Winter Chicken Soup with Ricotta Dumplings

Oh wow, this soup is everything. Warm, cozy, and full of comfort. It’s like a hug in a bowl.

We made it on a cold night, and it hit the spot. The chicken is tender, and those soft ricotta dumplings? Total game changer.

It’s easy, too. Just simmer, scoop, and serve. Your whole kitchen will smell amazing.

So yeah, let’s make this together. You’re gonna want seconds—I promise.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ultimate Comfort Food: This soup has everything you need—rich, warm broth, hearty chicken, and pillowy dumplings.
• Simple Ingredients: With just a few pantry staples and fresh produce, this recipe is accessible and easy to make.
• Hearty and Filling: Perfect for a satisfying dinner that leaves you feeling full and cozy.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: You can make a large batch of this soup and store it for later, making it great for meal prepping.
• Kid-Friendly: The mild flavors of the broth and tender dumplings make this soup a hit with even the pickiest eaters.

Required Kitchen Tools

• Large Soup Pot or Dutch Oven
• Cutting Board and Sharp Knife
• Wooden Spoon or Ladle
• Large Bowl for Dumplings
• Whisk or Fork for Mixing
• Ladle for Serving
• Soup Ladle

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this comforting winter soup (exact measurements are in the recipe card below):

For the Soup:

• Unsalted Butter: Provides a rich, creamy base for the soup.
• Sweet Onion (diced): Adds a hint of sweetness and depth to the broth.
• Carrots (peeled and chopped): For a slight sweetness and texture.
• Butternut Squash (chopped): Adds warmth and a slight earthy sweetness that complements the other vegetables.
• Garlic Cloves (minced): A must-have for seasoning and depth of flavor.
• Kosher Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the flavors in the soup.
• Dried Thyme: Adds an aromatic, earthy flavor.
• Dried Oregano: Complements the thyme and brings a savory herbal note.
• Chopped/Shredded Cooked Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken or any leftover chicken works perfectly for this recipe.
• Chicken Stock: The base of the soup. Use low-sodium for more control over the saltiness.
• Cream: Adds a velvety richness to the soup, making it extra comforting.
• Baby Kale (or a few big handfuls): For a burst of color, nutrients, and a slightly peppery flavor.

For the Ricotta Dumplings:

• Ricotta Cheese: The star of the dumplings! It gives them a rich, creamy texture.
• Flour: The base for binding the dumplings together.
• Egg: Helps bind the ingredients and gives structure to the dumplings.
• Baking Powder: Ensures that the dumplings stay light and fluffy.
• Grated Parmesan: Adds an extra layer of savory flavor to the dumplings.
• Salt: Enhances the flavor of the dumplings.

Variations for Winter Chicken Soup with Ricotta Dumplings

• Add Fresh Herbs: Try adding fresh parsley or sage to the soup for a burst of freshness and more depth of flavor.
• Substitute Baby Kale: Spinach or Swiss chard would also work well in this recipe, adding a slightly different texture and flavor.
• Add More Vegetables: You could add peas, parsnips, or celery to bulk up the soup and make it even heartier.
• Make the Dumplings Gluten-Free: You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make the soup gluten-free.
• Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the soup for a little heat.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Part 1: Making the Soup Base

1. Sauté the Vegetables

Start by heating the unsalted butter in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the diced sweet onion, chopped carrots, and chopped butternut squash. Sauté the vegetables, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes until they begin to soften and the onions are translucent. This step builds the foundation of flavor for the soup.

2. Add the Garlic and Seasonings

Next, add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Then, sprinkle in kosher salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and dried oregano. Stir to coat the vegetables in the seasonings. This will enhance the overall flavor of the soup and add an earthy aroma.

3. Pour in the Chicken Stock

Now it’s time to add the chicken stock to the pot. Pour in about 6-8 cups, depending on how brothy you like your soup. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Once it’s simmering, reduce the heat to low and let it cook for 15-20 minutes. This allows the flavors to develop and the vegetables to become tender.

4. Add the Chicken and Kale

Once the vegetables are tender, stir in the chopped/shredded cooked chicken and baby kale (or your leafy green of choice). Let everything cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the chicken to heat through and the kale to wilt.

5. Stir in the Cream

Finally, pour in the cream and stir well. This step adds richness and makes the broth creamy and luxurious. Taste the soup, and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary.

Part 2: Making the Ricotta Dumplings

1. Prepare the Dumpling Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, flour, egg, baking powder, grated parmesan, and a pinch of salt. Use a whisk or a fork to mix everything together until it forms a thick, sticky dough. The ricotta cheese should make the dough moist, and the flour will help it come together. The dough should be thick but still spoonable. If it’s too runny, you can add a little more flour to help it set.

