Description
Embrace one-pot magic! This cozy dish features tender chicken breast, bright lemon zest, and potato gnocchi simmered in a rich, creamy broth. Deglazing captures deep flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced into 1-inch cubes
- 17.6 oz package shelf-stable potato gnocchi
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large lemon (zest and juice, divided)
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Step 1: Season the diced chicken with salt, pepper, and half of the lemon zest. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or pot over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides and mostly cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Remove the chicken and set aside, leaving any drippings in the pot.
- Step 2: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the 3 cups of chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to incorporate any browned bits (deglazing). Stir in the dried Italian seasoning and the remaining half of the lemon zest. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Step 3: Once boiling, add the gnocchi and the reserved cooked chicken back into the pot. Stir well to ensure the gnocchi does not stick together or to the bottom. Reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for about 5-8 minutes, or until the gnocchi has plumped up and is floating near the surface, and the liquid has thickened slightly.
- Step 4: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the 1/2 cup of heavy cream and the fresh lemon juice. Allow the mixture to warm through for 1-2 minutes, stirring gently until the sauce becomes creamy and cohesive.
- Step 5: Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings (salt and pepper) as necessary. Remove the pot from the heat and serve immediately while the gnocchi is tender and the sauce is hot.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, but be aware the gnocchi will continue to soak up the sauce; if the dish seems too dry upon storing, add a splash of milk or broth before refrigerating.
- For best results when reheating, gently warm the dish on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently and adding a teaspoon of heavy cream or broth to revive the sauce's smooth, cohesive texture.
- Elevate this cozy meal by finishing individual servings with fresh chopped parsley or basil, and pairing it with a simple side salad dressed with vinaigrette to provide a refreshing contrast to the creamy sauce.
- The initial half of the lemon zest is added early to infuse the broth with deep flavor, but ensure the fresh lemon juice is only stirred in at the very end (Step 4) to prevent curdling the cream and keep the citrus flavor bright and sharp.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups (approx. 450g)
- Calories: 810
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 43g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Protein: 6g