Name: Creamy Winter Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lbs organic chicken breasts; 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 1 lemon, sliced thin; 1 teaspoon lemon zest; Sea salt and black pepper, to taste; 1 (16 oz) package potato gnocchi (homemade or store-bought); 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 4 fresh thyme sprigs; 2 teaspoons All-Purpose Blend (or use a mix of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and dried herbs); 1 teaspoon sea salt; 4 tablespoons organic all-purpose flour; 5 cups organic chicken stock/broth; 1 lemon, freshly squeezed; 1 teaspoon lemon zest; 1½ cups organic heavy cream; 2 cups organic kale, de-stemmed and chopped; 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

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There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of creamy soup to cozy up with, and this Creamy Winter Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Soup is next-level comforting. Picture this: tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a rich, velvety broth kissed with the perfect hint of lemon. It’s creamy without being heavy, flavorful without being overwhelming—just the right balance of freshness and richness. Trust me, you’ll want to dive into this soup on the first cold day of winter, and it’ll quickly become a staple in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love Creamy Winter Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Soup

This soup isn’t just delicious—it’s everything you want in a cozy, soul-warming bowl. Whether you’re cooking for the family on a chilly evening or hosting friends for a casual gathering, here’s why this soup is going to become your new favorite:

Versatile: Perfect for a weeknight dinner, or as a show-stopping dish at your next gathering. It’s comforting and filling, making it ideal for any occasion.
Budget-Friendly: No need for fancy ingredients—this soup is made with simple pantry staples that come together to create something extraordinary.
Quick and Easy: It’s a one-pot wonder! You can make it in under an hour, even if you’re not a pro in the kitchen. This one is easy enough for beginners but still totally satisfying for seasoned cooks.
Customizable: Want to kick things up a notch? Add extra herbs or a splash of white wine to the broth. Want a milder flavor? Cut back on the lemon juice and make it your own.
Crowd-Pleasing: Rich, creamy, and bursting with flavor, this soup is a guaranteed hit with everyone at the table—kids, adults, and picky eaters alike.

Ingredients

Let’s talk about the stars of this soup—tender chicken, hearty gnocchi, and the creamy, zesty broth. Here’s what you’ll need to bring this soup to life:

Chicken Breasts:
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the foundation of this soup. They cook up tender and juicy, soaking up all the amazing flavors from the broth.

Gnocchi:
The little dumplings of joy that make this soup feel extra comforting. Gnocchi has a soft, pillowy texture that soaks up the broth, making each bite feel like a warm hug.

Carrots and Celery:
These classic soup vegetables add a slight sweetness and crunch to balance out the richness of the broth. They help build the base of the flavor and give you that true comfort food experience.

Onion and Garlic:
No soup is complete without these aromatic building blocks! Onion and garlic sauté together to create a fragrant, savory foundation for the soup.

Lemon Zest and Juice:
Here’s where the magic happens. A little lemon zest adds freshness, while lemon juice brightens the entire dish, cutting through the richness of the cream and giving the soup that perfect pop of flavor.

Heavy Cream:
For that dreamy, creamy texture. The heavy cream adds the perfect richness to the broth, making it silky smooth without feeling too heavy.

Chicken Broth:
The base of the soup, providing the perfect savory backdrop for all the other flavors to come together. It’s essential for creating that comforting, soul-warming feel.

Fresh Herbs (Thyme and Parsley):
Herbs are key for adding fresh, aromatic flavor. Thyme adds an earthy note, while parsley provides a burst of color and a fresh finish.

Salt and Pepper:
You can’t forget the seasoning! Salt and pepper tie all the flavors together and bring the soup to life.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Ready to dive in? Let’s walk through the steps to make this creamy, comforting masterpiece:

Sauté the Veggies:
In a large pot, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant. Then, add the garlic and cook for another minute—your kitchen will smell amazing at this point!

Cook the Chicken:
Push the veggies to the side of the pot and add the chicken breasts. Cook them for about 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside to cool.