2. Form the Dumplings

Once your dumpling dough is ready, use a spoon to scoop out small portions of the dough—about 1 tablespoon each—and carefully drop them into the simmering soup. The dough will expand slightly as it cooks, so make sure the dumplings are spaced evenly in the pot. If you find the dough too sticky to handle, wet your hands lightly with water to make forming the dumplings easier.

3. Let the Dumplings Cook

Once the dumplings are added to the soup, cover the pot and let them cook for about 10-12 minutes. The dumplings will puff up and become light and fluffy as they cook. Do not stir the soup during this time, as the dumplings may break apart. Instead, just let them steam gently in the simmering broth.

4. Check the Dumplings

After about 10-12 minutes, check the dumplings to ensure they’re fully cooked. You can do this by gently pressing on one of the dumplings with a spoon. If it springs back, it’s ready. If it feels a bit soft in the center, let the dumplings cook for a few more minutes. The key is to cook them until they’re light and fluffy throughout.

Final Steps: Assembling and Serving the Soup

1. Taste and Adjust Seasonings

Before serving, give the soup one final taste. Adjust the seasoning if needed by adding more salt, pepper, or a pinch of additional herbs. If you prefer a more robust flavor, you could also add a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness or a dash of hot sauce for some heat.

2. Ladle the Soup into Bowls

Once the dumplings are cooked, it’s time to serve! Ladle the soup into warm bowls, ensuring each bowl gets a good amount of broth, vegetables, chicken, and those delicious ricotta dumplings.

3. Garnish and Serve

For an added touch, garnish your soup with freshly chopped herbs, such as parsley or thyme, or even a light dusting of extra grated parmesan. Serve with a slice of crusty bread on the side to mop up the flavorful broth.

Storing Winter Chicken Soup with Ricotta Dumplings

• In the Refrigerator: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The dumplings will continue to absorb the broth as they sit, so if you prefer a more soupy consistency, you may want to add a little extra chicken stock or cream when reheating.
• In the Freezer: While the dumplings are best fresh, the soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then heat it gently on the stove. If the dumplings have absorbed too much broth, you can add more stock or cream to restore the soup’s consistency.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	350-400 kcal
Protein	25g
Carbohydrates	35g
Fiber	4g
Fat	15g
Saturated Fat	7g
Cholesterol	80mg
Sodium	800mg
Sugar	7g

Please note that the nutritional values are approximate and can vary depending on the specific ingredients used, especially the type of chicken, cream, and ricotta cheese. To make the soup lighter, you can use low-fat ricotta and reduce the amount of cream or substitute it with a lower-fat option like milk.

How to Serve Winter Chicken Soup with Ricotta Dumplings

Winter Chicken Soup with Ricotta Dumplings is an all-in-one meal that’s perfect for serving on its own. However, there are plenty of ways to enhance your meal and add more variety:

1. Pair with Crusty Bread

Nothing beats a warm bowl of soup paired with a slice of crusty bread. A thick, chewy baguette, a slice of sourdough, or even homemade dinner rolls would be perfect for dipping into the rich broth. The bread helps to balance the creaminess of the soup while soaking up the flavors.

2. Serve with a Side Salad

A light salad can provide a refreshing contrast to the warm, comforting soup. You can make a simple green salad with mixed greens, arugula, or spinach, dressed with a vinaigrette, or opt for a tangy citrus salad to add a zesty twist to your meal.

3. Make It a Complete Meal with a Side of Roasted Vegetables

To round out the meal, consider adding a side of roasted vegetables. Roasted Brussels sprouts, carrots, or even roasted cauliflower would complement the soup’s flavors while adding a nice texture contrast.

Conclusion

Winter Chicken Soup with Ricotta Dumplings is a soul-warming dish that encapsulates everything we love about comfort food—rich flavors, hearty ingredients, and a cozy feel that makes it perfect for chilly evenings. The savory chicken, vibrant vegetables, and delicate, pillowy dumplings all come together in a broth that’s both nourishing and satisfying.

This recipe is incredibly versatile, offering room for customization depending on what you have in your pantry or what flavors you prefer. Whether you add extra herbs, swap out the vegetables, or adjust the creaminess of the soup, you can make it your own while still keeping the essence of what makes it so comforting. Plus, the addition of ricotta dumplings is the perfect twist, transforming a classic chicken soup into something extraordinary.

This soup is not only great for feeding a crowd or family but also makes fantastic leftovers. It stores well in the fridge and can be frozen for later, ensuring you have a warming meal whenever you need it.