Creamy Winter Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Soup

When the winter chill settles in, there’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of Creamy Winter Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Soup to lift your spirits and warm you up from the inside out. Imagine the velvety richness of the broth, the lightness of the lemon, and the comfort of tender chicken and pillowy gnocchi coming together in the most delicious way. It’s like a hug in a bowl, with a zesty twist. Every spoonful is creamy, flavorful, and just the right amount of bright thanks to the fresh lemon. If you’re craving something comforting with a little zing, this soup is definitely your go-to.

Why You’ll Love Creamy Winter Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Soup

• Lemon Brightness: The hint of fresh lemon adds a refreshing zing to the creamy soup, making it feel light and refreshing, even on the coldest of days.
• Rich and Creamy: The smooth broth, combined with chicken and gnocchi, makes each spoonful satisfying and indulgent.
• Cozy Comfort: It’s the kind of soup that feels like comfort in a bowl—perfect for a winter dinner or any time you need a cozy meal.
• Hearty and Filling: The gnocchi gives the soup that comforting, substantial texture, while the chicken adds protein and a savory element.
• Simple to Make: This soup comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something both easy and delicious.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this cozy, lemony, creamy soup:

For the Soup:

• Chicken Breasts or Thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken works best, cooked and shredded to make the soup hearty.
• Gnocchi: Light, pillowy gnocchi is the ideal base for this soup, soaking up the creamy broth with every bite.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic adds depth of flavor and a savory punch.
• Onion: Sweet onion gives the soup an aromatic base and enhances the flavor profile.
• Carrots: Carrots bring a touch of sweetness and color to balance out the richness of the broth.
• Celery: Celery adds texture and a subtle earthy flavor to the soup.
• Chicken Broth: This forms the savory base for the soup, blending beautifully with the cream and seasonings.
• Heavy Cream: The secret to making this soup wonderfully creamy and indulgent.
• Fresh Lemon Juice and Zest: The zesty, tangy lemon brings a bright contrast to the creamy base.
• Thyme and Parsley: Fresh herbs like thyme and parsley are the perfect complements to the chicken and add lovely fragrance to the broth.
• Olive Oil or Butter: For sautéing the vegetables and garlic.
• Salt and Pepper: To season the soup and bring all the flavors together.

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

Instructions

Ready to make this warming soup? Let’s get started:

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

In a large pot, heat a little olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts or thighs, cooking them until they’re golden and cooked through (about 6-8 minutes per side). Once cooked, set the chicken aside to rest, then shred it into bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pot, add more oil if necessary. Toss in the chopped onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables soften and begin to caramelize slightly. Add the garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.

Step 3: Add the Broth

Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 10 minutes, allowing the vegetables to tenderize and the flavors to come together.

Step 4: Cook the Gnocchi

Add the gnocchi to the simmering broth. Cook for 2-4 minutes (or according to package instructions) until the gnocchi is tender and starts floating to the surface.

Step 5: Stir in the Cream and Chicken

Once the gnocchi is cooked, stir in the heavy cream and the shredded chicken. Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 5 minutes so the flavors meld together and the broth becomes thick and creamy.

Step 6: Add Lemon and Herbs

Stir in the lemon juice and zest, along with fresh thyme and parsley. Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed. The lemon should give it a nice, bright lift—balance it out to your preference!

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with extra fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil if desired, and serve hot. Enjoy the cozy, creamy goodness of your lemony chicken gnocchi soup!

Nutrition Facts

Here’s an approximate breakdown for one serving of Creamy Winter Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Soup:

• Servings: 4
• Calories per serving: 490 calories
• Total Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 14g
• Cholesterol: 85mg
• Sodium: 750mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Dietary Fiber: 4g
  • Sugars: 6g
• Protein: 28g
• Vitamin A: 45%
• Vitamin C: 30%
• Calcium: 12%
• Iron: 10%

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Creamy Winter Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Soup

This soup is hearty on its own, but here are some ways to make your meal even more satisfying:

• Pair with Fresh Bread: A crusty baguette or garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the creamy soup.
• Side Salad: A light, fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette will balance out the richness of the soup.
• Top with Parmesan: A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese will add a salty bite that complements the creaminess perfectly.
• Add a Squeeze of Extra Lemon: If you love a zesty punch, squeeze a little more fresh lemon juice on top just before serving.

Additional Tips

• Make it Lighter: For a lighter version, swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative.
• Add Greens: If you want to add some extra nutrients, toss in some spinach or kale towards the end of cooking for a burst of color and vitamins.
• Swap the Gnocchi: If you don’t have gnocchi on hand, you can use small pasta, such as ditalini or orzo, for a different twist on this recipe.
• Make Ahead: This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat it gently before serving, adding a splash of broth or cream if needed.
• Freeze for Later: Freeze the soup in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring it to the freezer, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use rotisserie chicken for this soup?

A1: Yes, rotisserie chicken works perfectly! Just shred the meat and add it to the soup along with the cream and lemon for a quicker option.

Q2: Can I make this soup dairy-free?

A2: Absolutely! Swap the heavy cream for coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative. Use a non-dairy butter for sautéing, and this soup will be just as creamy and delicious.

Q3: Can I freeze this soup?

A3: Yes! This soup freezes well, but the gnocchi may soften slightly when reheated. Freeze the soup without the gnocchi and add fresh gnocchi when you reheat it, or use a small pasta instead.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?

A4: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if the soup has thickened too much.

Q5: Can I use frozen gnocchi?

A5: Yes! Frozen gnocchi works great in this soup. Just add it directly to the simmering broth without thawing it first.

Q6: Can I make this soup spicier?

A6: Definitely! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the soup for a spicy kick.

Q7: Is this soup suitable for meal prep?

A7: Yes! This soup stores well and is perfect for meal prep. Just make sure to store the gnocchi separately if you’re planning to keep it for several days.

Q8: Can I add more vegetables to this soup?

A8: Absolutely! You can add spinach, kale, peas, or even zucchini for more texture and nutrition.

Q9: How do I know when the gnocchi is done?

A9: Gnocchi is done when it floats to the surface of the broth. If you’re using fresh gnocchi, it should only take 2-3 minutes to cook.

Q10: Can I make this soup ahead of time?

A10: Yes, you can make it ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat it gently on the stovetop when you’re ready to serve.

Conclusion

This Creamy Winter Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Soup is everything you need to warm up on a cold winter day. It’s rich, creamy, and loaded with bright lemony flavor that makes it stand out from other comfort soups. With tender chicken, soft gnocchi, and a creamy broth, it’s the perfect balance of cozy and refreshing. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or making it ahead for meal prep, this soup is sure to be a favorite in your recipe rotation. Enjoy every creamy, tangy, and comforting bite!

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