Garlic Hen & Gnocchi

This garlic hen and gnocchi has been on repeat at my home recently, and I don’t see that altering anytime quickly. It’s acquired tender bites of hen, pillowy gnocchi, loads of veggies, and a lemon garlic butter sauce that I may fortunately eat on absolutely anything. Better of all, dinner comes along with one pan and one pot, which suggests there aren’t 1,000,000 dishes ready for you afterward.

I’ve been on a critical lemon garlic kick recently, and this recipe checks all of the bins. The contemporary lemon makes all the pieces pop, whereas the garlic butter brings all of the consolation meals vibes you’d anticipate from a skillet dinner. It’s straightforward sufficient to throw collectively on a busy weeknight, however it’s additionally a type of meals I’d fortunately serve if pals have been coming over.

Ingredient Notes

• Boneless Skinless Hen Breasts: Minimize the hen into evenly sized items so all the pieces cooks on the similar fee. Boneless skinless hen thighs work for those who favor darkish meat.
• Olive Oil: Common olive oil or additional virgin olive oil each work.
• Paprika, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, Black Pepper, and Crushed Pink Pepper Flakes: This easy seasoning mix provides loads of taste with out overpowering the lemon garlic butter. In the event you favor much less warmth, scale back or pass over the purple pepper flakes.
• Salted Butter: I exploit salted butter as a result of it provides nice taste to the sauce. In the event you’re utilizing unsalted butter, add slightly additional salt to style.
• Yellow Onion: White onion works too, however yellow onion will get slightly sweeter because it cooks.
• White or Cremini Mushrooms: Both selection works nice. In the event you’re cooking for mushroom skeptics, you may merely depart them out.
• Zucchini: Minimize the zucchini into bite-sized items in order that they cook dinner shortly and evenly. Yellow squash is a simple substitute.
• Gnocchi: Shelf-stable gnocchi discovered within the pasta aisle is what I exploit most frequently, however refrigerated or frozen gnocchi work too. Simply cook dinner based on the bundle instructions earlier than including it to the skillet.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides the most effective taste. If wanted, substitute 1 teaspoon garlic powder.
• Roasted Pink Peppers: Search for jarred roasted purple peppers close to the pickles, olives, or canned greens. Be sure you drain them properly earlier than including them to the skillet.
• Child Spinach: It appears to be like like loads at first, however it wilts down shortly.
• Lemon: You’ll use each the zest and the juice, so wash it properly earlier than zesting. Contemporary lemon juice makes a giant distinction right here, so I don’t advocate bottled for those who can keep away from it.

Getting Crispy Gnocchi

In the event you’ve solely ever had gentle gnocchi, you’re in for a deal with. After boiling, the gnocchi will get tossed into the skillet with butter the place it develops a light-weight golden crust whereas staying gentle and pillowy within the center.

Be sure you drain it properly earlier than including it to the pan, and resist the urge to stir always. Let it sit for a minute or two at a time so it has an opportunity to brown.

Vegetable Swaps

This recipe is straightforward to customise with no matter greens you may have available. Yellow squash can sub in completely for the zucchini, and broccoli, asparagus, and even halved cherry tomatoes are all nice additions.

Not a fan of mushrooms? Depart them out or exchange them with one other vegetable.

If you need much more greens, child kale works rather than the spinach. Simply give it an additional minute or two to melt.

Serving Recommendations

It is a full meal all by itself, however I by no means say no to a chunk of heat, crusty bread for absorbing each final little bit of that lemon garlic butter. In the event you’re serving friends or wish to spherical issues out, pair it with a easy salad or an arugula salad with a light-weight lemon French dressing.