Creamy Lemon Parmesan Chicken Gnocchi
Bright, creamy, and easy to make, this dish combines tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a silky lemon-parmesan sauce. It's a fast weeknight dinner that looks like effort but comes together in one skillet.
Ingredients
For the Base
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced You can swap diced chicken breast for boneless thigh meat for a bit more flavor and juiciness.
- 1 package gnocchi Use potato gnocchi as written or adjust for lighter carbs.
For the Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream For a lower-fat option, use half-and-half.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese Freshly grated Parmesan melts best.
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice Fresh lemon juice gives the brightest flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced Add more cloves for a stronger garlic flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste
To Serve
- Fresh parsley for garnish Chop finely and add before serving for the best color.
Instructions
Cooking the Chicken
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken to the dry or lightly oiled skillet.
- Cook, stirring occasionally, until the pieces are browned and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes.
Adding Garlic
- Push the chicken to one side of the pan or lower the heat slightly.
- Add the minced garlic and stir for about one minute until fragrant.
Cooking the Gnocchi
- Toss the gnocchi into the skillet with the chicken and garlic.
- Cook according to package instructions. Stir frequently until they don’t stick and cook until tender.
Making the Sauce
- Lower the heat to medium-low. Pour in the heavy cream, then add the grated Parmesan and lemon juice.
- Stir regularly until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly, about 2–4 minutes.
Seasoning and Finishing
- Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
- Remove from heat and let sit for a minute so the sauce settles and thickens a touch.
Plating and Garnishing
- Spoon the creamy mixture onto plates or into bowls.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
Notes
This dish is simple enough for weeknights and pretty enough for guests. Let the skillet sit off heat for a minute to let the sauce thicken before serving.