Chicken Gnocchi Soup
If you’re looking for a cozy and filling meal, chicken gnocchi soup is the perfect choice. This creamy, hearty soup combines tender chicken, soft gnocchi, and fresh vegetables, making it a deliciously satisfying dish for any day. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a comforting solo meal, this recipe is sure to warm your soul and delight your taste buds.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 pound cooked chicken, shredded
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 package gnocchi (about 16 ounces)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe yields 4 servings. Preparation time is approximately 15 minutes, with a cooking time of about 30 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1 cup) contains approximately 400 calories, 20g protein, 25g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. This is based on one serving for one person.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic and dried thyme, cooking for an additional minute.
- Add the shredded chicken to the pot, mixing well.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
- Once simmering, add the gnocchi to the pot.
- Cook the gnocchi according to package instructions, usually around 3-5 minutes.
- Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper.
- Allow the soup to heat through for another 5 minutes.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute chicken with rotisserie chicken for convenience. For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. Additionally, feel free to add spinach or kale for extra greens.
Serving and Pairings
This chicken gnocchi soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a fresh garden salad. It also complements a glass of white wine for a delightful dining experience.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. Avoid freezing, as the gnocchi may become mushy when thawed.
Cooking Mistakes
- Overcooking the gnocchi can make them mushy.
- Not seasoning enough can lead to bland soup.
- Using low-quality chicken broth affects the overall flavor.
- Skipping the sautéing step can result in underdeveloped flavors.
- Not letting the soup simmer can prevent flavors from melding.
Helpful Tips
- Use fresh herbs for a burst of flavor.
- Experiment with different vegetables based on your preference.
- Adjust the thickness by adding more or less broth.
- Make it a one-pot meal by adding more vegetables.
FAQs
Can I use frozen gnocchi?
Yes, frozen gnocchi works great in this recipe. Just add them directly to the soup without thawing.
How can I make this soup dairy-free?
Substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative for a delicious dairy-free version.
What type of chicken should I use?
You can use any cooked chicken, such as rotisserie or leftover grilled chicken, for convenience.
Is this soup suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it’s excellent for meal prep! Just store the portions separately to maintain the texture of the gnocchi.
Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add spinach, zucchini, or peas for added nutrition and flavor.
Conclusion
Chicken gnocchi soup is a delightful dish that brings comfort and warmth to any table. With its creamy texture and hearty ingredients, it’s a wonderful choice for a cozy meal. Enjoy making and sharing this recipe with loved ones for a truly satisfying experience.
Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion diced
- 2 carrots chopped
- 2 celery stalks chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 pound cooked chicken shredded
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 package gnocchi about 16 ounces
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic and dried thyme, cooking for an additional minute.
- Add the shredded chicken to the pot, mixing well.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
- Once simmering, add the gnocchi to the pot.
- Cook the gnocchi according to package instructions, usually around 3-5 minutes.
- Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper.
- Allow the soup to heat through for another 5 minutes.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
