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To make Creamy Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Soup, gather these main ingredients: - 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 medium onion, diced - 3 medium carrots, sliced - 2 celery stalks, chopped - 6 cups chicken broth - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup spinach leaves, packed - 1 package (16 oz) gnocchi - Juice and zest of 1 lemon - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley for garnish These ingredients come together to create a rich and creamy soup that warms the soul. For a touch of flair, consider these optional garnishes: - Fresh parsley, chopped - Lemon slices or wedges - Grated Parmesan cheese - Cracked black pepper These garnishes add color and flavor, making your soup look and taste even better. You can easily adjust this recipe for dietary needs. Here are some smart substitutions: - Use chickpeas instead of chicken for a plant-based meal. - Swap heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free option. - Choose gluten-free gnocchi if you need to avoid gluten. These substitutions ensure everyone can enjoy this comforting dish. Start by gathering all your ingredients. You will need: - 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 medium onion, diced - 3 medium carrots, sliced - 2 celery stalks, chopped - 6 cups chicken broth - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup spinach leaves, packed - 1 package (16 oz) gnocchi - Juice and zest of 1 lemon - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley for garnish Chop the vegetables and dice the chicken before you start cooking. This step saves time. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. After that, add the minced garlic, diced onion, sliced carrots, and chopped celery. Sauté these veggies until they are tender, around 5 minutes. Next, pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil. Then, lower the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes. This step allows the flavors to mix well. Now, stir in the gnocchi. Cook for 3-5 minutes until the gnocchi floats. This shows they are ready. Lower the heat again and add the heavy cream, spinach leaves, lemon juice, lemon zest, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and let it heat through for another 2 minutes. Finally, taste the soup. Adjust the seasoning as needed with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice. Serve the soup hot in bowls. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color. This soup pairs perfectly with crusty bread for dipping. Enjoy the warm, creamy goodness! To boost the creaminess, add more heavy cream. You can also mix in a bit of cream cheese. This gives a rich texture. If you prefer, use sour cream for a tangy twist. Blending in some cooked potatoes will thicken the soup too. Just mash them well before adding. You can swap chicken for turkey or diced tofu for a vegetarian option. If you want a lighter soup, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. For a dairy-free version, try coconut milk. Use fresh herbs like basil or dill if you don’t have thyme. If you can’t find gnocchi, small pasta shapes work well. Adding a splash of white wine can deepen the flavors. You might also consider a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. Fresh lemon juice and zest brighten the soup. For extra depth, sauté the garlic until golden. Don’t forget to taste and adjust with salt and pepper as you go! {{image_2}} To make a vegetarian version of creamy lemon chicken gnocchi soup, swap the chicken for hearty veggies. Use mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant to add bulk and flavor. You can also mix in chickpeas for protein. Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth for a rich base. The heavy cream can be changed to coconut milk for creaminess. Add lemon juice and zest just as you would in the original recipe. This gives you a bright, fresh taste. If you need a gluten-free option, choose gluten-free gnocchi. Many brands offer gluten-free varieties made from potatoes or rice. For the broth, ensure it is labeled gluten-free. You can also thicken the soup with cornstarch instead of regular flour. Just mix the cornstarch with a bit of cold water before adding it to the soup. This keeps the soup smooth and creamy without gluten. You can use other proteins instead of chicken. Shrimp works well and cooks fast. Just add it in during the last few minutes of cooking. Tofu is another great choice for a plant-based protein. Use firm tofu, cubed and sautéed until golden. You can also use leftover rotisserie chicken if you want a quick option. This adds flavor and cuts down on prep time. Each option brings a unique twist to the soup, making it your own. You can store your Creamy Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Soup in the fridge. Use an airtight container to keep it fresh. It will last for about 3-4 days. When you want to eat it, just check for any off smells or colors before heating. If you need to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. Pour the soup into freezer-safe containers. Leave some space at the top, as it will expand when frozen. It can stay fresh for up to 3 months in the freezer. Label the containers with the date for easy tracking. To reheat, you can use the stove or microwave. For the stove, pour the soup into a pot. Heat it over medium heat, stirring often, until it's hot. In the microwave, use a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between, to avoid hot spots. Make sure it reaches a safe temperature before serving. Yes, you can make this soup ahead of time. Prepare the soup, but don't add the gnocchi yet. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When you're ready to eat, reheat the soup on the stove. Add the gnocchi while it's heating, and cook until they float. This keeps the gnocchi from becoming mushy. To make the soup less rich, you can reduce the heavy cream. Use half a cup instead of a full cup. You can also swap the cream for milk or a lower-fat milk alternative. Adding more chicken broth can help keep the soup flavorful without the extra richness. This soup pairs well with crusty bread or a fresh salad. A green salad with a light vinaigrette works great. For a heartier meal, serve it with garlic bread. You could also offer some grated cheese on the side for those who want an extra touch. You learned about the main ingredients for Creamy Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Soup, including optional garnishes and substitutions for diets. I shared step-by-step instructions for cooking, along with tips to enhance texture and flavor. You also discovered variations, like vegetarian and gluten-free options, plus storage info for leftovers. I hope you feel ready to make this delicious soup. Enjoy the cooking process and share your tasty results!

Creamy Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Elevate your dinner with this delightful Creamy Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Soup! Packed with tender chicken, vibrant veggies, and a hint of lemon, this comforting dish is perfect for any night. In just 35 minutes, you can create a bowlful of warmth and flavor that everyone will love. Don't miss out on this easy-to-follow recipe—click through to explore how to whip up this scrumptious soup today!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced

1 tablespoon olive oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 medium onion, diced

3 medium carrots, sliced

2 celery stalks, chopped

6 cups chicken broth

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup spinach leaves, packed

1 package (16 oz) gnocchi

Juice and zest of 1 lemon

1 teaspoon dried thyme

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions
 

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.

    Add the minced garlic, diced onion, sliced carrots, and chopped celery. Sauté until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.

      Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

        Stir in the gnocchi and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes until the gnocchi float to the surface and are tender.

          Lower the heat and add the heavy cream, spinach leaves, lemon juice, lemon zest, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine and let it heat through for another 2 minutes.

            Taste and adjust seasoning as needed with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice.

              Remove from heat and serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

                Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes | Servings: 4