This Chicken Gnocchi Soup is creamy, cozy, and full of flavor! Packed with tender chicken, fluffy gnocchi, and fresh veggies, it’s like a warm hug in a bowl.
Perfect for chilly nights, I love how easy it is to whip up. Simply cook everything together, and in no time, you’re ready to enjoy a comforting meal. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: This adds richness to the soup. If you’re out, you can use vegetable oil or butter. Personally, I prefer olive oil for its light flavor and health benefits.
Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken is my go-to for convenience, but you can use leftover roasted chicken or poached chicken breast. It saves time and adds extra flavor!
Gnocchi: Potato gnocchi is classic, but you can swap it for gnocchi made from cauliflower for a low-carb option. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
Heavy Cream: If you’re looking for a lighter alternative, try using half-and-half or whole milk. Coconut milk can also work for a dairy-free version but will alter the flavor a bit.
Spinach: Fresh spinach is great for color and nutrients. If you lack fresh spinach, kale or even kale chips work well, or you can use frozen spinach (just thaw and squeeze out excess water).
How Do You Saute Vegetables Without Burning Them?
Cooking veggies properly is key to great flavor! To sauté without burning, follow these steps:
- Use a medium heat setting. Too high, and your veggies might char.
- Add a splash of oil to your pan, just enough to coat the bottom.
- Start with onions and garlic first, as they need a couple of minutes to soften. Stir regularly.
- Once they’re fragrant and slightly golden, add harder vegetables like carrots.
- Keep stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking and to avoid sticking.
This technique brings out their flavors and sweetness! Enjoy your cooking!
How to Make Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium carrots, sliced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works well)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 (16-ounce) package potato gnocchi
- 3 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Optional garnish: fresh basil leaves or parsley
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Chicken Gnocchi Soup takes about 30 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend around 10 minutes chopping and sautéing, and then about 20 minutes letting it simmer and come together. In no time, you’ll have a warm and hearty meal ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion is softened and the garlic is fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Add the Carrots:
Add the sliced carrots to the pot and cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will help the carrots start to soften, enhancing their sweetness.
3. Create the Base of the Soup:
Pour in the chicken broth and then add the shredded chicken, dried thyme, dried basil, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Stir everything together, and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
4. Cook the Gnocchi:
Once boiling, add the potato gnocchi to the soup. Cook according to the package instructions (usually about 2-3 minutes) or until they float to the top. This means they’re done!
5. Add the Spinach:
Reduce the heat to low, and stir in the fresh spinach. Cook until the spinach is just wilted, which should only take a couple of minutes.
6. Make it Creamy:
Next, pour in the heavy cream and give the soup a good stir. Gently heat through without boiling to keep the cream from curdling. This will make your soup rich and delicious!
7. Final Touches:
Taste your soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Remember, the flavors will come together beautifully!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves or parsley for an extra pop of flavor. Pair it with some crusty bread for a complete meal!
This silky, comforting soup combines tender chicken, fluffy gnocchi, fresh greens, and a creamy broth—perfect for a cozy meal on a chilly day!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. You can do this by transferring it to the refrigerator overnight or using the quick method of submerging it in cold water for a few hours. Once thawed, shred it into pieces for the soup.
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add extra veggies like mushrooms or zucchini for more flavor and heartiness, and you can also add some white beans for protein!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. Note that the gnocchi may soak up some broth, so you might want to add a little extra broth or water when reheating.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add other vegetables like peas, corn, or bell peppers to this soup. Just remember to adjust the cooking times slightly if you’re adding denser vegetables, so they become tender alongside the carrots. Enjoy experimenting with your favorites!
