As winter settles in, there’s nothing quite like a warm, hearty soup to cozy up with—and this Winter Chicken Soup with Ricotta Dumplings is perfect for the season! It’s packed with tender vegetables, shredded chicken, and flavorful herbs, and the soft ricotta dumplings add a unique touch. Each spoonful is a comforting mix of nourishing ingredients and delicious flavors, making it ideal for chilly evenings or a cozy family dinner.
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, celery, and butternut squash. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Pour in the chicken broth and add the dried thyme and rosemary. Stir well, then bring the soup to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for 15–20 minutes, allowing the vegetables to become tender.
Once the vegetables are soft, stir in the shredded chicken and spinach (or kale). Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing the greens to wilt and the flavors to meld. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, flour, salt, and a bit of black pepper. Mix until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. If it’s too sticky, add a bit more flour until it holds together.
Using a teaspoon, scoop small portions of the ricotta mixture and gently drop them into the simmering soup. The dumplings will float to the surface as they cook, usually in about 5–7 minutes.
Ladle the soup and dumplings into bowls, sprinkle with extra black pepper if desired, and serve warm.