This creamy Tuscan chicken gnocchi soup is like a warm hug on a chilly day. Packed with tender chicken, soft gnocchi, and fresh spinach, it’s super comforting and tasty!
I love how quickly you can whip this up – perfect for when you need a cozy meal fast. Honestly, one bowl of this and you’ll be ready to propose to the chef! 😂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this soup. You could swap them for thighs for more flavor or use rotisserie chicken for a quicker option.
Sun-dried Tomatoes: These add a lovely depth of flavor. If they’re hard to find, use fresh tomatoes, although you might want to sauté them a bit longer to get similar richness.
Heavy Cream: This is key for a creamy texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, try half-and-half or coconut cream for a dairy-free twist.
Baby Spinach: Fresh spinach wilts beautifully, but any leafy greens will work. Kale or Swiss chard are good substitutes, just chop them smaller.
Parmesan Cheese: This cheese adds saltiness and depth. If you need a substitute, Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast (for a vegan option) work well.
How Do I Cook Chicken Perfectly for Soup?
Getting perfectly cooked chicken is crucial. First, season your chicken pieces well with salt and pepper. Then, in a hot skillet, add oil and let the chicken cook until golden brown on the outside and no longer pink inside, around 5-7 minutes.
- Make sure there’s enough space in your pot; don’t crowd the chicken.
- Use a meat thermometer for accuracy; the internal temperature should hit 165°F.
- Let the chicken rest after cooking before adding it back to keep it juicy.
Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 package (about 16 oz) potato gnocchi
- 3 cups fresh baby spinach
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)
- 1 tbsp butter (optional, for richness)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious soup takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 25 minutes to cook, making it a great option for a comforting meal in just about 40 minutes total!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Chicken:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces, seasoning them with salt and pepper. Cook these until they are golden brown and cooked through, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside to keep it warm.
2. Sauté the Veggies:
In the same pot, optionally add a tablespoon of butter for added richness. Toss in the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it’s translucent. Then add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds until its aroma fills your kitchen!
3. Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes:
Next, stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Allow them to cook for 1-2 minutes to help release their wonderful flavor into the mix.
4. Create the Broth:
Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Add in the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes. Let everything simmer for about 10 minutes so the flavors meld together beautifully.
5. Cook the Gnocchi:
Add the gnocchi to the pot and cook according to the package instructions—which typically takes about 2-3 minutes, or until they float to the top. That’s how you know they’re ready!
6. Final Touches:
Stir in the heavy cream and the reserved chicken pieces. Add the fresh baby spinach and cook just until the spinach wilts, which should take about 2 minutes.
7. Combine and Season:
Remove the pot from the heat and sprinkle in the chopped basil and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir it all together until the cheese is melted and everything is well combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve this delightful soup hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil. A side of crusty bread will complement it perfectly!
This creamy, flavorful Tuscan-inspired soup with tender chicken, gnocchi, and spinach is sure to impress and maybe even lead to a “marry me” moment. Enjoy every spoonful!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or for a quicker method, seal it in a plastic bag and submerge it in cold water.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you want a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or milk with a bit of cornstarch stirred in to thicken it. For a dairy-free alternative, try coconut cream for a rich flavor.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to ensure it’s heated evenly.
Can I Use Fresh Gnocchi Instead of Store-Bought?
Absolutely! If you’re using fresh gnocchi, just add them to the soup in the last minute or two of cooking, as they usually cook faster than the packaged ones.
