Introduction
Chicken Gnocchi Soup is the epitome of comfort food, especially on those chilly days when you crave something warm and hearty. This soup combines tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a creamy broth, making it a favorite for families. Easy to prepare and packed with flavors, it’s ideal for a cozy night in.
Ingredients
450 g boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
30 ml olive oil
1 onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
120 g carrots, diced
120 g celery, diced
1,000 ml chicken broth
250 ml heavy cream
400 g potato gnocchi
50 g baby spinach
3 g dried basil
3 g dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
60 g grated Parmesan cheese
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and minced garlic. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions become translucent and fragrant.
Step 2: Add Vegetables
Stir in the diced carrots and celery. Cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften and release their natural sweetness.
Step 3: Brown the Chicken
Add the diced chicken breasts to the pot. Cook while stirring occasionally until the chicken is browned on all sides, approximately 5-7 minutes.
Step 4: Incorporate Broth and Cream
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Sprinkle in the dried basil and thyme. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and allow it to cook for 10 minutes, letting all the flavors meld beautifully.
Step 5: Cook the Gnocchi
Add the potato gnocchi to the pot. Continue to simmer for about 5 minutes until the gnocchi is cooked through and tender, soaking up the creamy, flavorful broth.
Step 6: Add Spinach
Toss in the baby spinach and cook for an additional 2 minutes, just until the spinach is wilted and vibrant green.
Step 7: Season the Soup
Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper to your liking, balancing the flavors perfectly.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the soup into bowls, generously topping each serving with grated Parmesan cheese. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting warmth of this delightful soup.
Notes
Tip for a Creamier Soup
For an extra creamy texture, reduce the heat and let the soup simmer longer to allow the flavors to deepen.
Gnocchi Cooking Time
Be mindful not to overcook the gnocchi to maintain their delightful pillowy texture.
Storage Suggestions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed.
Freezing Instructions
For best results, freeze the soup without the gnocchi. Add fresh gnocchi when reheating to avoid mushiness.
Cook techniques
Sautéing
In this recipe, sautéing is used to cook the onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. This technique enhances the flavors by softening the vegetables and allowing them to release their natural sweetness.
Simmering
Simmering is essential for blending flavors in the soup. After adding the chicken broth and cream, simmering allows the ingredients to meld together while cooking the chicken thoroughly.
Cooking Gnocchi
The gnocchi is added to the soup towards the end of the cooking process. It is important to simmer the gnocchi just until it’s tender, ensuring it maintains its light and pillowy texture.
Seasoning
Seasoning is key to enhancing the overall flavor of the soup. Salt and pepper should be added gradually, tasting as you go to achieve the perfect balance.
Garnishing
Garnishing the soup with grated Parmesan cheese just before serving adds a rich, savory finish that complements the creamy broth beautifully.
FAQ
Can I use other types of chicken in this recipe?
Yes, you can use shredded rotisserie chicken or even leftover cooked chicken. Just add it in during the last few minutes of cooking to heat through.
What if I don’t have heavy cream?
If heavy cream is not available, you can substitute it with half-and-half or whole milk. However, the soup’s creaminess may be slightly reduced.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the soup ahead of time. It’s best to add the gnocchi just before serving to prevent them from becoming too soft.
Is there a vegetarian version of this soup?
Absolutely! You can replace the chicken with vegetables like mushrooms or extra spinach and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a little broth or water if needed.
Conclusion
This Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a delightful dish that brings warmth and comfort to any table. With its creamy texture and wholesome ingredients, it promises not only to satisfy your hunger but also to create cherished moments with loved ones. Perfect for chilly days, this soup will quickly become a staple in your meal rotation.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Vegetable Gnocchi Soup
Swap out the chicken for a variety of seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms for a delightful vegetarian option.
Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup
Replace the chicken with Italian sausage for a spicier version of this comforting soup, adding a different layer of flavor.
White Bean Gnocchi Soup
Incorporate white beans for added protein and creaminess, making this soup even heartier.
Spinach and Tomato Gnocchi Soup
Add diced tomatoes for a brighter, fresher taste, and increase the spinach for extra greens in your soup.
Creamy Mushroom Gnocchi Soup
Add fresh mushrooms to the base, enhancing the umami flavor while keeping the dish creamy and satisfying.
Herbed Gnocchi Soup
Experiment with fresh herbs like rosemary or parsley to elevate the soup with aromatic flavors and a touch of freshness.
