Warm up with a comforting bowl of Chicken Gnocchi Soup, featuring tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and fresh vegetables all simmered in a creamy broth. This hearty soup is perfect for chilly evenings and sure to satisfy! Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight meal or a cozy dish to share with friends and family, this soup checks all the boxes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comforting and Hearty: This Chicken Gnocchi Soup is the ultimate comfort food, providing warmth and satisfaction with every bowl.
- Quick and Easy: With just 35 minutes of total time, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights without sacrificing flavor.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can easily customize the vegetables or add more spices to suit your palate, making it a dish that everyone will love.
- Creamy Goodness: The blend of heavy cream and half-and-half creates a rich, velvety texture that elevates the soup to gourmet status.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual dinner or a special gathering, this soup is sure to impress your guests.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the recipe, gather your essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment makes cooking easier and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- large pot
- cutting board
- sharp knife
- wooden spoon
- measuring cups
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Ideal for making soups, allowing ample space for ingredients to simmer together.
- Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables efficiently.
- Sharp knife: Ensures clean cuts for uniform cooking and preparation.
Ingredients
For the Soup Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
For the Broth
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup half-and-half
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
For the Gnocchi
- 1 pound potato gnocchi
For Finishing Touches
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
How to Make Chicken gnocchi soup
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken along with salt and pepper. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through—about 6-7 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pot used for cooking chicken, add the onions, carrots, and celery. Cook over medium heat until they soften—this should take about 5 minutes. Next, add in minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Make the Soup Base
Pour in the chicken broth along with both heavy cream and half-and-half. Stir in dried thyme, oregano, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer.
Step 4: Add Gnocchi
Once your soup base is simmering nicely, add back in the cooked chicken along with the gnocchi. Let it cook for around 3-5 minutes or until you see gnocchi floating on top and they become tender.
Step 5: Finish with Spinach
Stir in fresh spinach and allow it to wilt—this will take about 2 minutes. After that, remove from heat and stir in chopped parsley for an added burst of freshness.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle your creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup into bowls while hot. Enjoy each bite of this delightful dish packed with hearty flavors!
How to Serve Chicken gnocchi soup
Chicken gnocchi soup is versatile and can be served in various delightful ways. Whether you’re hosting a cozy gathering or enjoying a quiet night in, here are some serving suggestions to elevate your meal.
Pair with Crusty Bread
- Sourdough or Baguette: A warm slice of sourdough or a freshly baked baguette complements the creamy soup beautifully, perfect for dipping.
Add a Sprinkle of Cheese
- Parmesan or Mozzarella: Topping each bowl with freshly grated Parmesan or shredded mozzarella adds a rich flavor and a cheesy finish.
Garnish with Herbs
- Fresh Parsley or Thyme: A sprinkle of fresh herbs not only enhances the presentation but also adds a burst of freshness to every bite.
Serve with Salad
- Caesar or Garden Salad: A crisp salad provides a nice contrast to the richness of the soup, making for a balanced meal.
Include a Side of Crackers
- Herbed Crackers: Offering crunchy crackers on the side can add texture and an enjoyable crunch alongside the smooth soup.
Enjoy with Wine
- White Wine Pairing: A glass of chilled white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, complements the flavors of chicken gnocchi soup wonderfully.
How to Perfect Chicken gnocchi soup
To ensure your chicken gnocchi soup turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs enhance the flavor and nutritional value of your soup.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste your broth before serving and adjust salt, pepper, or herbs as needed for the best flavor.
- Cook Gnocchi Separately (Optional): For firmer gnocchi, consider cooking them separately before adding them to the soup.
- Avoid Overcooking Spinach: Stir in spinach just before serving to keep it vibrant and nutritious without losing its texture.
- Prep Ahead: Chop vegetables ahead of time for a quicker cooking process on busy weeknights.
- Store Properly: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove.
Best Side Dishes for Chicken gnocchi soup
Serving chicken gnocchi soup with complementary side dishes can enhance your meal experience. Here are some excellent options:
- Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is perfect for soaking up that creamy broth.
- Caprese Salad: Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil create a refreshing contrast.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add color and nutrition to your meal.
- Antipasto Platter: A mix of cured meats, cheeses, and olives makes for an impressive side.
- Stuffed Peppers: These hearty bites filled with rice and cheese pair well with soup.
- Bruschetta: Topped with fresh tomatoes and basil, bruschetta offers a zesty flavor profile.
- Cheesy Polenta: Creamy polenta adds comfort and pairs nicely with the savory notes of the soup.
- Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins are a delightful addition that balances out savory flavors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding common pitfalls can make your Chicken Gnocchi Soup even better. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:
- Skipping the Sauté: Failing to sauté the vegetables first can result in a bland soup. Always cook your onions, carrots, and celery until softened for maximum flavor.
- Overcooking the Gnocchi: Cooking gnocchi too long can make them mushy. Add them to the soup only when it’s simmering, and cook just until they float.
- Ignoring Seasoning: Not seasoning your chicken or broth adequately can lead to dull flavors. Be generous with salt and pepper throughout the cooking process.
- Using Low-Quality Broth: Using a low-quality chicken broth can affect the overall taste of your soup. Opt for a good quality or homemade broth for the best results.
- Not Adding Spinach at the Right Time: Adding spinach too early can cause it to wilt excessively. Stir it in at the end for a vibrant color and fresh taste.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Chicken gnocchi soup will keep well for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Chicken gnocchi soup
- Portion the soup into freezer-safe containers.
- It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months; however, gnocchi may become softer upon thawing.
Reheating Chicken gnocchi soup
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes.
- Microwave: Transfer soup to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high in 1-minute intervals until warmed through, stirring in between.
- Stovetop: Pour soup into a pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated thoroughly, about 5-10 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Chicken Gnocchi Soup that might help you out:
Can I use frozen chicken for Chicken Gnocchi Soup?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just ensure they are cooked thoroughly before adding them back into the soup.
What type of gnocchi should I use?
You can use store-bought potato gnocchi or make your own if you prefer a fresher taste!
How do I make Chicken Gnocchi Soup healthier?
To make it lighter, consider using reduced-fat cream options or adding more vegetables like zucchini or kale.
Can I customize this Chicken Gnocchi Soup recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other veggies or spices according to your taste preferences.
Final Thoughts
Chicken Gnocchi Soup is not just comforting but also versatile. You can easily customize it with different vegetables or spices based on what you have on hand. This recipe is perfect for chilly evenings or whenever you crave something hearty and satisfying. Give it a try and enjoy its creamy goodness!
Chicken Gnocchi Soup
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Warm up with a comforting bowl of Chicken Gnocchi Soup, a delightful blend of tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and fresh vegetables simmered in a creamy broth. This hearty soup is perfect for chilly evenings and will satisfy even the hungriest of appetites. Whether you’re preparing an easy weeknight meal or hosting a cozy gathering with friends and family, this recipe checks all the boxes for comfort food. With just 35 minutes from start to finish, you can enjoy a rich, velvety dish that’s as simple to make as it is delicious.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup half-and-half
- 1 pound potato gnocchi
- 2 cups fresh spinach
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced chicken seasoned with salt and pepper; cook until browned (6-7 minutes). Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, sauté onion, carrots, and celery until softened (about 5 minutes). Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Pour in chicken broth and stir in heavy cream, half-and-half, thyme, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Return chicken to the pot along with gnocchi; cook until gnocchi float (3-5 minutes).
- Stir in spinach until wilted (about 2 minutes). Remove from heat and serve hot.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
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