Make the Soup Base:
In the same pot, pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Add in the lemon zest, thyme, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir to combine and let the broth cook for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Shred the Chicken:
While the broth is simmering, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. I like to do this with two forks—it’s quick and easy!

Add the Gnocchi and Chicken:
Once the broth is simmering, add the gnocchi and shredded chicken back into the pot. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes until the gnocchi is tender and floating at the top.

Stir in the Cream and Lemon Juice:
Now, pour in the heavy cream and lemon juice, stirring until everything is well combined. Let the soup simmer for another 2-3 minutes to thicken up, and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

Finish with Fresh Herbs:
Add a handful of chopped parsley and a little extra thyme for a fresh, herbaceous touch. Taste one more time, then serve!

Serve and Enjoy:
Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with a little extra parsley if you’d like, and enjoy! The creamy broth with the tender chicken and gnocchi is absolutely irresistible.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 350

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

How to Serve Creamy Winter Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Soup

This soup is hearty enough to stand on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a few sides to make it a well-rounded meal. Here are some ideas:

Fresh Salad: Pair with a crisp, green salad drizzled with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the creamy soup.
Garlic Bread: A warm, crusty slice of garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the rich, creamy broth.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasted Brussels sprouts, carrots, or even cauliflower will add a wonderful texture and depth to your meal.
Crusty Rolls: Serve the soup with warm, crusty rolls to soak up the delicious broth. It’s comfort food perfection!

Additional Tips

Here are a few tips to make sure your soup is as creamy and delicious as possible:

Prep Ahead: You can chop your veggies and shred the chicken ahead of time, saving you a few minutes when you’re ready to cook.
Substitute the Cream: If you prefer a lighter version, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, or even a plant-based cream for a dairy-free option.
Spice It Up: For a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some cayenne pepper to the broth.
Make It Ahead: This soup stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days, and it reheats beautifully. Just add a little splash of broth when reheating to restore the creaminess.
Freeze for Later: You can freeze this soup for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight, and reheat on the stove.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen gnocchi?
A1: Absolutely! Frozen gnocchi works just as well. Simply add it straight to the pot without thawing—just give it a few extra minutes to cook through.

Q2: Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking my own chicken breasts?
A2: Yes, using rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut! Just shred it and add it to the soup in place of the cooked chicken breasts.

Q3: Can I make this soup dairy-free?
A3: Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative, and use a dairy-free chicken broth for a completely dairy-free version.

Q4: Can I add other veggies to this soup?
A4: Absolutely! Feel free to add in any veggies you love, like spinach, peas, or even corn. Just make sure they’re cut small enough to cook quickly.

Q5: How can I make this soup thicker?
A5: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can puree a small portion of the soup in a blender and then stir it back into the pot to add more body to the broth.

Q6: Can I use a different type of pasta instead of gnocchi?
A6: Yes! If you can’t find gnocchi, try using small pasta shapes like ditalini, orzo, or even tortellini for a similar effect.

Q7: Can I freeze this soup?
A7: Yes, you can freeze the soup! Just let it cool completely before storing in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stovetop when ready to enjoy.

Q8: How can I add more lemon flavor?
A8: If you’re a fan of lemon, feel free to add extra lemon zest or a little more lemon juice to the soup for an extra citrusy kick.

Q9: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
A9: Yes! Chicken thighs will add more flavor and richness to the soup. Just be sure to cook them until they’re fully done before shredding.

Q10: How do I store leftovers?
A10: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a bit of broth or cream if needed to restore the soup’s creamy texture.

Conclusion

This Creamy Winter Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Soup is the ultimate winter comfort food—rich, creamy, and packed with fresh flavors. Whether you’re looking for a cozy meal after a busy day or something to impress guests at a casual dinner, this soup delivers every time. Grab your spoon, get comfy, and enjoy this heartwarming bowl of goodness—you won’t regret it!