Ingredients

Scale

(Serves 4)

Protein & base:

1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cubed (you love high-protein!)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 (16 oz) package potato gnocchi (use GF gnocchi if needed—you love gluten-free!)

Creamy lemon sauce:

2 tbsp butter
4 garlic cloves, minced
Zest and juice of 1 large lemon (about 3 tbsp—you love citrus!)
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
½ cup heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk
½ cup fresh baby spinach
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (use reduced-sodium—you love low-sodium!)
½ tsp dried thyme
Salt & black pepper to taste

Garnish:

Extra lemon zest
Fresh parsley or basil
Red pepper flakes (optional—you love spicy!)

Instructions

1. Sear chicken:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken; cook 5–6 minutes until golden. Remove and set aside.

2. Cook gnocchi:

In same skillet, add gnocchi; toast 2–3 minutes until lightly golden. Remove and set aside with chicken.

3. Make sauce:

Melt butter in skillet. Add garlic; cook 30 seconds. Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, broth, cream, thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.

4. Finish & combine:

Stir in spinach until wilted. Return chicken and gnocchi to skillet; toss to coat. Sprinkle with Parmesan; stir until melted and creamy.

5. Serve:

Garnish with lemon zest, parsley, and optional red pepper flakes.

💡 Pro Tips for Perfection:
✅ Toast gnocchi first—adds texture and prevents mushiness.
✅ Use freshly grated Parmesan—melts smoothly; pre-shredded won’t.
✅ Low-sodium mastery (you love this!):
→ Use low-sodium broth + reduced-sodium cheese
→ Boost brightness with extra lemon zest and herbs
✅ Blood sugar friendly (you love this!):
→ Naturally low-glycemic—no added sugars!
→ Net carbs: 28g/serving
✅ Low-carb/keto option (you love this!):
→ Swap gnocchi for cauliflower gnocchi (check label for <5g net carbs/serving)
→ Net carbs drop to 9g/serving
✅ Make ahead:
→ Keeps 3 days refrigerated (sauce may thicken—add splash of broth when reheating)

Storage & Serving Ideas

→ Fridge life: 3 days | Freezer: Not recommended (gnocchi softens)
→ Serving ideas:
→ As a cozy weeknight dinner
→ With a side salad for balance
→ For meal prep—portion into containers

Prep Time & Nutrition (per serving):