There’s something about a warm bowl of chicken and gnocchi soup that feels like a cozy hug on a rainy day. Imagine the rich aroma of simmering chicken mingling with fragrant herbs, all enveloped in a creamy broth that wraps around tender gnocchi like a soft blanket. This dish doesn’t just satisfy your hunger; it brings comfort to your soul, making even the dreariest days feel lighter.
I remember the first time I made chicken and gnocchi soup. My kitchen turned into an aromatic wonderland, and as I ladled the soup into bowls, my family gathered around, smiles stretching across their faces. It was a moment filled with warmth, laughter, and the promise of deliciousness that lingered long after the last spoonful had been devoured. This soup is perfect for chilly nights or when you need a meal that says “everything’s going to be alright.”
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This chicken and gnocchi soup combines ease of preparation with layers of flavor that will impress anyone at your dinner table
- The comforting visual appeal makes it perfect for cozy family dinners or casual gatherings with friends
- Plus, you can customize it based on what’s in your fridge, making it incredibly versatile
There’s nothing quite like watching my kids dive into bowls of this soup, their expressions transforming from curiosity to delight as they discover the fluffy gnocchi hidden among tender pieces of chicken.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Opt for about 3-4 breasts; adjust according to how hearty you want your soup.
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Fresh Garlic: Use firm garlic cloves for a punchy flavor that elevates the broth.
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Carrots: Slice them thinly for sweetness and color; they brighten up the dish beautifully.
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Celery Stalks: Adds crunch and depth—make sure they’re fresh for the best results.
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Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium broth to control saltiness; it enhances every bite without overpowering.
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Cream: A splash transforms the broth into a luscious experience; opt for heavy cream for richness.
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Gnocchi: Fresh or store-bought works well; that pillowy texture is what we’re after!
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Dried Thyme: A sprinkle adds an earthy aroma that complements the chicken beautifully.
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Spinach or Kale: Toss in some greens at the end for added nutrition and color—because we all need more veggies!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Let’s embark on this flavorful journey together!
Prep Your Ingredients: Start by dicing your chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Chop up garlic, carrots, celery, and any greens you’re adding. Having everything prepped makes cooking smooth sailing.
Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot over medium heat, add olive oil and toss in chopped onions until translucent and fragrant. Add garlic next—let those flavors mingle for about a minute until aromatic.
Add Chicken: Stir in the diced chicken until it turns golden brown; this step locks in those savory juices! Keep stirring until no pink remains—about 5-7 minutes should do it.
Pour in Broth: Add your chicken broth along with diced carrots and celery. Bring this delicious medley to a boil while savoring those enticing aromas wafting through your kitchen.
Add Gnocchi: Once boiling, gently stir in gnocchi. Cook according to package instructions (usually around 3-5 minutes) until they float to the top like little fluffy clouds.
Finish with Cream and Greens: Lower the heat before adding cream and spinach or kale. Let everything simmer together just long enough for those flavors to meld—about 5 minutes will do!
Now grab yourself a spoon—you’ve just created a bowl of pure comfort! Enjoy each warm mouthful as if you’re wrapping yourself in your favorite blanket.
And there you have it: a delightful chicken and gnocchi soup that’s sure to bring joy to your table!
You Must Know
- Chicken and gnocchi soup is the ultimate comfort food, combining hearty flavors with a creamy texture
- This dish warms your soul while being surprisingly easy to make
- Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies without anyone noticing!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by sautéing onions and garlic for aromatic goodness, then add chicken and broth before cooking gnocchi separately. This sequence ensures even flavor distribution and perfect tenderness.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize by adding spinach or kale for color and nutrients. You can also swap chicken for turkey or use vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat to keep the gnocchi from getting mushy.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To prevent soggy gnocchi, cook them separately and add them just before serving
- Use homemade broth for richer flavor, or add a splash of white wine for acidity
- Fresh herbs like thyme or basil elevate the dish significantly
Cooking this chicken and gnocchi soup always reminds me of snowy evenings spent with family, where every spoonful felt like a warm hug from my grandma.
FAQ
Can I use frozen gnocchi in chicken and gnocchi soup?
Yes, frozen gnocchi works perfectly; just adjust cooking time as needed.
How do I thicken chicken and gnocchi soup?
Add a cornstarch slurry or cream to achieve your desired thickness.
Is chicken and gnocchi soup freezer-friendly?
Yes, but consider freezing only the soup base; add gnocchi fresh when reheating.
Chicken and Gnocchi Soup
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Chicken and gnocchi soup is a heartwarming dish that combines tender chicken, fluffy gnocchi, and flavorful vegetables in a creamy broth. Perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a comforting meal, this soup delivers warmth with every spoonful. Easy to make and customizable, it becomes a family favorite that brightens even the gloomiest days.
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 package (16 oz) gnocchi (fresh or store-bought)
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 2 cups spinach or kale
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients by dicing the chicken and chopping the vegetables.
- In a large pot over medium heat, sauté onions in olive oil until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Stir in the diced chicken and cook until no pink remains (about 5–7 minutes).
- Pour in the chicken broth along with carrots and celery; bring to a boil.
- Add the gnocchi and cook according to package instructions (3–5 minutes) until they float.
- Lower heat and stir in cream and spinach or kale; simmer for 5 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 2 cups)
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
