Heartwarming Creamy Winter Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Winter nights demand a comforting lemon chicken gnocchi soup that wraps you in warmth and flavor.

Soft potato dumplings drift through a silky broth, promising instant comfort.

Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly to create a meal that feels like a culinary hug.

Zesty citrus notes dance with tender chicken pieces, cutting through rich creaminess.

Robust herbs and gentle spices mingle, lifting each spoonful into a delightful experience.

Home cooks can easily craft this soul-soothing dish with minimal preparation.

You’ll absolutely love how quickly this recipe comes together, making it perfect for busy evenings.

Dive into a bowl that transforms simple ingredients into something truly magical.

Winter Gnocchi Soup That’s Creamy, Zesty, and Comforting

• Tackle Weeknight Dinner Effortlessly: This creamy lemon chicken gnocchi soup transforms complex flavors into a simple, quick meal that comes together in under 45 minutes, perfect for busy families seeking delicious comfort food.
• Create Gourmet Impressions Easily: Despite looking professionally prepared, the recipe requires minimal cooking skills, allowing home cooks to produce restaurant-quality dishes with basic kitchen techniques and accessible ingredients.
• Customize for Winter Warmth: The hearty soup delivers satisfying nutrition with flexible options like swapping kale for spinach or adjusting spice levels, making it an adaptable one-pot wonder that warms you from inside out.
• Elevate Meal Presentation Quickly: Garnished with fresh Parmesan and served alongside crusty bread, this soup instantly upgrades weeknight dining into an elegant experience without demanding extensive preparation time.

Creamy Winter Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Soup What You’ll Need

• Chicken Breasts: Tender white meat that provides the main protein and flavor for the soup.
• Gnocchi: Soft potato dumplings that add hearty texture and substance to the dish.

• Heavy Cream: Rich base that creates a luxurious and smooth soup consistency.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, salty cheese that adds depth and creaminess to the final dish.

• Chicken Stock: Foundational liquid that builds the soup's savory base.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that provides a warm, intense flavor profile.
• Lemon: Bright citrus fruit that adds freshness and tanginess to the soup.

• Thyme Sprigs: Earthy herb that introduces subtle woodsy notes.
• Salt: Essential seasoning that balances and highlights other flavors.
• Black Pepper: Mild spice that adds subtle warmth.

• Butter: Rich fat that helps create a smooth base and add richness.
• Olive Oil: Light cooking oil used for initial chicken preparation.
• All-Purpose Flour: Thickening agent that helps create a smooth soup consistency.
• Kale: Nutritious green that adds color and extra nutrients.
• Lemon Zest: Concentrated citrus flavor that intensifies the lemon notes.

Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Soup for Winter Comfort

Step 1: Prepare Zesty Chicken

Crank up your oven to a toasty 400°F.

Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper.

Nestle chicken breasts onto the sheet and give them a luxurious drizzle of olive oil.

Sprinkle salt and pepper generously.

Add a burst of sunshine with lemon zest scattered over the top.

Place lemon slices strategically around and between the chicken.

Pop into the oven and bake until the chicken turns a gorgeous golden brown, about 15-20 minutes.

Once done, let the chicken rest briefly before slicing into delectable strips.

Step 2: Craft Flavor Foundation

Grab a large pot and melt butter over medium-high heat.

Toss in minced garlic and let it dance around until fragrant.

Introduce flour, salt, and seasoning blend, creating a magical base that will transform into a rich, creamy soup.

Step 3: Build Soup Layers

Slowly pour chicken stock into the pot, whisking continuously to prevent any lumpy surprises.

Watch the mixture transform and thicken slightly.

• Heavy cream
• Fresh lemon juice
• Bright lemon zest
• Chopped kale
• Tender thyme sprigs
• Sliced chicken
• Pillowy gnocchi

Step 4: Simmer to Perfection

Let the soup bubble gently for 10-12 minutes.

Keep an eye on those gnocchi – they’ll float up when they’re ready.

Stir in Parmesan cheese until it melts into a dreamy, creamy consistency.

Step 5: Serve with Love

Fish out the thyme sprigs.

Ladle the steaming soup into bowls.

Pair with crusty bread or a crisp salad for an extra touch of comfort.

Soup Tips That Make Lemon Gnocchi Extra Creamy

• Marinate chicken in lemon juice and herbs for 30 minutes before baking to enhance depth and tenderness.
• Add gnocchi towards the end of cooking to prevent overcooking and maintain a soft, pillowy consistency.
• Temper heavy cream by slowly adding hot liquid to prevent curdling and ensure a smooth, silky soup base.
• Massage kale leaves with a bit of olive oil before adding to break down tough fibers and improve overall texture.
• Use fresh thyme sprigs instead of dried herbs to release more aromatic flavors and create a more complex taste profile.

