Chicken gnocchi soup

Warm up with a comforting bowl of Chicken Gnocchi Soup. This dish features tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and fresh vegetables all simmered in a creamy broth. It’s a hearty soup that is perfect for chilly evenings, providing warmth and satisfaction for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting friends, this Chicken Gnocchi Soup will impress everyone with its rich flavors and nourishing ingredients.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comforting Warmth: This soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for cozy nights in.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is beginner-friendly.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can easily customize the soup with your favorite vegetables or spices.
• Hearty & Filling: Chicken and gnocchi make this dish satisfying enough to serve as a meal on its own.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and store leftovers for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking your Chicken Gnocchi Soup, gather the essential tools you’ll need to make this delicious dish efficiently.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Ideal for cooking the soup base and ensuring even heat distribution.
• Chef’s knife: Essential for chopping ingredients quickly and safely.
• Wooden spoon: Great for stirring without scratching your pot’s surface.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Important for accurate ingredient measurements to ensure the best flavor.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make tasty Chicken Gnocchi Soup:

For the Soup

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup half-and-half
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 pound potato gnocchi
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped

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How to Make Chicken gnocchi soup

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through—about 6-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pot, add the onions, carrots, and celery. Cook over medium heat until softened—about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Make the Soup Base

Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and half-and-half. Stir in dried thyme, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring this mixture to a simmer.

Step 4: Add Gnocchi

Once simmering, add the gnocchi along with the cooked chicken back into the pot. Cook for about 3-5 minutes or until gnocchi are floating and tender.

Step 5: Finish with Spinach

Stir in fresh spinach and cook until wilted—about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in chopped parsley.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle your comforting Chicken Gnocchi Soup into bowls. Serve hot and enjoy every bite of this creamy goodness!

How to Serve Chicken gnocchi soup

Serving Chicken Gnocchi Soup is all about enhancing its comforting and hearty flavors. You can elevate the experience with a few simple additions that complement this creamy dish perfectly.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Parsley: Adds a fresh, vibrant touch to each bowl.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: For a little heat, sprinkle some on top before serving.

Pair with Crusty Bread

• Sourdough Bread: Perfect for dipping and soaking up the delicious broth.
• Garlic Bread: A flavorful option that complements the soup’s creaminess.

Offer Cheese Options

• Grated Parmesan: A classic choice that adds a rich, nutty flavor.
• Shredded Mozzarella: Melts beautifully on top for an extra layer of comfort.

Accompany with Salad

• Caesar Salad: The crispness of romaine and creamy dressing balances the richness of the soup.
• Mixed Green Salad: A light option with vinaigrette to refresh your palate.

How to Perfect Chicken gnocchi soup

Perfecting your Chicken Gnocchi Soup can take it from good to great. Here are some tips for achieving a delicious result every time.

• Use Quality Ingredients: Fresh chicken and high-quality broth make a big difference in flavor.
• Avoid Overcooking Gnocchi: Add them at the right time to ensure they’re tender but not mushy.
• Adjust Seasonings: Taste as you go and modify salt, pepper, or herbs to suit your preferences.
• Incorporate Seasonal Vegetables: Feel free to add seasonal veggies like zucchini or asparagus for variety.
• Make it Ahead of Time: This soup actually tastes better the next day after the flavors meld together.
• Store Properly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days in the fridge.

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Best Side Dishes for Chicken gnocchi soup

Pairing side dishes with your Chicken Gnocchi Soup can enhance your meal. Here are some delicious options that work well together.

1. Garlic Breadsticks: Soft, buttery sticks that are perfect for dipping into the soup.
2. Caprese Salad: Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil create a refreshing contrast.
3. Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with tomatoes and basil adds a delightful crunch.
4. Roasted Asparagus: Lightly seasoned asparagus provides a nice earthy flavor alongside the rich soup.
5. Cheesy Garlic Biscuits: Fluffy biscuits with garlic and cheese are irresistible companions.
6. Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins offer a comforting sweetness that pairs well with savory dishes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Chicken Gnocchi Soup, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are common mistakes to avoid for the best results.

• Not seasoning the chicken: Seasoning your chicken properly before cooking enhances the flavor of the soup. Always add salt and pepper to your chicken while cooking.
• Overcooking the gnocchi: Gnocchi cooks quickly. If you leave it in the pot too long, it can become mushy. Follow cooking times closely and remove from heat as soon as they float.
• Skipping fresh ingredients: Using fresh vegetables like spinach and carrots will elevate the taste of your soup. Avoid using wilted or frozen veggies for a better texture.
• Ignoring the simmer time: Allowing your soup base to simmer helps meld flavors together. Don’t rush this step; let it simmer for at least 5-10 minutes.
• Not adjusting for thickness: If your soup is too thick, add a bit more broth or cream. Conversely, if it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered to reduce it.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Chicken Gnocchi Soup in an airtight container.
• It keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing Chicken gnocchi soup

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags.
• The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Chicken gnocchi soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and cover the soup in an oven-safe dish. Heat for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl and cover loosely. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until heated through.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make Chicken Gnocchi Soup healthier?

You can use low-fat cream substitutes or vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Adding more vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers also boosts nutrition.

Can I use homemade gnocchi in this Chicken Gnocchi Soup?

Absolutely! Homemade gnocchi will add a personal touch and enhance the flavor of your soup.

What type of chicken is best for Chicken Gnocchi Soup?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal because they cook quickly and stay tender. You can also use rotisserie chicken for added convenience.

How do I store leftover Chicken Gnocchi Soup?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days or freeze them for longer storage.

Final Thoughts

Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a delightful dish perfect for any occasion! Its creamy texture and hearty ingredients make it comforting on chilly nights. Feel free to customize with seasonal vegetables or different herbs to make it truly your own.