Welcome to your new go-to weeknight dinner recipe: One-Pan Lemon Gnocchi Chicken! In just 15 minutes, you can whip up a deliciously comforting meal that’s perfect for the whole family. This easy, one-pan dish features pillowy soft gnocchi simmered in a creamy, tangy lemon sauce, topped with juicy, seasoned chicken.
The best part? There’s no need to precook the gnocchi—just add it straight into the pan towards the end of cooking! Whether served on its own or accompanied by a side of steamed veggies or a fresh salad, this recipe is sure to become a favorite around your dinner table. Let’s dive in and explore how to put this delightful dish together!
The Convenience of One-Pan Cooking
One of the significant advantages of the one-pan cooking method is its simplicity. In today’s fast-paced world, home cooks increasingly seek meals that can be prepared without the hassle of handling multiple pots and pans.
Using just one pan means that the entire cooking process remains organized, reducing the time spent on cleaning afterward. This method is particularly ideal for those who may be new to cooking or individuals looking to save time on weeknight meals.
Gnocchi: The Perfect Pasta Alternative
Gnocchi serves as a wonderful alternative to traditional pasta. These small dumplings, typically made from potato, flour, and egg, are known for their unique texture.
When cooked, gnocchi become pillowy soft, almost like tiny clouds, soaking up the flavors of the sauce in which they are prepared. This property makes gnocchi particularly suited for a creamy dish like lemon chicken with a parmesan sauce.
Flavor Pairings: Lemon and Chicken
Lemon is a fantastic ingredient that brings brightness to many dishes. Its acidity can elevate the flavors of proteins like chicken, enhancing their natural taste.
In this recipe, the tartness of the lemon complements the richness of the sauce while cutting through the heaviness of the cream and parmesan. This balance not only excites the palate but also makes the meal more satisfying, as the combination of flavors creates a harmonious dining experience.
Nutritional Benefits of Chicken and Gnocchi
Using chicken as the primary protein provides several nutritional benefits.
- Lean Protein Source: Chicken is low in fat, making it an excellent choice for those looking to maintain a healthy diet.
- Rich in Vitamins and Minerals: It is a good source of several essential nutrients, including vitamin B6, phosphorus, and niacin, important for energy metabolism and maintaining healthy skin.
On the other hand, gnocchi, although higher in carbohydrates, can still be part of a balanced diet when consumed in moderation.
- Complex Carbohydrates: Made primarily from potatoes, they offer a source of energy while providing minerals like potassium.
The Appeal of Creamy Sauces
Creamy sauces have a universal appeal, adding both texture and flavor to dishes. The luxurious lemon cream parmesan sauce in One-Pan Lemon Gnocchi Chicken not only enhances the overall experience but also contributes to a comfort-food feel.
- Hearty Texture: The cream creates a coating on both the chicken and gnocchi, enriching each bite.
- Flavor Infusion: As the ingredients cook together in one pan, the flavors meld, resulting in a cohesive taste experience.
Preparation and Cooking Time
One of the most attractive features of the One-Pan Lemon Gnocchi Chicken recipe is its quick preparation time.
Within about 30 minutes, home cooks can have a delicious meal ready on the table. This speed does not compromise the quality or taste of the dish.
- Prep Time: The process begins with quickly chopping the chicken and other ingredients.
- Cooking Process: The entire meal cooks simultaneously, allowing the chef to focus on the task at hand without overcomplicating the cooking process.
Serving Suggestions
While One-Pan Lemon Gnocchi Chicken is a satisfying dish in its own right, pairing it with the right accompaniments can elevate the dining experience even further.
Consider serving it alongside a fresh salad or steamed vegetables to enhance the meal’s nutritional profile. A light green salad with a lemon vinaigrette can complement the flavors of the dish beautifully, making for a well-rounded meal.
Conclusion
One-Pan Lemon Gnocchi Chicken encapsulates the essence of comfort food while also catering to the needs of modern cooks seeking convenience. With the blend of tender chicken, fluffy gnocchi, and a zesty lemon cream sauce, it offers a delightful experience that both novice and experienced cooks can appreciate.
In just 30 minutes, this dish enables individuals and families to enjoy a high-quality meal without the fuss of complicated preparations and numerous dishes. As such, it stands as a quintessential recipe for anyone looking to embrace the joys of cooking while balancing their time and culinary passion.
One-Pan Lemon Gnocchi Chicken
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- salt and pepper
- 1/2 yellow onion, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp dried thyme
- pinch of chili flakes
- zest of one lemon
- juice of one lemon
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup whole milk
- 500 g (17oz) gnocchi (regular or gluten-free)
- 1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese
- garnishes: fresh dill, parmesan cheese and chili flakes
Instructions
In a high-sided large skillet,
- Add 1 1/2 tbsp olive oil and set the heat to medium-high.
- Once the pan is hot, sear the chicken for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown, then set aside on a plate.
Lower the heat to medium,
- Add 1/2 tbsp olive oil and the onion, cooking for 4-5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, and chili flakes and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Pour in the broth,
- Scraping the browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Add the lemon zest and whole milk, stirring to combine, followed by the lemon juice while continuously stirring.
Bring the mixture to a simmer,
- Add the gnocchi, then nestle the chicken breasts and their juices back into the pan.
- Allow it to simmer again, then reduce the heat to medium-low and cook for 10-15 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked.
Once the chicken is done,
- Remove it from the pan and stir in the parmesan cheese.
- Cook for a few more minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
Serve the dish,
- Topped with fresh dill and lemon slices if desired.
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