Creamy Winter Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Name: Creamy Winter Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lbs organic chicken breasts; 16 oz potato gnocchi; 5 cups organic chicken stock; 1 lemon (sliced and juiced); 1 ½ cups organic heavy cream; Fresh kale and parmesan cheese

Published: December 20, 2025

by Vanessaa

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Comforting and Hearty: The combination of chicken and gnocchi creates a filling meal that warms you from the inside out.
Bright Flavor Profile: The fresh lemon adds a delightful zing that balances the richness of the cream.
Quick to Prepare: With just 30 minutes from start to finish, it’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Versatile Options: Easily switch to gluten-free or vegan alternatives without sacrificing flavor.
Kid-Friendly Appeal: The creamy texture and comforting ingredients make it a hit with children.

Tools and Preparation

To create this delightful soup, having the right tools makes all the difference. Here’s what you need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

Large pot or Dutch oven
Wooden spoon or spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
Knife and cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

Large pot or Dutch oven: Ideal for cooking soups evenly and accommodating all ingredients.
Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring without scratching your cookware.
Measuring cups and spoons: Essential for accurate ingredient measurements to ensure consistent results.

Ingredients

For the Soup Base

2 lbs. organic chicken breasts
2 Tbsps Extra virgin olive oil
1 lemon, sliced thin
1 tsp lemon zest
Sea salt + black pepper, to taste
1 (16 oz.) package potato gnocchi, homemade or store-bought (I like to use Delallo foods)
2 Tbsps unsalted butter
4 garlic cloves, minced
4 fresh thyme sprigs

For Thickening the Soup

2 tsps On Everything All-Purpose Blend
1 tsp sea salt
4 Tbsps organic all-purpose flour

For the Creamy Finish

5 cups organic chicken stock/broth
1 lemon, freshly-squeezed
1 tsp lemon zest
1 1/2 cups organic heavy cream

For Added Nutrition

2 cups organic kale, de-stemmed + chopped
1 cup freshly-grated parmesan cheese

For Garnish

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Creamy Winter Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Chicken

Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper before adding them to the pot. Cook until golden brown on both sides.

Step 2: Add Aromatics

Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the pot and set aside. In the same pot, add butter, garlic, thyme sprigs, and sliced lemon. Sauté until fragrant.

Step 3: Create the Base

Sprinkle in flour while stirring constantly for about one minute. Gradually whisk in chicken stock until smooth. Bring mixture to a gentle boil.

Step 4: Incorporate Gnocchi

Add gnocchi to the soup base along with cooked chicken. Reduce heat to simmer for about five minutes until gnocchi float.

Step 5: Finish with Cream

Stir in heavy cream, kale, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and parmesan cheese. Simmer for another few minutes until everything is heated through.

Step 6: Serve

Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley before serving hot.

Now you’re ready to enjoy your deliciously warm Creamy Winter Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Soup, perfect for any winter occasion!

How to Serve Creamy Winter Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Serving Creamy Winter Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Soup is all about enhancing its comforting qualities while making it visually appealing. Here are some delightful serving suggestions that will elevate your dish.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

Chopped parsley or chives: Sprinkle a handful of freshly chopped herbs on top to add color and a burst of freshness.
Lemon wedges: Serve lemon wedges on the side for an extra zesty kick when desired.

Pair with Bread

Crusty baguette: Serve slices of warm, crusty baguette for dipping into the creamy soup.
Garlic bread: Offer garlic breadsticks for a flavor-packed accompaniment that complements the soup’s richness.

Add a Side Salad

Caesar salad: A classic Caesar salad with romaine lettuce, croutons, and parmesan adds a crunchy contrast to the soup.
Mixed greens salad: A light mixed greens salad with a lemon vinaigrette balances the creaminess of the soup.

How to Perfect Creamy Winter Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Perfecting your Creamy Winter Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Soup can take it from good to great. Here are some simple tips to enhance your dish.

Use fresh ingredients: Fresh chicken, vegetables, and herbs will amplify flavors and make a significant difference in taste.
Adjust seasoning: Taste during cooking and adjust salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed for the perfect balance.
Control the heat: Cook on medium heat to prevent burning while allowing flavors to meld without overcooking ingredients.
Thicken wisely: If you prefer a thicker soup, gradually stir in more flour dissolved in water for a smooth texture.

Best Side Dishes for Creamy Winter Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Pairing side dishes with your Creamy Winter Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Soup can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some delicious options that complement this hearty soup beautifully.

Garlic Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal vegetables roasted with garlic enhances flavors while adding nutritious elements.
Caprese Salad: This fresh salad made with tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and balsamic glaze provides refreshing acidity.
Cheesy Breadsticks: Warm cheesy breadsticks are perfect for dipping into the creamy soup and offer a satisfying crunch.
Spinach and Strawberry Salad: The sweetness of strawberries combined with spinach creates a light contrast to the rich soup.
Bruschetta: Topped with fresh tomatoes and basil, bruschetta adds a bright flavor that complements each bite of soup.
Quinoa Salad: A protein-packed quinoa salad loaded with veggies makes for a healthy side dish that pairs well with the creamy texture of the soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Creamy Winter Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Soup, it’s easy to overlook some key elements. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them:

Skipping the seasoning: Many people forget to season their soup properly. Always taste your soup as you cook and adjust the salt and pepper accordingly.
Overcooking the gnocchi: Gnocchi cooks quickly, so avoid adding it too early. Add it in the last few minutes of cooking to keep it fluffy and tender.
Not using fresh ingredients: Using stale or old ingredients can dull the flavors. Always opt for fresh chicken, herbs, and vegetables for the best result.
Ignoring the lemon zest: The zest adds a vibrant flavor that complements the creaminess. Don’t skip this step; it enhances the dish significantly.
Using low-quality broth: The chicken stock is a key component of this soup. Use high-quality stock or homemade broth for richer flavor.

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container.
Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Allow the soup to cool before sealing it to prevent condensation.

Freezing Creamy Winter Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Freeze in a freezer-safe container.
It can be stored for up to 3 months.
Leave some space at the top of the container for expansion during freezing.

Reheating Creamy Winter Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes.
Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot, stirring between each interval.
Stovetop: Pour into a pot over medium heat, stirring frequently until heated throughout, about 5-10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Creamy Winter Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Soup special?

This soup combines comforting flavors with a bright twist from lemon. It’s creamy yet light, making it perfect for winter months.

Can I make this soup vegan?

Yes! Substitute chicken with chickpeas or tofu and use plant-based cream alternatives for a delicious vegan version of Creamy Winter Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Soup.

How do I make it gluten-free?

Use gluten-free gnocchi and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free certified. This way, you can enjoy a gluten-free version of this comforting soup.

How long does Creamy Winter Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Soup last?

When stored properly in the refrigerator, this soup lasts up to three days. For longer storage, consider freezing it.

Final Thoughts

Creamy Winter Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Soup is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the spices. It is perfect for family dinners or meal prep during busy weeks. Try this recipe and enjoy its warm comforts all winter long!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card