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Here are the key ingredients for One-Pan Lemon Rosemary Chicken Gnocchi: - 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces - 1 pound gnocchi (your choice of store-bought or homemade) - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 lemon, zested and juiced - 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary) - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 2 cups fresh spinach - Salt and pepper, to taste - Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional) You can switch some ingredients if you need to: - Chicken thighs: Use chicken breasts, but they may dry out faster. - Gnocchi: Try pasta, like fusilli or penne, if gnocchi is not available. - Olive oil: You can use avocado oil for a different taste. - Fresh rosemary: Dried thyme or oregano works well too. - Cherry tomatoes: Substitute with diced bell peppers for a sweeter flavor. - Spinach: Kale or arugula can also add a nice touch. Choosing fresh ingredients makes a big difference in taste. Here are my tips: - Chicken: Look for bright pink color, no off-smell, and firm texture. - Gnocchi: If buying pre-made, check the package date for freshness. - Herbs: Choose bright green leaves; avoid yellow or wilting herbs. - Tomatoes: Pick firm tomatoes with smooth skin. They should smell sweet. - Spinach: Look for vibrant, crisp leaves without brown spots. These tips will help you create a dish that bursts with flavor and freshness. Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, add 1 pound of chicken thighs. These should be cut into bite-sized pieces. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Sauté the chicken for about 5-7 minutes. You want it nicely browned on all sides. Next, add 4 cloves of minced garlic to the skillet. Stir it into the chicken. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the garlic smells nice and turns golden. Be careful not to burn it. Then, pour in the juice of 1 lemon. Add the zest and 1 tablespoon of chopped rosemary. Stir everything together. Let it simmer for about 1 minute. This helps the flavors blend well. Gently fold in 1 pound of gnocchi and 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Pour in ½ cup of water or chicken broth for extra flavor. Stir to combine. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes. This cooks the gnocchi and makes it tender. Stir occasionally to stop it from sticking. Once the gnocchi is soft, remove the lid. Fold in 2 cups of fresh spinach. Stir until it wilts. Taste the dish and adjust with more salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, adding grated Parmesan cheese if you like. Enjoy your meal! To cook gnocchi just right, start with a pot of salted water. Bring it to a boil. Add the gnocchi and watch closely. They will float when done. This takes about two to three minutes. Drain the gnocchi and set them aside. This helps keep them soft and fluffy. If you want a crispy texture, sauté them in the skillet after cooking. Adding more herbs can boost the taste. Thyme, basil, or parsley work well with lemon and chicken. Use fresh herbs whenever possible. They bring out brighter flavors. For a stronger taste, add herbs during cooking. You can also sprinkle some fresh herbs over the dish before serving. This adds color and flavor. Cooking chicken thighs takes time for safety and flavor. Cook them until golden brown, about five to seven minutes. Use a meat thermometer for safety. The chicken should reach 165°F (75°C). Let it rest for a few minutes after cooking. This keeps the juices in, making it tender and juicy. Cooking chicken with the gnocchi allows flavors to blend beautifully. {{image_4}} You can easily adjust this recipe. If you want a lighter meal, use chicken breast instead of thighs. For a vegetarian option, swap the chicken for mushrooms or tofu. You can also use gluten-free gnocchi if you need a gluten-free dish. Try adding some nuts for crunch or seeds for protein. You can replace spinach with kale for a different taste and texture. Instead of using a skillet, you can bake this dish. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a baking pan, mix the chicken, garlic, lemon juice, and zest, along with the olive oil and seasoning. Add the gnocchi and tomatoes next, stirring to combine. Cover the pan with foil and bake for about 20 minutes. Remove the foil, add spinach, and bake for another 5 minutes. This method gives a nice roasted flavor. Feel free to mix in other veggies too! Zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus work great. Add them when you sauté the chicken for a lively dish. If you want a heartier meal, add carrots or peas. You can even toss in some broccoli or cauliflower for extra nutrients. Just remember to adjust cooking times for any firmer vegetables. To store your leftover One-Pan Lemon Rosemary Chicken Gnocchi, first let it cool. Then, place it in an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to seal the container tightly to prevent moisture loss. This helps the dish stay fresh and tasty. When you are ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheating is key. You can use a skillet for the best results. Heat a small amount of olive oil in the skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and gnocchi mixture. Stir it gently for about five minutes. This helps keep the gnocchi soft and the chicken tender. You can also add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. Allow the dish to cool completely before freezing. Use a freezer-safe container or bag. Make sure to remove excess air to avoid freezer burn. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you are ready to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat as noted above for a delicious meal. Yes, you can use frozen gnocchi for this recipe. Just add them to the skillet straight from the freezer. Cook them as directed in the recipe. They will soften and cook well in the sauce. This makes it easy and saves time. Many herbs work well with lemon and chicken. Here are some great options: - Thyme: Adds a warm flavor. - Oregano: Gives a nice, earthy taste. - Basil: Adds a fresh, sweet touch. - Sage: Provides a strong, savory note. Try mixing and matching these herbs to find your favorite flavor combo. To spice up your dish, you can add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper. Start with a small amount, then taste and adjust. Another option is to use spicy sausage instead of chicken. You can also add sliced jalapeños for heat. Enjoy the kick! This blog post covered the key ingredients, how to cook them, and tips for success. I shared ways to customize the dish to fit your taste and dietary needs. Remember, selecting fresh ingredients can make a big difference in flavor. Use the methods and tips I provided to perfect your dish each time. With these steps in mind, you can confidently create a delicious meal that suits your palate. Cooking should be fun and rewarding, so don't hesitate to experiment!

One-Pan Lemon Rosemary Chicken Gnocchi

Discover the delicious flavors of One-Pan Lemon Rosemary Chicken Gnocchi! This simple recipe combines tender chicken, soft gnocchi, fresh spinach, and zesty lemon for a perfect weeknight meal. With just one skillet, you can create a hassle-free dinner that bursts with flavor in under 30 minutes. Click through to explore this mouthwatering recipe and impress your family tonight!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

1 pound gnocchi (your choice of store-bought or homemade)

2 tablespoons olive oil

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 lemon, zested and juiced

1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary)

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

2 cups fresh spinach

Salt and pepper, to taste

Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

Instructions
 

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chicken pieces, seasoning them generously with salt and pepper. Sauté the chicken until it is nicely browned on all sides, approximately 5-7 minutes.

    Add the minced garlic to the skillet, stirring it into the chicken. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until the garlic becomes fragrant and slightly golden, ensuring not to burn it.

      Pour in the lemon juice and add the lemon zest and chopped rosemary to the skillet. Stir everything together, allowing the mixture to simmer for about 1 minute while the flavors combine beautifully.

        Next, gently fold in the gnocchi and the halved cherry tomatoes. Add ½ cup of water (or chicken broth for an enhanced flavor profile) and give everything a gentle stir to combine.

          Cover the skillet with a lid and let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes. During this time, the gnocchi will soften and cook through; stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

            Once the gnocchi are tender, remove the lid and fold in the fresh spinach, stirring until it is wilted and vibrant. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

              Serve the dish hot, garnishing each plate with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese if desired for a creamy finish.

                - Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 25 minutes | 4 servings