Chicken Gnocchi Soup – This creamy and comforting dish combines tender chicken, soft pillowy gnocchi, fresh vegetables, and a flavorful broth to create the perfect meal. Packed with flavors and textures, this soup will become a staple in your kitchen and a crowd-pleaser for any gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Chicken Gnocchi Soup is the epitome of comfort food, a dish that hugs you from the inside out. The blend of creamy broth, succulent chicken, and fluffy gnocchi make it a soul-satisfying meal perfect for lunch, dinner, or a mid-week pick-me-up. Here’s why it deserves a spot in your weekly meal rotation:
- One-pot wonder: Minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.
- Quick and easy: Ready in under an hour, making it a go-to for busy weeknights.
- Versatile: Easily adaptable to dietary preferences or ingredient substitutions.
- Crowd-pleaser: A hit with both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create this luscious soup, you’ll need the following key ingredients:
- Chicken: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for juicy, flavorful meat.
- Gnocchi: Store-bought potato gnocchi works perfectly, but you can use homemade if you’re feeling adventurous.
- Vegetables: Classic choices include onions, carrots, celery, and spinach. You can add other veggies like kale or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
- Broth: Chicken broth is a must for rich, savory flavor.
- Heavy Cream: This adds the creaminess that makes the soup so luxurious.
- Seasonings: Garlic, thyme, and Italian seasoning provide aromatic depth.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Chicken Gnocchi Soup
- Perfectly Cooked Gnocchi: Be careful not to overcook the gnocchi. They should be tender but not mushy. Once they float, they’re ready!
- Richness Without Cream: If you’re looking for a lighter version, swap heavy cream with half-and-half or even coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
- Rotisserie Chicken Shortcut: Use shredded rotisserie chicken to save time and skip the chicken-cooking step.
- Extra Flavor: Add a splash of white wine or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a flavor boost.
Variations to Try
- Vegetarian Version: Replace the chicken with extra vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms and use vegetable broth.
- Dairy-Free Option: Substitute heavy cream with a plant-based milk alternative like oat or almond milk.
- Gluten-Free Gnocchi: Use gluten-free gnocchi, which are widely available at most grocery stores.
- Low-Carb Version: Replace gnocchi with cauliflower florets or zucchini noodles.
How to Serve Chicken Gnocchi Soup
This soup is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience:
- Crusty Bread: Serve with a slice of warm, crusty bread or garlic toast for dipping.
- Salad Pairing: A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances out the richness of the soup.
- Garnishes: Freshly grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, or crispy bacon bits add a finishing touch.
How to Store and Reheat Chicken Gnocchi Soup
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The soup may thicken, so add a bit of broth or water when reheating.
- Freezing: This soup freezes well, but keep in mind that the texture of the gnocchi may change slightly. Freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Avoid boiling, as it may curdle the cream.
Recipe FAQs
Q: Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
A: Absolutely! Sauté the vegetables first, then transfer everything (except the gnocchi and spinach) to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Add the gnocchi and spinach in the last 30 minutes.
Q: Can I use frozen gnocchi?
A: Yes, frozen gnocchi works just as well. No need to thaw; just add a few extra minutes of cooking time.
Q: How do I prevent the soup from curdling?
A: Make sure to add the cream at the end and avoid boiling the soup after adding it.
Q: Can I substitute the spinach with another leafy green?
A: Kale, Swiss chard, or even arugula are great alternatives to spinach.
Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Chicken Gnocchi Soup - This creamy and comforting dish combines tender chicken, soft pillowy gnocchi, fresh vegetables, and a flavorful broth to create the perfect meal. Packed with flavors and textures, this soup will become a staple in your kitchen and a crowd-pleaser for any gathering.
Ingredients
- 3-4 cooked chicken breasts, boneless skinless, diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- ½ cup shredded carrots
- 1 stalk of celery - chopped
- ½ white onion - diced
- 4 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups half and half
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 16 ounces potato gnocchi
- 1 cup fresh spinach - roughly chopped
- salt and pepper - to taste
Instructions
- Sauté the Veggies: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Toss in diced onions, chopped celery, shredded carrots, and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onions turn translucent and aromatic.
- Build the Flavor: Add in the diced cooked chicken, chicken broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring everything to a boil.
- Cook the Gnocchi: Stir in the gnocchi and let it cook for about 3-4 minutes until the gnocchi floats, signaling it’s done. Reduce heat to a simmer and let the soup bubble away gently for another 10 minutes.
- Make It Creamy: Pour in the half-and-half and toss in the chopped spinach. Simmer for 1-2 more minutes until the spinach wilts and everything is creamy and luscious.
- Taste and Serve: Adjust seasoning if needed, then ladle into bowls. Enjoy with some crusty bread or your favorite crackers!
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 659Total Fat 23gSaturated Fat 11gTrans Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 12gCholesterol 178mgSodium 349mgCarbohydrates 58gFiber 3gSugar 7gProtein 53g
All Chicken Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Enjoy this easy, comforting Chicken Gnocchi Soup, and don’t forget to share your variations or serving ideas in the comments below! Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe has you covered.
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