Indulge in the cozy comforts of winter with our Creamy Winter Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Soup. This hearty dish combines tender chicken and fluffy gnocchi with the vibrant zest of lemon, creating a delightful blend of flavors that warms the soul. Perfect for family dinners or a comforting lunch, this soup showcases a luxurious creamy base enriched with heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. You’ll find joy in every spoonful as you savor this delightful seasonal recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comforting Flavor: The combination of chicken, lemon, and creamy broth creates a warm, soothing experience perfect for chilly days.
- Easy to Prepare: With just 30 minutes from start to finish, this dish is quick enough for weeknight dinners.
- Kid-Friendly: The soft gnocchi and mild flavors make it an ideal choice for children and picky eaters.
- Versatile Meal: Enjoy it as a main course or pair it with crusty bread for a complete meal.
- Gluten-Free + Vegan Option: You can easily adapt this recipe to fit various dietary needs without sacrificing taste.
Tools and Preparation
To create your Creamy Winter Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Soup, you’ll need a few essential tools that will streamline your cooking process and enhance your results.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot or Dutch oven: Ideal for simmering soups evenly without burning, allowing flavors to meld beautifully.
- Chef’s knife: Ensures precision in chopping vegetables and cutting chicken, making preparation easier.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for balancing flavors in your soup.
Ingredients
For the Soup Base
- 2 lbs. organic chicken breasts
- 2 Tbsps Extra virgin olive oil
- 1 lemon, sliced thin
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- Sea salt + black pepper, to taste
For the Gnocchi
- 1 (16 oz.) package potato gnocchi, homemade or store-bought (I like to use Delallo foods)
For Flavor Enhancements
- 2 Tbsps unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 fresh thyme sprigs
- 2 tsps On Everything All-Purpose Blend
- 1 tsp sea salt
For Thickening the Soup
- 4 Tbsps organic all-purpose flour
For the Broth
- 5 cups organic chicken stock/broth
For Creaminess
- 1 lemon, freshly squeezed
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 1/2 cups organic heavy cream
For Freshness
- 2 cups organic kale, de-stemmed + chopped
For Garnish
- 1 cup freshly-grated parmesan cheese
How to Make Creamy Winter Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with sea salt and black pepper. Once the oil is hot:
* Add the chicken breasts to the pot.
* Cook for about 6–7 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked.
* Remove from pot and let rest before slicing into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
In the same pot:
* Add butter and melt over medium heat.
* Stir in minced garlic and thyme sprigs; sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).
Step 3: Create the Base
Sprinkle flour over the sautéed mixture:
* Stir constantly for about 1–2 minutes until lightly golden.
* Gradually whisk in chicken broth, ensuring no lumps remain.
Step 4: Add Gnocchi and Chicken
Once your broth is smooth:
* Bring it to a gentle simmer.
* Add gnocchi, sliced chicken, lemon slices, thyme leaves, lemon zest, and seasonings.
Step 5: Finish with Cream
After about 5 minutes:
* Stir in fresh lemon juice followed by heavy cream.
* Let simmer gently for another 5–10 minutes until heated through.
Step 6: Incorporate Greens
Finally:
* Fold in chopped kale just before serving. Allow it to wilt slightly while stirring everything together.
Your Creamy Winter Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Soup is now ready! Serve hot with freshly-grated Parmesan cheese on top for an extra touch of flavor. Enjoy!
How to Serve Creamy Winter Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Serving your Creamy Winter Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Soup can elevate the dining experience. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to enhance this comforting dish.
Garnish with Fresh Herbs
- Fresh thyme or parsley can add a burst of flavor and a pop of color to your soup. Just sprinkle some on top right before serving.
Pair with Crusty Bread
- Serve slices of warm, crusty bread on the side. This is perfect for dipping into the creamy soup and soaking up all the delicious flavors.
Add a Side Salad
- A fresh salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the soup and adds a refreshing crunch.
Serve in Individual Bowls
- For an elegant presentation, serve the soup in individual bowls, garnished with lemon slices and additional parmesan cheese.
Drizzle with Olive Oil
- A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil over the top right before serving adds richness and enhances the overall flavor profile of the soup.
How to Perfect Creamy Winter Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Perfecting your Creamy Winter Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Soup will ensure it’s a hit every time. Here are some tips to help you achieve that creamy consistency and rich flavor.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh chicken and organic vegetables will provide better flavor and nutrients compared to processed alternatives.
- Adjust Thickness: If the soup is too thick, add more chicken stock until you reach your desired consistency.
- Incorporate Seasonal Vegetables: Feel free to add seasonal veggies like carrots or spinach for added nutrition and color.
