If you are craving a cozy, soul-warming dish that feels like a gentle hug on a chilly day, the Creamy Winter Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe is exactly what you need in your kitchen. This soup marries tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and bright, zesty lemon with hearty kale and a luscious creamy broth, creating a bowl that’s comforting yet refreshingly vibrant. Every spoonful bursts with layered flavors and textures, making it an instant favorite for family dinners or a special night in. Once you try this recipe, it’s going to be your go-to for those cold, winter evenings when you want something rich, nourishing, and totally satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is deceptively simple, with each ingredient playing a crucial role in balancing heartiness, creaminess, and freshness. Using quality organic chicken and chicken stock creates a rich foundation, while the lemon and kale add bright notes and vibrant color to the dish. Don’t overlook the gnocchi, which brings delightfully soft, comforting bites that soak up all the flavors beautifully.
- 2 lbs organic chicken breasts: Choose quality chicken for juicy, tender meat that makes the soup truly satisfying.
- 16 oz potato gnocchi: These soft dumplings absorb the broth and add a pillow-like texture to the soup.
- 5 cups organic chicken stock: A rich, flavorful base that deepens the soup’s savory character.
- 1 lemon (sliced and juiced): Adds a bright, zesty brightness to cut through the creamy richness.
- 1 ½ cups organic heavy cream: Brings that luscious, velvety texture that defines this winter favorite.
- Fresh kale: Adds a nutritious, slightly earthy green pop and a nice bite to balance the cream.
- Parmesan cheese: Finishes the soup with a salty, nutty depth that rounds out every spoonful.
How to Make Creamy Winter Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Start by heating some olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Season your organic chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then cook them until they’re beautifully golden brown and fully cooked through. This step is key for locking in flavor and moisture that will infuse your soup base later.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics and Lemon
After removing the chicken from the pot, add butter, minced garlic, fresh thyme, and lemon slices to the same pot. Sauté these together until incredibly fragrant, which creates a wonderful layered aroma and infuses the soup’s broth with bright citrus and herb notes.
Step 3: Create the Broth Base
Next, whisk in flour to the butter and aromatics mixture to form a roux, which thickens the soup nicely. Gradually pour in the chicken stock while whisking constantly, making sure the broth stays smooth. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil to start building that comforting, flavorful base.
Step 4: Add Gnocchi and Chicken
Slice or shred your cooked chicken and add it back into the pot along with the potato gnocchi. Let everything simmer together until the gnocchi float to the surface—that’s your cue they’re perfectly cooked and soft, soaking up all those delicious flavors.
Step 5: Stir in Cream, Kale, Lemon Juice, and Parmesan
Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream, fresh kale, lemon juice, and grated Parmesan cheese. This combination delivers a creamy, tangy, slightly earthy finish that brightens the soup and balances its richness perfectly. Warm it just until everything is heated through—you don’t want to lose the kale’s vibrancy or the cheese’s creaminess.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Ladle your soup into beautiful bowls and add a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or extra Parmesan if you like. This final touch not only adds a pop of color but gives each bite a hint of fresh herbal brightness that makes this Comfort classic shine.
How to Serve Creamy Winter Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley or basil leaves, a little extra Parmesan, or even a drizzle of good-quality olive oil work beautifully as garnishes. These add freshness, a bit of texture, and elevate your bowl visually and flavor-wise. A lemon zest sprinkle on top can also enhance the brightness if you want that citrus punch at the finish.
Side Dishes
This soup is hearty enough on its own but pairs wonderfully with crusty artisan bread, warm garlic knots, or a light green salad. These sides soak up the creamy broth perfectly or offer a contrasting crispness if you want a bit of balance on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy dinner party, serve the soup in rustic bread bowls for a charming touch that doubles as edible dishware. You can also make mini servings in ramekins for appetizers or serve alongside a cheese board to mix robust flavors and textures. No matter how you present it, this soup’s vibrant colors and inviting aroma make it a centerpiece-worthy dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Winter Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen and meld over time, making it a fantastic prepared meal. Just be mindful that the kale might soften further, which some find even more comforting.
