If you’re craving a bowl of comforting warmth that feels like a cozy hug in a bowl, look no further than this Creamy Winter Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe. It’s a delightful mix of tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and vibrant lemon notes, all swimming in a luscious creamy broth. The perfect balance of savory herbs and a fresh citrus pop makes it an ideal dish for chilly days when you want something nourishing yet bright. Trust me, once you try this soup, it’ll become your go-to winter favorite that keeps you coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, fresh, and essential ingredients come together beautifully to create the magic of this soup. Each one plays a crucial role, whether it’s bringing depth, creaminess, or that lively hint of lemon that lifts the entire dish.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter: For sautéing and enriching the soup base with a golden aroma.
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, diced: The tender protein that makes the soup hearty and satisfying.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and builds the foundational flavor of the broth.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the soup with a fragrant punch that complements the herbs perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme): Offers a subtle earthiness that pairs beautifully with lemon.
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary (or 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary): Brings piney, aromatic notes that deepen the flavor profile.
- 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth): The flavorful liquid base that carries all the ingredients together.
- 1 cup whole milk or heavy cream: Adds richness and creaminess to make the soup silky smooth.
- 1 package (16 oz) gnocchi (store-bought or homemade): Soft, pillowy dumplings that soak up the broth beautifully.
- 2 cups fresh spinach (or kale): Gives vibrant color and a healthy touch of greens.
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest: Provides fragrant citrus oils that brighten every spoonful.
- Juice of 1 lemon: Fresh acidity that balances richness and wakes up the flavors.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essentials for seasoning and enhancing the overall flavor.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional): Adds umami depth and smooth creaminess when stirred in.
- Fresh parsley, chopped: A fresh herb garnish that adds a pop of green and freshness.
- Extra grated Parmesan cheese: Perfect for sprinkling on top just before serving.
- Lemon wedges (for serving): Allows an extra citrus kick on the side for those who want more zing.
- Crusty bread (for serving): Ideal for dipping and soaking up every drop of that delicious soup.
How to Make Creamy Winter Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Start by heating a tablespoon of olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken, seasoning it generously with salt and pepper. Cook until the chicken pieces are beautifully browned and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. This step creates a flavorful foundation and ensures the chicken stays juicy. Once done, set the chicken aside so we can use the same pot to build our soup base.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same pot, add the remaining olive oil or butter. Toss in the chopped onion and cook it until it softens and turns translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes. Then add the minced garlic, thyme, and rosemary, sautéing for another 1 to 2 minutes until the kitchen fills with their irresistible aroma. This combination forms the heart of your soup’s flavor, teasing your senses as it cooks.
Step 3: Build the Soup Base
Pour in the chicken broth and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Stir to blend the onions and garlic into the broth, then let it simmer for about 5 to 7 minutes. This gentle cooking melds the flavors beautifully, creating a rich and aromatic base ready to welcome the gnocchi.
Step 4: Cook the Gnocchi
Next, add your package of gnocchi to the simmering broth. Cook according to package directions, usually about 2 to 3 minutes, until the gnocchi float to the surface, signaling they are perfectly tender and ready. Their pillowy texture adds a comforting element that makes this soup extra special.
Step 5: Add Milk or Cream
Once the gnocchi are cooked, gently stir in the milk or heavy cream. Bring the soup back to a light simmer to incorporate the creaminess that makes this recipe so indulgent and soothing. This step transforms your broth into a velvety soup that promises warmth with every spoonful.
Step 6: Add the Chicken and Spinach
Return the cooked chicken to the pot along with the fresh spinach. Stir and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the spinach softens and wilts, which adds both nutrition and a lovely bright green color to the soup. This is the moment when all the flavors really start to come together.
Step 7: Add Lemon and Parmesan
Stir in the fresh lemon zest and the juice of one lemon. This bright citrus flavor cuts through the creaminess, giving the soup a refreshing lift. If you want an extra creamy touch, mix in the grated Parmesan cheese here. Season the soup with salt and pepper to your liking. You can always add a little more lemon juice if you want to punch up the brightness even further.
How to Serve Creamy Winter Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Garnishes
To finish, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese on top. Add a lemon wedge on the side of each bowl so everyone can adjust the citrus zing to their preference. These simple touches elevate the presentation and deepen the flavor experience, making the soup feel truly special.
