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To make a delicious Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup, gather these key ingredients: - 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil - 1 medium onion, finely diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced to a paste - 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced - 2 celery stalks, diced - 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces - 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste - 1 package (16 ounces) potato gnocchi - 1 cup heavy cream - 2 cups fresh baby spinach - ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese These ingredients create a rich and creamy soup that is perfect for any meal. If you want to take your soup to the next level, consider adding: - Fresh herbs like parsley or basil for garnish - A splash of lemon juice for brightness - Red pepper flakes for a bit of heat - Mushrooms for an earthy note These additions can enhance the flavor and make your soup truly special. When choosing your ingredients, look for: - Firm, vibrant vegetables without blemishes - Chicken breasts that are pink, not gray - Fresh herbs that smell strong and fragrant - Gnocchi that are soft and not sticky Fresh ingredients make a big difference in taste. Always choose the best for your soup. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by gathering your ingredients. You need olive oil, an onion, garlic, carrots, celery, and chicken. Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the finely diced onion. Cook it for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes soft and smells great. Next, add two minced garlic cloves, two diced carrots, and two diced celery stalks. Stir these veggies for around five minutes. This step helps build a strong flavor base. Now, it’s time to add the chicken. Cut one pound of chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Add the chicken to the pot and cook for about 5-7 minutes. Make sure it turns white and is no longer pink. Sprinkle in one teaspoon each of dried thyme and dried oregano. Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. After the chicken cooks, pour in four cups of low-sodium chicken broth. Bring the mix to a gentle boil. Once it boils, turn down the heat and let the soup simmer for about 10 minutes. This simmering lets all the flavors blend nicely. Next, it's time for the gnocchi. Add one package (16 ounces) of potato gnocchi to the pot. Cook for about 3-5 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they float to the top. This is a sign they are cooked through and delicious. Now for the creamy part! Stir in one cup of heavy cream and two cups of fresh baby spinach. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. The spinach will wilt and brighten the soup. Finally, remove the pot from heat. Add half a cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese melts into the soup. Taste your soup and feel free to add more salt or pepper if you like it spicier. Serve your creamy chicken gnocchi soup hot in bowls. For a nice touch, sprinkle more Parmesan on top and add some fresh herbs if you wish. Enjoy your cozy meal! To boost flavors, always start with fresh ingredients. Fresh herbs like thyme and oregano add brightness. Use good quality chicken broth for a rich base. You can also add a splash of lemon juice for a zesty kick. If you like heat, try a pinch of red pepper flakes. Remember, seasoning is key; taste and adjust as you go. Cooking gnocchi is simple if you follow a few steps. First, add them to the soup when it simmers. They usually take about 3-5 minutes to cook. Watch for them to rise to the top; this means they are done. Overcooking can make them mushy, so keep an eye on them. You want them soft but still firm. If your soup is too thick, add more chicken broth or a splash of water. Stir it well until you reach the desired consistency. For a thicker soup, let it simmer longer to reduce liquid. You can also mash a few pieces of gnocchi against the pot to thicken it naturally. Just remember to taste as you adjust! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: The flavor of your soup will greatly improve by using fresh vegetables and herbs. Whenever possible, choose organic produce for the best taste. Adjust the Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter soup, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with low-fat milk or a dairy-free alternative, maintaining a similar texture without the extra calories. Gnocchi Cooking Tip: To ensure your gnocchi are perfectly cooked, avoid overcooking them; they are ready when they float to the surface of the soup. Season to Taste: Always taste your soup before serving and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or herbs to enhance the overall flavor profile. {{image_4}} You can make this soup lighter. Use low-fat milk instead of heavy cream. Try using skinless chicken breasts to cut down on fat. You can also add more veggies, like zucchini or bell peppers, to boost nutrition. Using less olive oil while cooking helps too. To create a vegetarian version, swap the chicken with mushrooms or tofu. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. For a vegan touch, use cashew cream or coconut milk instead of heavy cream. Make sure to use plant-based gnocchi, as some brands contain egg. Want more flavor? Add fresh herbs like basil or parsley. A squeeze of lemon juice brightens up the soup. You can also sprinkle in some red pepper flakes for a little heat. Consider adding a bay leaf during cooking for deeper flavor. Each of these options can change your soup in a great way. To keep your creamy chicken gnocchi soup fresh, let it cool first. Once cool, pour it into an airtight container. Make sure to leave some space at the top for expansion. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to enjoy it later, freezing is a great option. When you're ready to enjoy your leftover soup, reheat it on the stove. Pour it into a pot over low heat. Stir it gently to prevent sticking. Heat until it is warm but not boiling. If the soup is too thick, add a splash of broth or cream to get your desired texture. For long-term storage, pour the cooled soup into freezer-safe bags. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. Label the bags with the date. You can freeze it for up to three months. To reheat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then reheat on the stove as described above. Yes, you can use other meats. Turkey, pork, or even sausage works well. Each meat gives the soup a different flavor. Chicken remains a top choice for its mild taste and quick cooking time. If you want a lighter option, use half-and-half. Coconut cream is another good substitute. You can also mix milk with a bit of cornstarch for thickness. Each option changes the soup's creaminess, so choose what suits your taste. This soup stays fresh for about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container for the best results. If it lasts longer, the gnocchi might get too soft. Yes, you can make it ahead. In fact, it often tastes better the next day. Just cook the gnocchi right before serving to keep them tender. This blog covered all you need for creamy chicken gnocchi soup. We talked about key ingredients, cooking steps, and tips to enhance flavors. I shared ideas for variations and ways to store leftovers. You can try different meats or make it vegetarian. Remember, a little tweak can change the whole dish! With these tips, you can create a warm, tasty soup any day. Enjoy making your own delicious version!

Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup

A comforting and creamy soup filled with chicken, gnocchi, and fresh spinach.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 6
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced to a paste
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
  • 2 stalks celery, diced
  • 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • to taste salt and freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1 package (16 ounces) potato gnocchi
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups fresh baby spinach
  • 0.5 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions
 

  • In a spacious pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat until shimmering. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes or until the onion turns translucent and fragrant.
  • Incorporate the minced garlic, diced carrots, and celery into the pot. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  • Introduce the diced chicken breast to the mixture, cooking for approximately 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and no longer pink in the center. Season the mixture with dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper to your liking.
  • Carefully pour in the chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
  • Add the potato gnocchi to the soup base. Cook for about 3-5 minutes, or until the gnocchi rise to the surface, indicating they are cooked through.
  • Gently stir in the heavy cream and fresh baby spinach, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until the spinach has wilted and adds a vibrant color to the soup.
  • Remove the pot from heat and mix in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it is melted and fully incorporated. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Notes

Serve hot and garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs.
Keyword chicken, comfort food, creamy, gnocchi, soup