Creamy Winter Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Indulge in the cozy comforts of winter with our Creamy Winter Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Soup. If you’re looking for a dish that wraps you in warmth and flavor, you’ve found it! This soup is not just about nourishing your body; it’s about bringing joy to your table. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something easy yet satisfying, or for family gatherings where everyone can gather around a big pot of goodness. Trust me, once you taste this creamy delight, it will become a favorite in your home.

There’s something truly special about the combination of juicy chicken, fluffy gnocchi, and the bright zing of lemon. Each spoonful feels like a warm hug on a cold day, making it an ideal choice for winter meals. So let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 30 minutes from start to finish, this soup fits perfectly into your busy schedule!
• Family-Friendly: Kids love the pillowy gnocchi, and the flavors are mild yet delicious—perfect for picky eaters.
• Comforting and Hearty: It’s rich and creamy without being heavy, making it perfect for chilly evenings at home.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers for lunch throughout the week.
• Customizable: With simple swaps, you can easily adjust this recipe to suit different tastes or dietary needs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Cooking should be enjoyable and stress-free! For our Creamy Winter Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Soup, you’ll need some simple and wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully. Let’s gather what we need!

For the Soup

• 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
• 1 (16 oz.) package potato gnocchi (homemade or store-bought – I like to use Delallo foods)
• 2 Tbsps unsalted butter
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 fresh thyme sprigs
• 2 tsps On Everything All-Purpose Blend
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 4 Tbsps organic all-purpose flour
• 5 cups organic chicken stock/broth
• 1 lemon, freshly-squeezed
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1 1/2 cups organic heavy cream
• 2 cups organic kale, de-stemmed + chopped
• 1 cup freshly-grated parmesan cheese

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! You can easily make adjustments based on what you have on hand or personal preferences.

• Swap the protein: Try using shredded rotisserie chicken or chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
• Change up the greens: Spinach or Swiss chard work wonderfully if kale isn’t your favorite.
• Make it dairy-free: Substitute coconut milk for heavy cream and use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan cheese.
• Add more veggies: Carrots, celery, or even peas can add extra nutrition and flavor to your soup.

How to Make Creamy Winter Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Step 1: Cook 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. Sauté them until they’re golden brown on both sides—this adds incredible flavor to your broth! Once cooked through (about 7-8 minutes per side), remove them from the pot and allow them to rest before shredding.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

In the same pot, melt unsalted butter. Add minced garlic and fresh thyme sprigs. Sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute). This step is crucial as it builds depth in flavor that will permeate through your whole soup.

Step 3: Create the Base

Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour while stirring continuously. This helps thicken our soup beautifully! Gradually whisk in the chicken stock/broth so that there are no lumps. Bring it to a gentle simmer.

Step 4: Add Gnocchi and Chicken

Stir in the potato gnocchi and shredded chicken back into the pot. Let everything cook together until the gnocchi float to the top—this means they’re perfectly tender!

Step 5: Finish with Creaminess

Reduce heat to low before adding heavy cream, freshly squeezed lemon juice, kale, and additional lemon zest. Stir well until combined; this is where all those wonderful flavors meld together into one delightful bowl of comfort!

Now you’re ready to serve up bowls of warmth! Enjoy every comforting bite of this Creamy Winter Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Soup with loved ones gathered around you. Happy cooking!

Pro Tips for Making Creamy Winter Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Making the perfect creamy chicken gnocchi soup is all about technique and flavor balance. Here are some pro tips to ensure your dish turns out comforting and delicious!

• Choose high-quality chicken: Using organic chicken breasts not only enhances the flavor but also ensures a tender, juicy texture that elevates your soup.
• Don’t skip the lemon zest: Adding lemon zest both boosts the brightness of the dish and enhances the overall flavor profile with a lovely citrus aroma.
• Stir in the cream at the end: To prevent curdling, add your heavy cream at the end of cooking. This keeps it silky smooth and perfectly incorporated into your soup.
• Adjust seasoning to taste: Since flavors can vary based on ingredients, taste your soup before serving and adjust salt and pepper as needed for that perfect finish.
• Make it ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day! Prepare it in advance and let the flavors meld overnight in the fridge for a truly comforting meal.

How to Serve Creamy Winter Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Serving your creamy winter lemon chicken gnocchi soup can be just as delightful as making it. Here are some creative ideas to present this cozy dish beautifully!

Garnishes

• Fresh parsley or thyme: A sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs adds a pop of color and fresh flavor that complements the richness of the soup.
• Lemon slices: Serving with thin lemon slices not only looks attractive but also allows guests to add an extra touch of citrus if desired.

Side Dishes

• Crusty bread: A warm loaf of artisan bread is perfect for dipping into your creamy soup, soaking up every delicious drop.
• Simple green salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the soup.
• Roasted vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies such as carrots, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes provide a wonderful balance of textures and flavors alongside your hearty soup.
• Cheesy garlic breadsticks: These add an irresistible cheesy element and are perfect for dunking into your creamy goodness!

Enjoy serving this delightful dish with these simple yet effective accompaniments! Your family will love it, and it’s sure to become a winter favorite.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Creamy Winter Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Soup is perfect for meal prep, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights. You can easily prepare it in advance and enjoy the comforting flavors throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Keep some extra lemon wedges on hand to add freshness when reheating.

Freezing

• To freeze, let the soup cool fully, then portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Label with the date and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• Note that while gnocchi can be frozen, the texture might change slightly upon reheating.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through; stir occasionally to ensure even heating.
• Add a splash of chicken stock or water if needed to achieve your desired consistency.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this recipe:

Can I make Creamy Winter Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Soup with leftover chicken?

Absolutely! This is a great way to use up any leftover cooked chicken. Just add it during the last few minutes of cooking to warm it through.

How can I make Creamy Winter Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Soup dairy-free?

You can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative. Also, use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for that cheesy flavor.

What if I can’t find gnocchi for my Creamy Winter Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Soup?

You can use other pasta shapes or try making homemade gnocchi from scratch with potatoes and flour!

How long does it take to prepare Creamy Winter Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Soup?

The total time is about 30 minutes, making it a quick and easy option for dinner.

Can I add other vegetables to this soup?

Definitely! Feel free to incorporate your favorite vegetables like carrots, peas, or spinach for added nutrition and flavor.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Creamy Winter Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Soup as much as I do! It’s not just a meal; it’s a hug in a bowl that brings warmth and comfort during those chilly winter nights. Remember, cooking is all about experimenting and having fun—so feel free to make this recipe your own. Happy cooking!