Description
Creamy chicken gnocchi soup brings comfort straight from Italian kitchens to your dinner table. Hearty potatoes, tender chicken, and pillowy gnocchi combine in a rich broth that fills hungry hearts with warmth and satisfaction.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Pasta:
- 2 cups (300 g) cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 1 (16 ounces / 450 g) package gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups (60 g) fresh spinach leaves, roughly chopped
Liquids and Seasonings:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cups (1 liter) chicken broth
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat a substantial cooking vessel and melt butter with olive oil over medium-high temperature, creating a fragrant cooking base.
- Introduce diced aromatic vegetables – onions, celery, and carrots – and sauté until they soften and develop a translucent appearance, releasing their natural sweetness.
- Incorporate minced garlic and allow it to bloom for approximately 60 seconds, infusing the mixture with robust flavor profiles.
- Dust the vegetable medley with flour, stirring meticulously to ensure even coating and eliminate any raw flour undertones.
- Gradually stream chicken broth into the pot, whisking continuously to prevent potential lumps from forming and creating a smooth liquid foundation.
- Raise the temperature and encourage the mixture to reach a gentle boil, then carefully introduce pillowy gnocchi, allowing them to simmer until they effortlessly float and achieve a tender consistency.
- Reduce heat and fold in shredded chicken and luxurious heavy cream, creating a harmonious and rich texture throughout the soup.
- Gently incorporate fresh spinach leaves, allowing them to wilt and integrate seamlessly into the soup’s landscape.
- Season the preparation with salt and freshly cracked black pepper, adjusting to personal taste preferences.
- Ladle the steaming soup into serving vessels and optionally garnish with delicate fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for an elegant finishing touch.
Notes
- Swap rotisserie chicken for leftover grilled or baked chicken to reduce waste and add extra flavor profile.
- Use gluten-free gnocchi and replace wheat flour with cornstarch to make the recipe celiac-friendly and accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Boost nutrition by adding extra vegetables like kale or zucchini, which blend seamlessly into the creamy soup base without changing the overall taste.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk to reduce calories while maintaining a rich, comforting texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 870 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg