Imagine a bowl of Chicken and Gnocchi Soup that hugs you like your favorite sweater on a chilly evening. The rich, creamy broth swirls around tender pieces of chicken and fluffy gnocchi, creating a symphony of flavors that warms the soul. lemon basil chicken piccata It’s the kind of dish that makes everything feel right in the world, where every spoonful brings comfort and joy.
Now, picture yourself slurping up this delightful concoction while cozying up to a movie night or hosting a casual dinner with friends. This soup is more than just food; it’s an experience that sparks cherished memories, laughter, and maybe even a few tear-jerking moments over how deliciously satisfying it is. tomato and cheese omelet.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Chicken and Gnocchi Soup is easy to prepare, making weeknight dinners a breeze
- Its rich flavor profile combines savory chicken with tender gnocchi in a creamy broth
- Visually appealing with its vibrant colors, it’s perfect for impressing guests
- This soup is versatile enough for cozy dinners or festive gatherings
My friends still rave about the time I made Chicken and Gnocchi Soup for our game night; let’s just say, they didn’t leave until they mopped up every last drop. hearty potato casserole.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 chicken breasts work best; adjust based on your crowd size.
- Fresh Garlic: Choose firm garlic cloves for the best flavor; it will elevate your soup.
- Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium broth for better control over saltiness while enhancing the flavor.
- Heavy Cream: Adds richness and creaminess to your soup; don’t skimp on this!
- Gnocchi: Store-bought or homemade works great; they should be soft yet slightly chewy when cooked. For more inspiration, check out this chewy caramel cookies recipe.
- Spinach or Kale: Fresh greens add color and nutrition; choose what you prefer or have on hand.
- Seasonings (Thyme, Salt, Pepper): Essential for layering flavors; fresh thyme offers an aromatic touch.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by dicing your chicken into bite-sized pieces. Mince several cloves of garlic to unleash their fragrant aroma—trust me, it sets the stage for flavor.
Sauté the Chicken and Garlic: In a large pot over medium heat, add butter or olive oil. Once hot, toss in your chicken pieces and sauté until they turn golden brown and are cooked through—about 5-7 minutes should do it. Add minced garlic during the last minute to prevent burning. For more inspiration, check out this garlic butter green beans recipe.
Add Broth and Seasonings: Pour in chicken broth along with thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring this fragrant mixture to a gentle simmer while scraping any delicious bits stuck to the bottom of the pot—those are flavor gold!
Introduce Gnocchi and Greens: Toss in gnocchi once the broth simmers beautifully. Let them cook for about 3-4 minutes until they float to the surface. Stir in spinach or kale during the last minute of cooking for vibrant color.
Create Creamy Bliss: Lower the heat and stir in heavy cream gradually until fully incorporated. Allow this dreamy mixture to warm through without boiling—your taste buds will thank you!
Strong Serve It Up: Ladle this incredible Chicken and Gnocchi Soup into bowls and garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Pair with crusty bread for dipping bliss!
This Chicken and Gnocchi Soup recipe guarantees smiles around your table while filling hearts with warmth on even the coldest nights. savory chicken sliders Enjoy every sip!
You Must Know
- This Chicken and Gnocchi Soup is not just a meal; it’s a hug in a bowl
- The creamy broth and tender gnocchi create a cozy experience that warms your soul
- It’s perfect for chilly nights or when you need a little comfort
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by sautéing the onions and garlic for aromatic depth, then add the chicken to sear before simmering everything together with broth for maximum flavor.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the vegetables or add spices like paprika. You can even use leftover roasted chicken for added convenience and flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth if it thickens too much.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Don’t rush the sautéing process; letting those onions caramelize makes all the difference!
- Use fresh herbs like thyme or parsley to elevate flavors further
- If you want extra creaminess, add a splash of heavy cream at the end
Sometimes I make this soup when friends visit, and their smiles after the first spoonful make it all worth it—it’s like magic!
FAQ
What can I substitute for gnocchi in this recipe?
You can use small pasta shapes like orzo or ditalini instead of gnocchi.
Can I make Chicken and Gnocchi Soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute chicken with mushrooms and vegetable broth for a delicious vegetarian version.
How long will leftovers last in the fridge?
Leftovers stored properly can last up to three days in the refrigerator without losing quality.
Chicken and Gnocchi Soup
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Chicken and Gnocchi Soup is a heartwarming dish perfect for chilly evenings. This creamy, rich soup features tender chicken pieces and fluffy gnocchi that create a delightful symphony of flavors in every bowl. Ideal for cozy nights in or casual gatherings with friends, this recipe promises to wrap you in comfort and joy. Enjoy the satisfying experience as you savor each spoonful, making memories that last long after the meal is over.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 16 oz gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cups fresh spinach or kale
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot over medium heat, melt butter or olive oil. Add diced chicken and sauté until golden brown and cooked through (5-7 minutes). Stir in minced garlic during the last minute.
- Pour in chicken broth, thyme, salt, and pepper; bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add gnocchi; cook until they float to the surface (about 3-4 minutes). Stir in spinach or kale during the last minute.
- Lower heat and gradually mix in heavy cream until fully incorporated. Warm through without boiling.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: - For extra flavor, sauté onions with garlic before adding chicken. - You can substitute gnocchi with small pasta shapes like orzo. - Feel free to add leftover roasted chicken for convenience.
