This Chicken Gnocchi Soup is warm and comforting, packed with tender chicken, soft gnocchi, and fresh veggies. It’s like a cozy hug in a bowl!
Perfect for chilly days, I love how easy it is to whip up. Just toss everything in a pot, and you’ve got a meal that feels special without much fuss. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil or Butter: I often use olive oil for a healthier fat option, but butter adds a lovely richness. You can also use vegetable oil or coconut oil based on what you have on hand.
Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is my favorite choice for this recipe since it saves time. You can use leftover grilled or baked chicken too. If you need a vegetarian version, try using chickpeas or mushrooms.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter soup, use half-and-half or coconut milk. This will still give it a creaminess without being overly rich.
Gnocchi: Potato gnocchi is traditional, but you can swap it for cauliflower gnocchi for a lower-carb option. Just note that cooking times may differ.
Spinach: Fresh spinach adds a nice color and nutrition, but you can use kale or Swiss chard instead. Just chop them well and let them wilt down in the soup.
How Do I Get the Best Flavor in My Soup?
The key to maximizing flavor starts right at the beginning with the sautéing step. Cooking the onion, carrots, and celery until they’re soft brings out their natural sweetness. Here’s how to make the most of it:
- Use a large pot to give the veggies enough space to cook evenly.
- Keep the heat at medium; this will prevent the vegetables from browning too quickly.
- Don’t skip cooking the garlic—just add it for a short time at the end of the veggie sauté to avoid burning.
- Deglaze the pot with a splash of broth after sautéing to pick up all those tasty bits stuck on the bottom!
Delicious Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 package (about 16 oz) potato gnocchi
- 3 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Chicken Gnocchi Soup takes about 10 minutes for preparation and another 15-20 minutes for cooking, totaling around 30 minutes. It’s quick and easy, making it a perfect weeknight dinner choice!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
Begin by heating the olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook and stir for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant. This step is key for building flavor!
2. Add Garlic:
Next, stir in the minced garlic and continue cooking for another 30 seconds until the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn, as this can make it taste bitter.
3. Combine Ingredients:
Pour in the chicken broth and add the shredded chicken, dried thyme, and basil. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
4. Cook the Gnocchi:
Spoon in the gnocchi, cooking them according to the package instructions. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes, and they’ll float to the top when they’re done—indicating they’re ready!
5. Add Cream and Spinach:
Now, reduce the heat and gently stir in the heavy cream and chopped spinach. Cook for an additional 2 minutes until the spinach has wilted and everything is heated through.
6. Season and Serve:
Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, optionally sprinkled with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and some crusty bread on the side for a complete meal!
This creamy, hearty soup balances tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and fresh spinach all in a comforting broth. Enjoy your delicious homemade Chicken Gnocchi Soup!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw it completely first. You can do this overnight in the fridge or quickly by submerging it in cold water (in a sealed bag). Once thawed, cook it according to the recipe instructions.
Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the soup base without the gnocchi and spinach ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, reheat on the stove, add the gnocchi and spinach, and follow the final cooking steps!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The gnocchi may soften a bit when reheated, but it will still taste delicious. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to heat evenly.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk for a dairy-free version. Both alternatives will maintain a creamy texture while adjusting the overall richness of the soup!