- Balance Flavors: Taste as you go! Adjust salt, pepper, or lemon juice to find that perfect balance between creamy and zesty.
- Let it Simmer: Allowing your soup to simmer for a few extra minutes will help all flavors meld together beautifully.
- Store Properly: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove for best results.
Best Side Dishes for Creamy Winter Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Complement your Creamy Winter Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Soup with these delightful side dishes that enhance its flavors while adding variety to your meal.
Garlic Bread
Perfectly toasted garlic bread pairs wonderfully with this creamy soup, offering a savory crunch.Caesar Salad
A crisp Caesar salad provides a tangy contrast that balances well with the rich creaminess of the soup.Roasted Vegetables
Roasted seasonal vegetables like Brussels sprouts or carrots add texture and sweetness alongside your meal.Cheesy Rice Casserole
This comforting side dish introduces cheesy goodness that complements the flavors in your soup beautifully.Quinoa Salad
A light quinoa salad with vegetables adds protein and freshness, making it a nutritious addition to your dinner table.Stuffed Peppers
Colorful stuffed peppers filled with rice or lentils make for a hearty side that pairs nicely with the gnocchi soup’s creaminess.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding common mistakes can make your Creamy Winter Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Soup even better. Here are some pitfalls to look out for:
- Skipping the seasoning: Not seasoning your soup properly can lead to bland flavors. Always taste as you go and adjust with sea salt and black pepper.
- Overcooking the gnocchi: Overcooked gnocchi can become mushy. Cook them just until they float in the soup for the perfect texture.
- Not using fresh ingredients: Using stale or old ingredients can dull the flavors. Fresh herbs like thyme and freshly-grated parmesan make a big difference.
- Ignoring cooking times: Each ingredient has its ideal cooking time. Follow the recipe closely to ensure everything is cooked perfectly, especially the chicken.
- Forgetting to zest: Lemon zest adds a bright flavor that enhances your soup. Don’t skip this step; it makes a significant impact!
- Using low-quality broth: A poor-quality chicken stock can affect the overall taste of your soup. Choose a high-quality broth for a richer flavor.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Allow the soup to cool completely before refrigerating.
Freezing Creamy Winter Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Soup
- Freeze in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
- Leave space at the top of containers as soups expand when frozen.
Reheating Creamy Winter Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Soup
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-30 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Heat in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring frequently, until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some commonly asked questions about making Creamy Winter Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Soup.
What can I substitute for chicken?
You can use turkey or beef as alternatives if you’re looking for different protein sources.
Can I make this soup vegan?
Yes! Substitute chicken with plant-based proteins and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream.
How do I enhance the lemon flavor?
Add more lemon juice or zest as desired during cooking to boost that zesty flavor.
Is this soup gluten-free?
You can make it gluten-free by using gluten-free gnocchi and flour.
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days or freeze for longer storage.
Final Thoughts
Our Creamy Winter Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Soup is not only comforting but also versatile. You can customize it by adding different vegetables or adjusting the seasonings to suit your taste. This hearty dish is perfect for chilly evenings, so we encourage you to give it a try!
Creamy Winter Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Warm up this winter with our Creamy Winter Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Soup, a delightful dish that brings comfort and flavor to your table. This hearty soup features tender chicken, fluffy gnocchi, and the bright zest of lemon, all enveloped in a rich creamy broth. Perfect for family dinners or solo lunches, it’s quick to prepare in just 30 minutes, making it an ideal weeknight meal. Plus, its kid-friendly flavors ensure even the pickiest eaters will enjoy every spoonful. Serve it warm with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete dining experience. Indulge in the cozy comforts of winter with each delicious bowl.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
Ingredients
- 2 lbs organic chicken breasts
- 16 oz package potato gnocchi
- 5 cups organic chicken broth
- 1 1/2 cups organic heavy cream
- 2 cups organic kale, chopped
- Juice and zest from 2 lemons
- 2 Tbsps Extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp sea salt + black pepper, to taste
- 2 Tbsps unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 fresh thyme sprigs
- 2 tsps On Everything All-Purpose Blend
- 4 Tbsps organic all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper; cook until golden brown on both sides (6–7 minutes each). Remove and slice.
- In the same pot, melt butter and sauté garlic and thyme until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Sprinkle flour over the mixture; stir for 1–2 minutes until golden. Gradually whisk in chicken broth until smooth.
- Bring broth to a simmer; add gnocchi, sliced chicken, lemon slices, zest, and seasonings.
- Stir in lemon juice and heavy cream; simmer for another 5–10 minutes.
- Fold in chopped kale just before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 350g)
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: For a vegan option, substitute chicken with plant-based proteins and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. Feel free to add seasonal vegetables like carrots or spinach for extra nutrition.