cooking time to ensure it is cooked through.

    Can I use fresh gnocchi?

    Shelf-stable gnocchi is better as it tends to be sturdier. Fresh pillowy gnocchi can be used, however, there is a chance of it falling apart if it is very tender.

    Can cooked gnocchi be frozen?

    I do not recommend freezing cooked gnocchi as it can become soggy.

    Has this ultimate comfort food made it to your regular dinner rotation? Be sure to leave a star rating or a comment below if this has become one of your household's popular recipes.

    Happy Eating.

    xx

    Recipe

    Overhead shot of chicken and gnocchi in a large pot

    One Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken and Gnocchi

    The ultimate flavor-packed one-pan family-friendly meal, this lemon and garlic chicken and gnocchi recipe will have the entire family satisfied. Comfort food at its best, this meal comes together easily and leftovers can be packed for lunch the next day and simply reheated. Trying to eat lower in carbs? Cauliflower gnocchi is becoming more and more accessible in the stores and makes a great lower in carbs option.
    5 from 9 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 20 minutes mins
    Total Time 30 minutes mins
    Course Dinner, Main Course
    Cuisine Anytime
    Servings 6 serves
    Calories 378 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 lb (500g) boneless skinless chicken breasts
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • ½ teaspoon black pepper
    • 2 teaspoons seasoning blend (Old Bay, Cajun seasoning, or Italian seasoning)
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 1 tablespoon butter
    • 4 garlic cloves minced
    • ½ cup chicken broth
    • 1 lemon juiced
    • ¾ cup heavy cream
    • ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
    • 1 lb (500g) uncooked potato gnocchi
    • 1.5 cups baby spinach or baby kale
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions
     

    • Season the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of seasoning blend.
    • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes. Flip the chicken breasts and add the butter to the pan and continue to cook for another 7 minutes until the chicken is cooked through. Transfer to a plate.
    • Reduce the heat to medium and add the garlic. Cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
    • Use the chicken broth and lemon to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan as you go.
    • Add the heavy cream, remainder of the seasoning blend, and the grated parmesan and stir well to combine until the parmesan has melted.
    • Add the gnocchi and continue to cook for about 7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
    • Turn the heat off and add in the baby spinach. Stir until just wilted before adding the chicken back into the skillet and serving immediately.

    Notes

    Chicken
    Aim for similar-sized chicken breasts so that they cook evenly. If your chicken breasts are large in size you may want to cut them in half or increase the amount of cooking time required.
    Chicken is cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165F (75C).
    If there is any resistance when you try to flip the chicken halfway through cooking, then continue to let it cook for a minute or two, until it is easier to flip.
    Gnocchi
    The best gnocchi to use is shelf-stable gnocchi. Frozen gnocchi can be used, however, you will need to add some cooking time to ensure it cooks through. I would not recommend fresh gnocchi as it will likely fall apart or become mushy in this recipe.
    Sauce
    If the sauce is too thick then add some more stock.
    If the sauce is too thin then use a little extra stock and some cornstarch to make a cornstarch slurry and add it to the sauce.
    Storing leftovers
    Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
    I would not recommend freezing leftovers, as the gnocchi may become soggy.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 378kcalCarbohydrates: 31gProtein: 22gFat: 19gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 91mgSodium: 714mgPotassium: 412mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 1591IUVitamin C: 13mgCalcium: 95mgIron: 4mg
    Keyword chicken and gnocchi
    Tried this recipe?Leave a comment HERE and let us know how it was!

    The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Sachi says

      June 29, 2022 at 2:49 am

      This one pan meal was so easy and delicious to make in a pinch. thanks for the recipe!

      Reply
    2. Rupali says

      June 28, 2022 at 11:31 am

      Absolutely delicious! Great for serving at parties too. This is going to be a staple at my house.

      Reply
    3. Alex Bala says

      June 25, 2022 at 1:33 am

      Very good! I love this recipe and it will become a staple. I also love the addition of bacon 🙂 Thanks, Donna

      Reply
    4. Cindy says

      June 23, 2022 at 11:11 pm

      This was absolutely delicious! Truly company-worthy. Highly recommend.

      Reply
    5. Mandy Applegate says

      June 23, 2022 at 6:47 pm

      My Mothers response after eating this 'it's the best chicken and gnocchi I have EVER had' - says it all. High praise indeed!

      Reply

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    Hello and welcome, I'm Donna!

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