Warm up with a bowl of my creamy chicken gnocchi soup, your new favorite comfort dish. This easy recipe combines tender chicken, soft gnocchi, and fresh veggies in a rich, creamy broth. I’ll guide you through every step to create this cozy meal that’s perfect for any night. Get ready to delight your taste buds and fill your home with amazing smells. Let's dive in!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Comforting Warmth: This creamy soup is the perfect dish for chilly days, providing warmth and comfort with every spoonful.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
- Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with protein from chicken and vitamins from spinach and veggies, it's a wholesome meal option.
- Versatile Recipe: Feel free to customize it with your favorite vegetables or spices for a personal touch!
Ingredients
To make a hearty and creamy chicken gnocchi soup, gather these main ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion
- 3 cloves garlic
- 3 medium carrots
- 2 celery stalks
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 lb potato gnocchi
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- Salt and black pepper
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Each ingredient plays an important role in this delightful soup. The chicken adds protein and heartiness. Olive oil helps to sauté the veggies and adds flavor. Onion, garlic, carrots, and celery form a classic base, giving the soup a comforting taste. Thyme and oregano bring a rich aroma that enhances the flavors.
The chicken broth is the soup's foundation, providing depth. Heavy cream makes the soup rich and smooth. Gnocchi, those soft potato dumplings, add a fun texture. Fresh spinach gives a burst of color and nutrition. Finally, salt and pepper bring everything together, while parsley adds a fresh touch on top.
Now that you have all the ingredients, you’re ready to create a warm, cozy bowl of creamy chicken gnocchi soup.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cooking the Chicken
- In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add 1 pound of diced chicken breasts.
- Sauté the chicken until it turns golden brown.
- This takes about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate.
Sautéing the Vegetables
- In the same pot, add 1 medium diced onion, 3 diced carrots, and 2 diced celery stalks.
- Cook these vegetables for about 4 to 5 minutes.
- Stir them occasionally until the onion is soft and clear.
- Next, add 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, and 1 teaspoon dried oregano.
- Stir and cook for one more minute to let the herbs release their scents.
Combining Ingredients
- Pour in 4 cups of low-sodium chicken broth.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Add 1 pound of potato gnocchi and the chicken back into the pot.
- Cook for an additional 3 to 4 minutes, until the gnocchi float.
- Lower the heat and slowly pour in 1 cup of heavy cream.
- Stir until everything is creamy and well mixed.
- Finally, add 2 cups of chopped fresh spinach and stir until it wilts.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Let the soup rest for a few minutes before serving.
Tips & Tricks
Cooking Tips
To ensure the chicken is fully cooked, cut it into small pieces. This helps it cook faster and more evenly. When sautéing, let the chicken brown for about 5-7 minutes. You want it to be golden and no longer pink in the center.
For sautéing vegetables, start with the onions, carrots, and celery. Cook them for about 4-5 minutes. Stir often until the onions turn soft and clear. This step builds a strong base for your soup.
Perfecting the Soup's Flavor
Adjust the seasoning to your taste. After adding the cream, taste and add salt or pepper as needed. I often add a pinch more thyme or oregano to brighten the flavor.
To achieve the right creaminess, slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring. This will help it blend smoothly with the broth. If you want it creamier, add a bit more cream.
Presentation Tips
Garnishing with parsley adds a pop of color. Just sprinkle some fresh, chopped parsley on top before serving. It makes the dish look fresh and inviting.
Pair the soup with a slice of crusty bread. This not only enhances the meal but also gives a nice texture contrast. Enjoy dipping the bread into the creamy soup!
Pro Tips
- Use Fresh Herbs: For enhanced flavor, opt for fresh thyme and oregano instead of dried. Add them towards the end of cooking for a vibrant taste.
- Perfectly Cooked Gnocchi: Keep an eye on the gnocchi; they are done when they float to the surface. Overcooking can make them mushy.
- Make it Ahead: This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove before serving.
- Customize Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like peas or bell peppers for extra nutrition and color in your soup.
Variations
Protein Substitutes
You can swap the diced chicken for rotisserie chicken. This saves time and adds flavor. Just shred the chicken and mix it in at the end.
For a vegetarian option, use mushrooms or chickpeas. Both provide great texture and taste. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a full veggie flavor.
Flavor Enhancements
Adding lemon juice or zest brightens up the soup. A little splash can make a big difference. Try mixing in fresh herbs like basil or dill for a twist. These herbs add depth and aroma to each bowl.
You can also experiment with spices. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add warmth. Alternatively, smoked paprika gives a unique flavor.
Dietary Adjustments
If you need gluten-free options, look for gluten-free gnocchi. These are often made from rice or potato flour. They work well in this creamy soup without losing flavor.
For a dairy-free version, swap heavy cream for coconut milk or a nut-based cream. This keeps the soup rich while catering to dietary needs.
Storage Info
How to Store Leftovers
To keep your creamy chicken gnocchi soup fresh, first let it cool. Once it reaches room temperature, you can store it in the refrigerator. Use an airtight container for best results. This soup will last for about 3 to 4 days in the fridge.
If you want to save it for later, freezing is a great option. Pour the cooled soup into freezer-safe bags or containers. Leave some space at the top for expansion. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating Instructions
For reheating, I recommend using the stove. Pour the soup into a pot and heat it over low to medium heat. Stir it often to help it heat evenly. This method keeps the soup creamy and prevents it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
If you’re short on time, you can use the microwave. Place the soup in a microwave-safe bowl and cover it loosely. Heat it for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. To keep the creaminess intact, add a splash of chicken broth or cream while reheating. This small tip helps maintain that rich, smooth texture.
FAQs
Can I make this soup in advance?
Yes, you can make this soup ahead of time. To prepare it for future meals, follow these steps:
- Make the soup as directed but stop just before adding the heavy cream and spinach.
- Let the soup cool completely before storing it in an airtight container.
- Store it in the fridge for up to three days or freeze it for up to three months.
- When ready to eat, reheat the soup on the stove.
- Add the heavy cream and spinach just before serving for the best flavor and texture.
What can I substitute for gnocchi?
If you don't have gnocchi, here are some great substitutes:
- Small pasta shapes like ditalini or elbow macaroni work well.
- You can use homemade dumplings for a unique twist.
- For a gluten-free option, try rice or quinoa instead of gnocchi.
How can I make this recipe more filling?
To make the soup heartier, consider these additions:
- Add more vegetables like potatoes or peas for extra fiber.
- Include cooked beans, such as white beans, for added protein.
- Serve the soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
- Consider topping the soup with shredded cheese for extra richness.
This blog post covers a delicious soup recipe featuring tender chicken, veggies, and creamy gnocchi. You learned how to cook each element and combine them to create a tasty dish. I shared tips for adjusting flavors and made sure you have ways to store and reheat leftovers properly. Remember, you can customize this recipe with various proteins and flavors to suit your taste. Enjoy cooking and making this soup your own!