Side Dishes
Serve this soup with some crusty bread—whether it’s a rustic baguette, sourdough, or ciabatta—which is perfect for dipping and soaking up the creamy broth. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette can also complement the soup wonderfully, adding a crisp texture contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests, serve the soup in rustic white bowls and garnish with a sprig of fresh thyme or rosemary alongside the parsley. For a twist, drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil or herb-infused oil on top just before serving to add a beautiful sheen and extra flavor dimension.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This soup keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve the freshness of the flavors and prevent the gnocchi from becoming too soft. When ready to enjoy again, simply reheat gently on the stove.
Freezing
While the soup does freeze well, be aware that the gnocchi may soften further upon thawing. To minimize texture changes, you can freeze the soup without the gnocchi and add fresh gnocchi when reheating. Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat your soup gently over low to medium heat on the stove, stirring frequently to prevent sticking or curdling. If it thickens too much, simply add a splash of broth or milk to bring it back to the perfect creamy consistency.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought gnocchi for this soup?
Absolutely! Store-bought gnocchi work wonderfully for this recipe and save time without sacrificing taste. Just cook them according to package instructions directly in the soup for convenience.
Is it possible to make this soup dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the milk or heavy cream with coconut milk or any unsweetened plant-based milk for a dairy-free alternative while still keeping it creamy and delicious.
Can I prepare this soup ahead of time?
You can prep most of the ingredients ahead, like cooking the chicken and chopping veggies, but it’s best to combine everything and finish cooking right before serving to keep the gnocchi texture perfect.
What can I use if I don’t have fresh lemon zest?
If fresh lemon zest isn’t available, a tiny bit of finely grated lemon peel or a splash of bottled lemon juice can work in a pinch, but fresh zest is ideal for that bright, aromatic lemon flavor.
How can I add more vegetables to this soup?
Feel free to toss in finely diced carrots, celery, or even mushrooms when sautéing the onions for extra nutrition and texture variety. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure everything is tender.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Winter Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe is truly a standout when it comes to comforting winter meals. The balance of creamy broth with a fresh lemony pop and tender gnocchi creates a dish that warms you up and lifts your spirits simultaneously. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this recipe as much as I do—there’s nothing quite like savoring a bowl of homemade comfort on a chilly day!
Print
Creamy Winter Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Creamy Winter Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for chilly days. Featuring tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, fresh spinach, and a bright lemon twist, all simmered in a creamy broth infused with herbs and Parmesan cheese. It’s easy to prepare in one pot and makes a cozy family meal.
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, diced
Fresh Produce
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups fresh spinach (or kale)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Dairy
- 1 cup whole milk or heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Extra grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish)
Pantry Staples
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary or 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary
- 4 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 1 package (16 oz) gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Sides
- Crusty bread (for serving)
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil or butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 6-8 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pot, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil or butter. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Then add minced garlic, thyme, and rosemary, sautéing for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Build the Soup Base: Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Stir to combine with the onions and garlic, allowing it to simmer for 5-7 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Cook the Gnocchi: Add the gnocchi to the pot and cook according to package instructions, usually 2-3 minutes or until they float to the top.
- Add Cream: Once the gnocchi are cooked, stir in the milk or cream and bring the soup back to a gentle simmer.
- Add Chicken and Spinach: Return the cooked chicken to the pot and stir in the spinach. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts and the chicken is heated through.
- Add Lemon and Parmesan: Stir in the fresh lemon zest, lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese if using, for a bright and creamy finish.
- Season and Adjust: Add salt and pepper to taste. Adjust lemon juice if a more pronounced citrus flavor is desired.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley, extra Parmesan cheese, and a lemon wedge on the side. Serve with crusty bread for dipping.
- Enjoy: Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, lemon-infused comforting soup perfect for winter.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs for a more flavorful and tender texture.
- Vegetarian option: use vegetable broth and omit chicken.
- Fresh herbs can be substituted with dried herbs in smaller amounts.
- Adjust lemon juice quantity to your preference for brightness.
- For a thicker soup, use heavy cream instead of whole milk and cook a little longer after adding cream.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently to avoid separating the cream.
