Chicken Gnocchi Soup

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.