Lemon-Ricotta Cottage-Cheese Chicken Gnocchi
Lemon-Ricotta Cottage-Cheese Chicken Gnocchi is a delectable dish that marries creamy ricotta with zesty lemon, enveloping tender chicken and pillowy gnocchi in flavor. This vibrant meal not only satisfies your taste buds but also creates a delightful dining experience perfect for gatherings or family dinners. Quick to prepare yet impressive, it’s an ideal choice for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs alike.
- Author: Jennifer
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1 cup fresh ricotta cheese
- 1 cup cottage cheese (small curds)
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1 lb gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Prepare your ingredients: gather chicken, cheeses, lemon, gnocchi, spinach, garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper, and Parmesan.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Cook for about 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from skillet.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic; sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add spinach and cook until wilted.
- In a bowl, combine ricotta, cottage cheese, lemon zest, and juice until smooth. Pour into the skillet with garlic and spinach; stir over low heat.
- Cook gnocchi according to package instructions until they float to the surface; drain and add to the skillet.
- Slice chicken into strips or cubes and fold gently into the mixture. Toss until well-coated in sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: For a vegetarian option, replace chicken with sautéed mushrooms or additional vegetables like zucchini. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days; reheat on low heat with a splash of broth.