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Tuscan-Inspired Creamy Lemon Chicken Soup with Gnocchi and Kale

Tuscan-Inspired Creamy Lemon Chicken Soup with Gnocchi and Kale

This Tuscan-Inspired Creamy Lemon Chicken Soup with Gnocchi and Kale is a comforting and flavorful meal that brings a touch of Italian-inspired cuisine to your table. With juicy chicken, vibrant kale, fluffy gnocchi, and a burst of lemon, it’s both satisfying and refreshing. Ideal for any season, this soup offers a unique and delicious way to enjoy classic Italian flavors in a cozy dish.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 38 minutes
Servings: 6 portions
Course: Soup
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 500g boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 250g potato gnocchi
  • 200g kale, stems removed and leaves chopped
  • 150g carrots, diced
  • 100g celery, diced
  • 1 medium onion (about 150g), finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1.5 liters chicken stock
  • 250ml heavy cream
  • 30g unsalted butter
  • 30g all-purpose flour
  • Zest and juice of 2 lemons
  • 15g fresh thyme leaves
  • 5g fresh rosemary, finely chopped
  • 50g grated Parmesan cheese
  • 30ml olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Method
 

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chicken pieces and cook until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
  2. In the same pot, melt butter. Add onions, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  3. Add garlic, thyme, and rosemary. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
  4. Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir to coat. Cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
  5. Slowly pour in the chicken stock, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Bring to a simmer.
  6. Add the browned chicken back to the pot. Simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  7. Add gnocchi to the soup and cook for 3-4 minutes until they float to the surface.
  8. Stir in heavy cream, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Simmer for another 5 minutes.
  9. Add chopped kale and cook until wilted, about 3-4 minutes.
  10. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted.
  11. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  12. Serve hot, garnished with additional Parmesan and fresh thyme if desired.

Notes

Here are some creative variations for the Tuscan-Inspired Creamy Lemon Chicken Soup with Gnocchi and Kale recipe:
  1. Creamy Spinach and Artichoke Chicken Soup
    • Replace kale with 200g of frozen spinach and add 150g of canned artichoke hearts, chopped.
    • Stir in 100g of cream cheese along with the heavy cream for a richer flavor.
  2. Mediterranean Chicken Soup
    • Add 100g of sun-dried tomatoes and 100g of Kalamata olives for a Mediterranean twist.
    • Use orzo pasta instead of gnocchi for a different texture.
  3. Lemon Basil Chicken Soup
    • Substitute lemon juice with lime juice and add 30g of fresh basil leaves for a fragrant flavor.
    • Garnish with lime wedges and additional basil before serving.
  4. Spicy Chipotle Chicken Soup
    • Stir in 1-2 teaspoons of chipotle in adobo sauce for a smoky heat.
    • Add black beans (200g) and corn (150g) to give it a southwestern flair.
  5. Coconut Curry Chicken Soup
    • Replace chicken stock with coconut milk (400ml) and add 2 tablespoons of red curry paste.
    • Include vegetables like bell peppers (100g) and snap peas (100g) for added color and crunch.
  6. Wild Rice and Mushroom Chicken Soup
    • Incorporate 150g of cooked wild rice into the soup for heartiness.
    • Use a mix of mushrooms (like shiitake, cremini, and oyster) for a more complex flavor profile.
  7. Zesty Tomato Basil Chicken Soup
    • Add 400g of crushed tomatoes to the broth for a tomato-based version.
    • Stir in fresh basil leaves at the end for a burst of freshness.
  8. Herbed Lemon Chicken and Quinoa Soup
    • Substitute gnocchi with cooked quinoa (150g) for added protein and texture.
    • Use fresh herbs like dill or parsley to enhance the flavor profile.
  9. Creamy Pesto Chicken Soup
    • Stir in 100g of basil pesto along with the heavy cream for a vibrant flavor.
    • Add cherry tomatoes (200g) for sweetness and color.
  10. Thai-Inspired Coconut Lemongrass Chicken Soup
    • Replace heavy cream with coconut milk (400ml) and add 2 stalks of minced lemongrass.
    • Include sliced bell peppers (100g) and mushrooms (100g) for additional vegetables.
These variations allow you to explore different flavor profiles while maintaining the essence of the original creamy chicken soup recipe, making each version unique and delightful!