Cream of Chicken and Gnocchi Soup is a hearty and comforting dish that combines tender gnocchi, flavorful chicken, and a rich, creamy broth. This soup is perfect for a cozy night in or as a starter for a larger meal. Let’s dive into the detailed recipe!
Ingredients:
Soup Base:
- ½ cup margarine
- ¾ cup finely chopped onion
- ¾ cup finely chopped celery
- ½ cup finely grated carrot
- 1 ½ teaspoons minced garlic
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups chicken broth
- ¾ cup half-and-half
- ¾ cup milk
Add-ins:
- 1 (16 ounce) package potato gnocchi
- 1 ½ cups chopped cooked chicken
- ¾ cup shredded fresh spinach
Seasoning:
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
- Chop and Grate:
- Finely chop the onion and celery, and grate the carrot. Mince the garlic cloves.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
- Sauté:
- In a large pot, melt the margarine over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, celery, and grated carrot. Sauté until the vegetables are tender and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes.
Step 3: Create the Roux
- Make the Roux:
- Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the sautéed vegetables and stir continuously for about 2 minutes to form a roux. This will help thicken the soup.
Step 4: Add Liquids and Simmer
- Add Broth and Dairy:
- Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, half-and-half, and milk, ensuring there are no lumps from the flour. Continue to stir until the mixture is smooth.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Step 5: Cook the Gnocchi
- Cook the Gnocchi:
- Add the potato gnocchi to the simmering soup. Cook according to package instructions, typically about 3-5 minutes, or until the gnocchi float to the top and are tender.
Step 6: Incorporate the Chicken and Spinach
- Add Chicken and Spinach:
- Stir in the chopped cooked chicken and shredded fresh spinach. Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 5 minutes to heat the chicken thoroughly and wilt the spinach.
Step 7: Season the Soup
- Season:
- Add the dried rosemary, salt, ground black pepper, and nutmeg. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Step 8: Serve
- Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. Optionally, garnish with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese.
Cook’s Notes:
- Chicken Options: Use rotisserie chicken for convenience, or cook and shred chicken breasts or thighs.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables such as mushrooms, kale, or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor.
- Thickening: If you prefer a thicker soup, make a slurry with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the simmering soup.
Variations:
Low-Carb Version:
- Substitute the gnocchi with cauliflower florets or zucchini noodles. Adjust the cooking time as needed.
- Use heavy cream instead of half-and-half to reduce carbs.
Keto Version:
- Replace the flour with almond flour or coconut flour for the roux.
- Use spiralized vegetables (zucchini or squash) instead of gnocchi.
- Ensure all other ingredients, including chicken broth and margarine, are keto-friendly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I make this soup ahead of time? A: Yes, this soup can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat it gently on the stove before serving.
Q: Can I freeze this soup? A: Cream-based soups can be tricky to freeze as they may separate upon reheating. If you do freeze it, make sure to stir well while reheating to bring it back together.
Q: Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried? A: Yes, you can substitute fresh herbs for dried. Use three times the amount of fresh herbs as dried.
Q: How can I thicken the soup further if needed? A: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can make a slurry with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the simmering soup.
Q: Is there a vegetarian version of this soup? A: Substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth and use a plant-based margarine and cream alternative. Replace the chicken with additional vegetables or a meat substitute.
Cream of Chicken and Gnocchi Soup is a heartwarming dish that’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor. With tender gnocchi, succulent chicken, and a creamy broth, it’s perfect for a cozy dinner or as a starter for a larger meal. Try out the variations to suit your dietary needs, and enjoy this delicious soup with family and friends!
