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
Scale
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.
