Chicken Gnocchi Soup: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

Chicken Gnocchi Soup: Imagine a bowl brimming with pillowy soft gnocchi, tender shredded chicken, and a creamy, flavorful broth that warms you from the inside out. This isn’t just soup; it’s a hug in a bowl, a comforting classic that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. Have you ever craved a dish that feels both decadent and wholesome? Well, look no further!

While the exact origins of Chicken Gnocchi Soup are debated, it’s clear that it draws inspiration from traditional Italian gnocchi dishes and classic American chicken soup. Gnocchi, those delightful little potato dumplings, have been a staple in Italian cuisine for centuries, enjoyed in countless variations. Combining them with the familiar comfort of chicken soup creates a truly irresistible fusion.

People adore this soup for its incredible texture – the soft gnocchi, the tender chicken, and the creamy broth create a symphony of sensations in every spoonful. It’s also incredibly versatile; you can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables and herbs. Plus, it’s a relatively quick and easy meal to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. Get ready to discover why this soup is a family favorite!

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 (17.6 ounce) package potato gnocchi
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped

Preparing the Chicken and Vegetables

1. First, let’s get our chicken ready. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the bite-sized chicken pieces. Season them generously with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken until it’s browned on all sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Don’t overcrowd the pot; you might need to do this in batches to ensure proper browning. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.
2. Now for the veggies! Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the same pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes. This is where the flavors really start to build, so don’t rush this step. You want the onions to become translucent and the carrots and celery to lose some of their crunch.
3. Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for another minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter. The aroma of garlic is one of my favorite parts of cooking!

Building the Soup Base

1. Pour in the chicken broth, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. These browned bits, also known as fond, are packed with flavor and will add depth to your soup.
2. Stir in the dried Italian seasoning, dried thyme, and red pepper flakes (if using). I love the little kick the red pepper flakes add, but feel free to omit them if you prefer a milder soup.
3. Bring the soup to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
4. After 15 minutes, return the cooked chicken to the pot.

Cooking the Gnocchi and Finishing the Soup

1. Add the potato gnocchi to the soup. Cook according to the package directions, usually about 2-3 minutes, or until the gnocchi float to the surface and are tender. Be careful not to overcook the gnocchi, as they can become mushy.
2. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. The heavy cream adds richness and creaminess, while the Parmesan cheese adds a salty, savory flavor.
3. Continue to stir until the cheese is melted and the soup is heated through. Do not boil the soup after adding the cream, as it can curdle.
4. Finally, stir in the fresh spinach. Cook until the spinach is wilted, about 1-2 minutes. Fresh spinach adds a pop of color and nutrients to the soup.
5. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Remember that the Parmesan cheese is already salty, so you may not need to add much additional salt.

Serving

1. Ladle the Chicken Gnocchi Soup into bowls.
2. Garnish with extra grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or a drizzle of olive oil would also be lovely.
3. Serve immediately and enjoy! This soup is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Tips and Variations

• Chicken: You can use leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken instead of cooking the chicken from scratch. Simply shred the chicken and add it to the soup in step 4.
• Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the soup, such as mushrooms, zucchini, or kale.
• Gnocchi: If you can’t find potato gnocchi, you can use sweet potato gnocchi or cauliflower gnocchi instead.
• Broth: You can use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version of this soup.
• Cream: For a lighter soup, you can use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream. However, the soup will not be as creamy.
• Cheese: You can use other types of cheese, such as mozzarella or provolone, instead of Parmesan cheese.
• Spicy: For a spicier soup, add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Herbs: Fresh herbs, such as parsley, basil, or oregano, can be added to the soup for extra flavor.
• Make Ahead: You can make the soup ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Add the gnocchi and spinach just before serving.
• Freezing: This soup can be frozen, but the gnocchi may become slightly mushy when thawed. To freeze, let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.

• Calories: Approximately 400-500 per serving
• Fat: 25-35g
• Saturated Fat: 15-20g
• Cholesterol: 100-150mg
• Sodium: 800-1000mg
• Carbohydrates: 30-40g
• Fiber: 2-4g
• Sugar: 5-8g
• Protein: 20-25g

Why This Recipe Works

This Chicken Gnocchi Soup recipe is a winner because it’s:

• Easy to make: It requires minimal effort and uses simple ingredients.
• Flavorful: The combination of chicken, vegetables, herbs, and Parmesan cheese creates a rich and satisfying flavor.
• Comforting: It’s the perfect cozy meal for a cold day.
• Versatile: You can easily customize the recipe to your liking by adding different vegetables, herbs, or spices.
• Family-friendly: It’s a crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters will enjoy.

Troubleshooting

• Soup is too thick: Add more chicken broth to thin it out.
• Soup is too thin: Simmer the soup uncovered for a longer period of time to allow some of the liquid to evaporate.
• Gnocchi are mushy: Be careful not to overcook the gnocchi. Cook them just until they float to the surface and are tender.
• Soup is bland: Add more salt, pepper, or Parmesan cheese. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
• Cream curdled: Make sure not to boil the soup after adding the cream. If the cream curdles, you can try whisking the soup vigorously to smooth it out.

Serving Suggestions

This Chicken Gnocchi Soup is delicious on its own, but it can also be served with:

• Crusty bread for dipping
• A side salad
• Grilled cheese sandwich

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerate: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: Let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating Instructions

• Stovetop: Reheat the soup in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
• Microwave: Reheat the soup in a microwave-safe bowl in the microwave, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

Enjoy Your Homemade Chicken Gnocchi Soup!

I hope you enjoy this

Conclusion:

This Chicken Gnocchi Soup isn’t just a recipe; it’s a warm hug in a bowl, a comforting classic reimagined for busy weeknights, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. I truly believe that once you try it, it will become a staple in your household, just like it has in mine. The creamy broth, tender chicken, and pillowy gnocchi create a symphony of textures and flavors that’s simply irresistible. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel good from the inside out, perfect for chilly evenings or when you just need a little bit of comfort food.

But what truly sets this recipe apart is its versatility. While it’s fantastic as is, there are so many ways to customize it to your liking. Feeling adventurous? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. Want to boost the veggie content? Throw in some chopped spinach, kale, or even some roasted butternut squash. For a richer flavor, consider using bone-in chicken thighs instead of breasts and simmering them in the broth for extra depth.

And the serving suggestions are endless! A crusty loaf of bread is a must for soaking up every last drop of that delicious broth. A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty, savory note. Or, for a lighter meal, serve it with a simple side salad. You could even transform it into a complete meal by adding some cooked Italian sausage or ground turkey.

Don’t be intimidated by the thought of making soup from scratch. This recipe is surprisingly easy to follow, and the results are well worth the effort. I’ve broken down each step to ensure success, even for novice cooks. Plus, the leftovers (if there are any!) taste even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prepping.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* For a richer flavor: Use bone-in chicken thighs and simmer them in the broth.
* Add more vegetables: Spinach, kale, or roasted butternut squash are great additions.
* Spice it up: A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a subtle kick.
* Serve with: Crusty bread, Parmesan cheese, or a simple side salad.
* Make it a complete meal: Add cooked Italian sausage or ground turkey.

I’m so confident that you’ll love this Chicken Gnocchi Soup that I urge you to give it a try. Don’t just take my word for it – experience the warmth and deliciousness for yourself! And once you do, I’d love to hear about your experience. Did you make any modifications? What did your family think? Share your photos and stories in the comments below. Your feedback helps me improve the recipe and inspires others to try it too. Let’s spread the love of good food, one bowl of soup at a time! I can’t wait to see your creations! Happy cooking!

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