Reheat Creamy Winter Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Soup

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion, and freeze for up to 2 months without losing flavor quality.
• Warm soup over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of chicken stock to restore creamy consistency and prevent gnocchi from becoming mushy.
• Avoid boiling when reheating; gentle warming helps maintain the soup's smooth texture and prevents cream from breaking or separating.

Creamy Winter Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Soup Sides

• Elevate Flavor Pairings for Creamy Winter Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Soup
• Uncork Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio perfectly complement the soup's bright lemon notes and creamy texture, cutting through richness with refreshing acidity.
• Serve Rustic Sourdough Bread: Toasted slices with herbed butter create a delightful dipping companion, absorbing the soup's velvety broth and adding delicious textural contrast.
• Craft Fresh Herb Salad: Light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette enhances the dish's citrusy profile, providing a crisp, peppery counterpoint to the warm, creamy soup.
• Match Sparkling Mineral Water: Chilled water with lemon wedge cleanses the palate between spoonfuls, highlighting the soup's delicate herb and chicken flavors.

Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Soup Variations

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace all-purpose flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend. Use certified gluten-free gnocchi to ensure no wheat contamination.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk or unsweetened almond cream. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for similar savory notes.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken with roasted cauliflower or white beans. Use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock for added flavor depth.
• Low-Carb Modification: Replace gnocchi with zucchini noodles or cauliflower gnocchi. Reduce cooking time to prevent overcooking the vegetable alternative.

FAQs

• What are the key flavor enhancers in this soup?

Lemon zest, fresh thyme, and Parmesan cheese provide bright, aromatic, and rich flavor notes that elevate the entire dish, creating a complex and comforting winter soup experience.

• Can I use a different type of pasta instead of gnocchi?

While gnocchi is recommended, you can substitute with small pasta shapes like orzo or small shells. Just adjust cooking time to ensure the pasta is cooked properly without becoming mushy.

• Is this soup suitable for meal prep?

Yes, you can prepare this soup ahead of time. Store the components separately and combine when ready to serve. The gnocchi and chicken can be prepared in advance, making it convenient for busy weeknights.

• How can I make the soup lighter or healthier?

Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, use skinless chicken breast, and add extra vegetables like spinach or carrots to increase nutritional value without compromising the creamy texture.

Creamy Winter Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

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4.6 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Winter nights welcome comfort with lemon chicken gnocchi soup, a Mediterranean-inspired bowl brimming with rich flavors and hearty ingredients. Home cooks savor each spoonful of creamy delight, finding warmth and satisfaction in this soul-soothing culinary experience.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 2 lbs organic chicken breasts
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Core Soup Ingredients:

• 1 (16 ounces) package potato gnocchi
• 5 cups organic chicken stock/broth
• 1.5 cups organic heavy cream
• 2 cups organic kale, de-stemmed and chopped

Seasonings and Aromatics:

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 fresh thyme sprigs
• 2 teaspoons All-Purpose Blend
• 4 tablespoons organic all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 2 lemons (1 sliced thin, 1 freshly squeezed)
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• Sea salt and black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken by preheating the oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. Position chicken breasts on the sheet, drizzling with olive oil and seasoning with salt and black pepper.
2. Liberally sprinkle lemon zest over the chicken and arrange lemon slices around and on top of the breasts. Roast for 15-20 minutes, turning midway, until the chicken develops a golden exterior and cooks completely through.
3. Allow the chicken to rest briefly, then slice into elegant, medium-thin strips that will integrate seamlessly into the soup.
4. In a Dutch oven, melt butter over medium-high heat. Introduce minced garlic and sauté until its aromatic essence permeates the kitchen.
5. Incorporate flour, salt, and All-Purpose Blend, creating a smooth roux by cooking for one minute, which will provide depth and thickness to the soup.
6. Slowly introduce chicken stock, whisking continuously to prevent any luminal formations. Continue cooking until the mixture reaches a gentle thickening point.
7. Fold in heavy cream, fresh lemon juice, additional lemon zest, chopped kale, and whole thyme sprigs. Add the previously prepared chicken strips and gnocchi.
8. Reduce heat and allow the soup to simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring intermittently. The gnocchi will signal its readiness by floating to the surface.
9. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese into the soup, stirring until it melts completely and creates a luxurious, creamy consistency. Simmer for an additional 1-2 minutes.
10. Discard the thyme sprigs and ladle the soup into warm bowls. Complement the dish with crusty bread or a crisp side salad for a complete winter meal experience.

Notes

• Pat chicken breasts dry before seasoning to ensure crispy, golden-brown exterior and prevent steaming.
• Microplane or fine grater works best for extracting maximum citrusy flavor without bitter white pith.
• Add gnocchi near end of cooking to prevent overcooking and maintain pillowy texture.
• Temper heavy cream by slowly adding hot liquid to prevent curdling and achieve silky smooth consistency.
• Soup can be refrigerated for 3-4 days, with gnocchi absorbing more flavor as it sits.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 540
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 750 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 54 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 29 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg