If you are looking for a comforting and hearty dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, this Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. Creamy, packed with tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and fresh spinach, it strikes the perfect balance between rich flavors and wholesome ingredients. Every spoonful fills your kitchen with inviting aromas and delivers satisfying textures that will have you coming back for seconds. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy night in or feeding a crowd, this recipe is your ticket to delicious and effortless soul food.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients sets the stage for a truly memorable soup. Each component in this recipe plays a crucial role, from the savory chicken broth giving depth, to the soft gnocchi providing a delightful bite, and fresh spinach adding a pop of color and nutrition.
- Olive oil: Use good quality extra virgin olive oil for a fragrant base and healthy fats.
- Onion: Chopped for sweetness and aroma that builds flavor early on.
- Garlic: Minced to add a warm, inviting punch without overpowering the soup.
- Carrots: Diced for natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- Celery stalks: Diced to provide a subtle earthiness and crunch.
- Chicken broth: The heart of the soup, it infuses everything with savory depth.
- Half-and-half: Adds creamy richness without being too heavy.
- Dried thyme: Earthy herb that complements the chicken perfectly.
- Dried basil: Bright herbal notes balancing the creaminess.
- Salt: Enhances all the natural flavors in the soup.
- Black pepper: Offers mild heat and complexity.
- Crushed red pepper flakes: A touch of warmth for a subtle kick.
- Cooked chicken: Shredded for tenderness and protein-packed satisfaction.
- Gnocchi: Soft Italian potato dumplings that soak up the broth beautifully.
- Fresh spinach: Adds a fresh, leafy green contrast and boosts nutrients.
- Parmesan cheese: Grated for umami richness and a creamy finish.
How to Make Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Base
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. This step lays the flavorful foundation for your soup and allows the onion to soften and sweeten, transforming into a luscious base.
Step 2: Build Aromatics
Add in your chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Then stir in the minced garlic and cook just until fragrant, typically around one minute, letting those wonderful aromas fill your kitchen.
Step 3: Adding Vegetables
In go the diced carrots and celery. These vegetables not only add texture and color but also lend a natural sweetness that balances the creaminess of the finished soup. Let them cook for roughly 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, so they begin to soften.
Step 4: Pour in Liquids and Seasonings
Pour the chicken broth and half-and-half into the pot, stirring everything together. Follow by adding dried thyme, basil, salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. These seasonings bring layers of herbal and spicy warmth to the soup’s profile.
Step 5: Simmer Until Tender
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat for about 10 to 15 minutes. This period allows the vegetables to become tender and the flavors to meld into a harmonious, comforting broth.
Step 6: Incorporate Chicken
Add your shredded cooked chicken to the pot, stirring it through to heat and blend with the seasoned broth. This makes the soup hearty and protein-rich, perfect for a satisfying meal.
Step 7: Cook the Gnocchi
Carefully drop the gnocchi into the simmering soup. They will cook quickly—about 2 to 3 minutes—just until they float to the surface, indicating they’re perfectly tender and ready to enjoy.
Step 8: Add Fresh Greens and Cheese
Toss in the chopped spinach and stir until just wilted, which takes only a minute or two. Finally, mix in the grated Parmesan cheese which melts into the soup, rounding out the flavors with its creamy umami richness.
Step 9: Final Taste and Adjustments
Give your soup a taste test. Adjust salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes as desired to suit your personal flavor preferences. This final step ensures your Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe is perfectly seasoned and ready to serve.
How to Serve Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra special touch, sprinkle additional grated Parmesan cheese over the soup just before serving. Freshly cracked black pepper or a few red pepper flakes can also add an inviting finishing flourish.
Side Dishes
This creamy, hearty soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or garlic knots to soak up every last bit. A crisp green salad can add a fresh contrast that balances the richness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this soup in charming bowls or even mini Dutch ovens for a rustic vibe. Adding a drizzle of good quality olive oil or a basil leaf on top can make presentation feel special, whether for family dinners or casual get-togethers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen, making leftovers just as delightful as the first serving.
Freezing
This soup freezes well, though gnocchi may become a bit softer after thawing. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. To enjoy later, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove.
Reheating
Reheat your soup slowly over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even warming. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of chicken broth or half-and-half to bring back the creamy consistency.
FAQs
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Absolutely! Substitute about three times the amount of fresh herbs for dried to keep that vibrant herbal flavor, adding them towards the end of cooking to preserve their brightness.
What if I don’t have half-and-half?
If half-and-half isn’t on hand, you can mix equal parts whole milk and light cream as a substitute. This maintains the creamy texture without making the soup too heavy.
Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?
Sure! Turkey or even cooked sausage could work well, but chicken is ideal for its mild flavor and tenderness that complements the gnocchi perfectly.
Is gnocchi gluten-free?
Most store-bought gnocchi contain wheat flour, so they are not gluten-free. However, gluten-free gnocchi options are available at specialty stores or can be homemade.
How spicy is this soup?
The soup has a mild heat from the crushed red pepper flakes, which you can easily adjust up or down depending on your tolerance for spice. It’s meant to add just a subtle warming kick.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe has such a special way of combining simple ingredients into a truly comforting, soul-satisfying dish. I encourage you to dive into making it yourself – it promises to fill your kitchen with warmth, your table with smiles, and your belly with happiness. Once you’ve tried it, I have no doubt it will become a treasured favorite in your recipe collection.
