Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Are you in need of a cozy and comforting meal that soothes the soul and warms you from the inside out? Look no further than Chicken Gnocchi Soup! This hearty and flavorful soup combines tender chunks of chicken, pillowy potato gnocchi, and vibrant vegetables in a rich and creamy broth. With each spoonful, you’ll experience a symphony of flavors that will transport you to a state of pure comfort and contentment. Whether enjoyed as a hearty lunch or a comforting dinner, Chicken Gnocchi Soup is sure to become a family favorite. Let’s dive into the details of this delightful recipe and discover how to make it at home.

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 small yellow onion, chopped
• 2 celery ribs, chopped
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 2 cups half and half
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme
• 2 ½ cups diced cooked chicken, cut into bite-size pieces
• 16 ounces potato gnocchi
• 3 cups fresh baby spinach (long stems trimmed)
• Red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, celery, and carrots. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.
2. Make the Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed vegetables and stir to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to cook off the raw flour taste.
3. Add the Liquid Ingredients: Slowly pour in the half and half and chicken broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
4. Add Chicken and Thyme: Stir in the diced cooked chicken and chopped fresh thyme. Simmer gently for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. Cook the Gnocchi: Meanwhile, bring a separate pot of water to a boil. Add the potato gnocchi and cook according to the package instructions, until they float to the surface, about 2-3 minutes. Drain the gnocchi and set aside.
6. Combine and Serve: Once the soup has simmered and the flavors have developed, add the cooked gnocchi and fresh baby spinach to the pot. Stir gently to combine and allow the spinach to wilt slightly. Season with red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
7. Serve Warm: Ladle the Chicken Gnocchi Soup into bowls and garnish with additional thyme leaves, if desired. Serve piping hot and enjoy the comforting flavors!

Cook Notes and Variations:

• Creamy Consistency: For a thicker and creamier soup, you can use heavy cream instead of half and half. Alternatively, you can add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) to the soup to thicken it further.
• Extra Vegetables: Feel free to customize the soup by adding extra vegetables such as diced potatoes, peas, or diced bell peppers for added flavor and nutrition.
• Make it Spicy: If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the soup for an extra kick.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):

Q: Can I use frozen gnocchi instead of fresh? A: Yes, frozen gnocchi can be used as a convenient alternative to fresh gnocchi. Simply follow the package instructions for cooking the frozen gnocchi before adding it to the soup.

Q: Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe? A: Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a convenient option for adding cooked chicken to the soup. Simply shred the meat from the rotisserie chicken and add it to the soup during the final step of cooking.

Q: Can I make Chicken Gnocchi Soup ahead of time? A: Yes, Chicken Gnocchi Soup can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.

Q: Is Chicken Gnocchi Soup suitable for freezing? A: While the soup can be frozen, the texture of the gnocchi and spinach may change upon reheating. If freezing, omit the gnocchi and spinach from the soup and add them fresh when reheating.

Keto and Low-Carb Versions:

For those following a keto or low-carb lifestyle, here’s how you can modify the recipe:

• Replace Potato Gnocchi: Substitute potato gnocchi with cauliflower gnocchi or zucchini noodles for a lower-carb option.
• Use Heavy Cream: Instead of half and half, use heavy cream to keep the soup creamy while reducing the carb content.
• Add More Protein: Increase the protein content of the soup by adding cooked bacon or sausage crumbles.

Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a comforting and satisfying dish that nourishes both body and soul with its rich flavors and hearty ingredients. Whether enjoyed on a chilly evening or as a comforting lunch, this soup is sure to warm you from the inside out and leave you feeling fully satisfied. With its simple preparation and versatile ingredients, Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a recipe that you’ll want to keep in your collection for years to come. So gather your ingredients and savor the comforting goodness of this delightful soup today!

Do you have any questions or suggestions about this recipe? Feel free to leave a comment below!