Freezing
Because this soup contains cream and gnocchi, freezing is possible but requires a bit of care. Freeze it without the gnocchi and kale for best texture, then add fresh gnocchi and greens when reheating. That way, you preserve the soup’s creaminess and the gnocchi’s fluffy texture perfectly.
Reheating
Gently reheat your soup on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. If frozen without gnocchi and kale, add fresh ones once the soup is hot. Avoid boiling to keep the cream from curdling and ensure the soup remains silky smooth and flavorful.
FAQs
Can I use other greens instead of kale?
Absolutely! Spinach, Swiss chard, or even collard greens make excellent alternatives. Just add them at the end of cooking so they stay tender yet vibrant.
Is it necessary to use organic ingredients?
While not essential, organic chicken, stock, and cream often bring richer, cleaner flavors that elevate this soup. However, you can use your favorite quality ingredients and still enjoy amazing results.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
You can! Swap chicken and chicken stock for hearty mushrooms and vegetable broth. For protein, add cannellini beans or firm tofu. The rest of the recipe stays the same, delivering a cozy, creamy bowl full of flavor.
How do I store leftover soup with gnocchi?
Storing soup with gnocchi can cause them to become soft or mushy over time. It’s best to store the soup base separately and add freshly cooked gnocchi when reheating.
What’s the best way to slice the lemon?
Use a sharp knife to cut thin, even slices; this helps the lemon infuse gently without overpowering the broth. Remove seeds if present to avoid bitterness.
Final Thoughts
The Creamy Winter Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe is such a delightful, comforting meal that folds together freshness, creaminess, and wholesome ingredients into one heartwarming bowl. Whether you’re new to making soups from scratch or a seasoned home cook, you’ll find joy in how easy it is to make and even more pleasure in every spoonful. Give this recipe a try soon—you’ll wonder how you ever braved winter without it!
Print
Creamy Winter Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Creamy Winter Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Soup combines tender organic chicken breasts, fluffy potato gnocchi, fresh kale, and tangy lemon in a rich, comforting broth. Enhanced with garlic, thyme, and parmesan cheese, this hearty soup is perfect for warming up chilly days with a bright, satisfying flavor and creamy texture.
Ingredients
Protein and Base
- 2 lbs organic chicken breasts
- 16 oz potato gnocchi
- 5 cups organic chicken stock
Produce and Dairy
- 1 lemon (sliced and juiced)
- 1 ½ cups organic heavy cream
- Fresh kale (about 2 cups, chopped)
- Parmesan cheese (½ cup grated)
Seasonings and Fats
- Olive oil (2 tbsp)
- Butter (2 tbsp)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- Fresh thyme (1 tsp, chopped or ½ tsp dried)
- Flour (2 tbsp)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Season the organic chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Place the chicken in the pot and cook until golden brown on both sides and fully cooked through, approximately 6-8 minutes per side depending on thickness. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Using the same pot, add 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add minced garlic, fresh thyme, and lemon slices. Sauté these ingredients until they become fragrant, about 1-2 minutes, taking care not to burn the garlic.
- Create the Soup Base: Whisk in 2 tablespoons of flour to the pot, stirring continuously to form a roux. Gradually pour in the 5 cups of organic chicken stock while whisking to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil and allow it to thicken slightly.
- Add Gnocchi and Chicken: Add the potato gnocchi and the cooked chicken breasts back into the pot. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook until the gnocchi float to the surface, which usually takes about 3-4 minutes, indicating they’re cooked through.
- Finish the Soup: Stir in 1 ½ cups of organic heavy cream, chopped fresh kale, the juice from the lemon, and grated parmesan cheese. Continue heating until everything is warmed through and the kale begins to soften, about 2-3 minutes more.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for added freshness and color. Serve immediately while hot for the best flavor.
Notes
- Use fresh chicken breasts for optimal flavor and texture.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, slightly increase the flour amount when making the roux.
- Make sure not to overcook the gnocchi; they are done when they float to the top.
- Fresh kale can be substituted with spinach or Swiss chard according to preference.
- Parmesan cheese adds a nice umami twist, but can be omitted or replaced with a vegetarian alternative if desired.
- Adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice based on taste before serving.
