The Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Dish is one of those effortlessly elegant meals you’ll want to make again and again. Imagine pillowy gnocchi mingling with golden, juicy chicken and sweet-tart cherry tomatoes, all enlivened with a pop of zesty lemon and a tangle of fresh spinach. It’s a bright, hearty dinner that comes together in under thirty minutes, packing every bite with flavor, color, and a comforting creaminess thanks to melty Parmesan and tender gnocchi. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or weeknight craving, this recipe is the kind of dish that turns simple ingredients into something absolutely crave-worthy!

Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Dish Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Dish relies on a handful of easy-to-find ingredients, each playing a vital role in bringing flavor, texture, and a pop of color to your plate. From the zestiness of lemon to the earthiness of spinach, don’t skip any of these for the best results!

Gnocchi (1 pound): These soft, pillowy dumplings make the perfect base, soaking up the lemony sauce beautifully.
Chicken breasts (2, boneless & skinless): Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick, even cooking and juicy bites of protein in every forkful.
Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Adds depth and richness while helping chicken get that irresistible golden crust.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Infuses the dish with aromatic warmth, making the kitchen smell amazing as soon as it hits the pan.
Lemon (zest and juice of 1): The key to the dish’s brightness; zest gives bold aroma, while juice provides a fresh, tangy finish.
Cherry tomatoes (1 cup, halved): Bursts of juicy sweetness that soften beautifully and lend a gorgeous pop of color.
Baby spinach (2 cups): Wilts perfectly, adding earthiness and a nutrient boost without overpowering other flavors.
Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup, grated): Brings saltiness and creaminess, binding all the elements together with savory depth.
Red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): Adds a little heat for those who like a spicy kick.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste): Enhances flavors and balances every bite—don’t forget to season as you go!
Fresh basil (1/4 cup, chopped): Fresh, fragrant, and the perfect finishing touch to take the Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Dish over the top.

How to Make Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Dish

Step 1: Cook the Gnocchi

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the gnocchi. Keep an eye on them—they float to the top when they’re ready, usually in just a few minutes! Scoop them out with a slotted spoon and set aside. This ensures they don’t overcook and stay delightfully tender, ready to soak up all the bright, lemony flavors to come.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

While the gnocchi cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your chicken pieces, seasoning them generously with salt and black pepper. Let them cook untouched until golden brown on one side, then flip for even color. This step locks in those savory juices and gives the chicken rich flavor, a perfect contrast to the zesty elements of the Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Dish.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Lemons

When the chicken is nearly cooked through, sprinkle in the minced garlic and stir for about one minute, just until fragrant (but not burned). Next, add the lemon zest and juice—this is where the magic happens! The sizzling pan will release the lemon’s oils into the chicken and garlic, creating an irresistibly aromatic foundation.

Step 4: Toss in Tomatoes & Wilt the Spinach

Add your halved cherry tomatoes straight into the skillet with the chicken and lemony goodness. Let them simmer for three to four minutes so they release their juices and turn slightly jammy. Then, fold in the baby spinach, tossing gently until it wilts. The greens will become silky and meld into the sauce, while those ruby tomato bites bring juicy bursts to every forkful of Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Dish.

Step 5: Finish with Gnocchi, Parmesan & Red Pepper Flakes

Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet and gently combine everything, making sure those pillowy dumplings get coated in the flavorful sauce. Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan and red pepper flakes (if you like it spicy!). Stir just until everything is creamy, cheesy, and glossy.

Step 6: Stir in Fresh Basil & Serve

Finally, remove the pan from heat and fold in the chopped fresh basil for that unmistakable aromatic lift. Give your Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Dish one last gentle stir, then serve it warm. Your kitchen will smell divine, and the dish is ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Dish

Garnishes

Elevate your Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Dish with a handful of finishing touches! A sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese, a few fresh basil leaves, or thin lemon slices perched on top look and taste fantastic. If you adore a hit of color, use a few extra halved cherry tomatoes for a visual pop. A light drizzle of good olive oil never hurts either!

Side Dishes

Pairing is key when serving this vibrant main course. Simple sides like a crisp arugula salad with a lemony vinaigrette, warm crusty bread, or a rosemary-infused focaccia sop up every drop of that sauce. If you want to keep things light, go for steamed asparagus or roasted green beans—both bring extra spring character to your Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Dish.

Creative Ways to Present

For an extra-special spin, serve the Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Dish in shallow pasta bowls, swirling the spinach and tomatoes on top for a chef-inspired presentation. Hosting a dinner? Portion into individual ramekins for a fancy touch or layer on a shared platter garnished with edible flowers and lemon wedges for a rustic, Mediterranean vibe. It’s as adaptable as it is delicious!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got leftovers? Scoop any remaining Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Dish into an airtight container and cool to room temperature before refrigerating. It’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, so lunchtime leftovers might taste even better!

Freezing

While gnocchi is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze cooled portions of Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Dish if needed. Place into freezer-safe containers, tightly sealed, and freeze for up to one month. Note: the texture of gnocchi and spinach may soften a bit after thawing, but the dish will still be comforting.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Dish in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce and bring back its creamy consistency. If microwaving, use a lower power setting and stir halfway through to avoid overcooking the chicken or gnocchi.

FAQs

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply omit the chicken and double up on the spinach, or swap in sautéed mushrooms, chickpeas, or your favorite plant-based protein for a satisfying twist on Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Dish.

Is there a gluten-free option?

Yes—you can easily make Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Dish gluten-free by using certified gluten-free gnocchi, which is available in most grocery stores. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so it’s an easy swap!

Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?

Short on time? No problem! Shred some rotisserie chicken and toss it in with the spinach and gnocchi just to heat through. This shortcut makes the Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Dish even faster on busy nights.

What protein can I use instead of chicken?

This dish is endlessly versatile! Try it with shrimp, salmon, turkey breast, or even grilled tofu. The lemony sauce pairs beautifully with nearly any protein, so feel free to experiment with what you have on hand.

How do I add extra creaminess?

For an ultra-creamy Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Dish, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a spoonful of ricotta cheese at the end of cooking. It melds the flavor together for an even more decadent finish.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a gnocchi enthusiast or just looking to shake up your weeknight dinners, the Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Dish delivers crowd-pleasing flavor in record time. Give it a try, make it your own, and don’t be surprised when everyone asks for seconds!

Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Dish Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 26 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Dish is a delightful blend of pillowy gnocchi, tender chicken, vibrant spinach, and zesty lemon, all coming together in a creamy and flavorful sauce. With the option to add a hint of heat from red pepper flakes, this dish is a perfect balance of bright citrus and savory elements.

Ingredients

Scale

Gnocchi:

1 pound gnocchi

Chicken:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

Other Ingredients:

2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
2 cups baby spinach
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped

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Instructions

Cook Gnocchi: Cook gnocchi according to package instructions until they float to the surface. Drain and set aside.
Cook Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add seasoned chicken pieces and cook until golden and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
Combine Ingredients: Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, and cherry tomatoes. Cook until tomatoes soften. Add cooked gnocchi and baby spinach, tossing gently until spinach wilts.
Finish Dish: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes if using. Remove from heat and mix in fresh basil. Serve warm.