Description
This Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a comforting, hearty dish loaded with tender chicken, soft gnocchi, fresh vegetables, and a creamy, flavorful broth. Perfect for a cozy meal, this soup combines the richness of cream and Parmesan with aromatic herbs, making it both satisfying and delicious.
Ingredients
Scale
Soup Base
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium carrot, diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 16 oz potato gnocchi
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
Dairy
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings & Herbs
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, diced carrot, and diced celery. Cook these ingredients until they become soft and fragrant, about 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Build the Broth: Add the shredded cooked chicken, chicken broth, dried thyme, dried basil, salt, and black pepper to the pot. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
- Cook the Gnocchi: Stir in the potato gnocchi and cook uncovered until the gnocchi float to the surface, which usually takes about 3 to 4 minutes. This indicates they are cooked through and tender.
- Cream It Up: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and whole milk. Let the soup simmer gently for another 3 to 4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the soup to thicken slightly.
- Finish: Add the chopped fresh spinach and grated Parmesan cheese to the pot. Stir well until the spinach wilts and the soup has a creamy consistency. Taste the soup and adjust seasonings if necessary.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve warm. Optionally, garnish with extra grated Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Use pre-cooked chicken to save time; rotisserie chicken works well.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or omit cream entirely.
- Fresh gnocchi can be used if available, adjusting cook time accordingly.
- Spinach can be substituted with kale or Swiss chard for variation.
- Adjust seasoning at the end to suit your taste preferences.
