Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Easy Comfort Recipe

Craving a warm hug in a bowl? This Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup is your answer! It’s easy to make and full of delicious flavors. With tender chicken, soft gnocchi, and fresh veggies, this soup checks all the boxes for comfort food. In this post, I’ll guide you through the simple steps to create a dish the whole family will love. Let’s dive in and make something wonderful together!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

– 1 pound diced chicken breasts

– 1 package (16 oz) store-bought gnocchi

– 1 cup heavy cream

For this soup, I love using diced chicken breasts. They cook quickly and are tender. Store-bought gnocchi makes this dish easy. You get that fluffy texture without the fuss. Heavy cream adds rich flavor and smoothness.

Vegetables

– 1 medium onion, finely diced

– 3 medium carrots, diced

– 2 stalks celery, diced

– 3 cloves garlic, minced

– 2 cups fresh baby spinach

I use onion, carrots, and celery for a classic base. These veggies bring great flavor and sweetness. Minced garlic gives the soup a nice kick. Fresh spinach adds color and nutrition. You want it to wilt nicely in the broth.

Seasonings

– 1 teaspoon dried thyme

– 1 teaspoon dried oregano

– Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Dried thyme and oregano boost the soup’s taste. They add warmth and depth. Salt and pepper are key for flavor. Always taste as you go. Adjust these to your liking for the best result.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cooking the Chicken

1. Heating the olive oil

Start by warming 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

2. Searing the chicken pieces

Add 1 pound of diced chicken breasts to the pot. Season it with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, stirring often. You want it golden brown and no longer pink in the middle. Once done, take the chicken out and place it in a bowl.

Sautéing the Vegetables

1. Adding and softening the onions, carrots, and celery

In the same pot, toss in 1 finely diced onion, 3 diced carrots, and 2 diced celery stalks. Sauté the mixture for roughly 5 minutes. The veggies should be soft and the onion should look clear.

2. Incorporating minced garlic

Now, add 3 cloves of minced garlic into the pot. Cook it for another 1-2 minutes. You want that lovely garlic scent, but don’t let it burn.

Combining Ingredients

1. Adding chicken broth and herbs

Gradually pour in 6 cups of low-sodium chicken broth while stirring. Put the cooked chicken back in the pot. Then sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of dried thyme and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano. Increase the heat until the mixture starts to boil.

2. Cooking gnocchi

Once boiling, add 1 package (16 oz) of store-bought gnocchi to the pot. Cook it according to the package instructions, usually about 3-5 minutes. When the gnocchi floats to the top, it’s ready.

Final Touches

1. Stirring in heavy cream and spinach

Lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and 2 cups of fresh baby spinach. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes. The spinach should wilt and the soup should be nice and hot.

2. Adding Parmesan cheese

Finally, mix in ½ cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until it melts into the soup. Taste it and adjust with more salt or pepper if needed.

Tips & Tricks

Perfecting the Texture

To get a creamy texture in your soup, use heavy cream. Stir it in slowly after cooking. This keeps the cream from curdling. You can also use half-and-half if you want a lighter option.

For a rich broth, use low-sodium chicken broth. It adds flavor without being too salty. You can also simmer the broth longer. This helps deepen the taste. Remember to taste as you go. Adjust salt and pepper to your liking.

Serving Suggestions

Garnish your soup with chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese. This adds color and a fresh taste. A sprinkle of cheese melts nicely into the warm soup.

Pair the soup with crusty bread for dipping. This makes each bite more satisfying. A side salad also works well to add fresh crunch.

Cooking with Kids

Involve kids by giving them safe tasks. They can wash veggies or stir the soup while you cook. This keeps them engaged and learning.

You can also let them sprinkle cheese and parsley on top. Make it a fun family activity. Cooking together builds great memories and teaches valuable skills.

Variations

Vegetable Variations

You can mix up the veggies in this soup. Adding mushrooms or zucchini boosts the flavor and texture. Just chop them up and add them when you sauté the onions, carrots, and celery. If you want a quicker option, use frozen mixed vegetables. They cook well and save time.

Protein Swaps

Want to switch the protein? You can easily use turkey instead of chicken. It gives a nice twist. Shrimp also works great. Just add them in the last few minutes of cooking. For a vegetarian option, try tofu. Cube it up and add it with the broth for a hearty meal.

Flavor Enhancements

To make the soup even tastier, try different herbs. Basil, rosemary, or sage can add a unique taste. A simple splash of lemon juice gives a nice zing and balances the creaminess. Experiment with these ideas to find your favorite flavor profile!

Storage Info

Refrigeration

To store leftovers, let the soup cool first. Transfer it to an airtight container. Make sure to seal it well to keep out air. This way, it stays fresh longer.

The shelf life in the refrigerator is about 3 to 4 days. If you want to enjoy it later, freezing is a great option.

Freezing

For freezing soup, let it cool completely before storing. Use freezer-safe containers or bags. Make sure to leave some space at the top, as soup expands when frozen.

To reheat, thaw the soup in the fridge overnight. Then, warm it in a pot over low heat. Stir often to ensure it heats evenly. You can also use the microwave on a low setting.

Meal Prep Ideas

You can make this soup ahead of time. It’s perfect for busy weeknights. Just prepare the soup and store it in the fridge.

Portion the soup into single servings. This makes it easy for quick meals. You can reheat just what you need.

FAQs

Can I use homemade gnocchi?

Yes, you can use homemade gnocchi in this soup. To substitute, make your gnocchi fresh before starting the soup. Just ensure they are cooked to a light, fluffy texture. Fresh gnocchi may cook faster than store-bought, so add them near the end of cooking. This keeps them tender. The taste of homemade gnocchi can enhance the soup’s flavor.

Is this soup gluten-free?

This soup can be gluten-free if you choose gluten-free gnocchi. Many brands offer great options made from rice or potato. Always check labels to ensure they are certified gluten-free. This small change keeps the soup safe for those with gluten sensitivities. You can enjoy the same creamy goodness without worry.

How to make the soup spicier?

To add heat to your soup, consider these options:

– Add red pepper flakes while cooking the chicken.

– Stir in diced jalapeños with the vegetables.

– Mix in hot sauce before serving.

All these methods bring a warm kick to the soup without overwhelming it. Adjust the spice level to match your taste.

Can I prepare this soup in advance?

Yes, you can prep this soup in advance. Chop your vegetables and store them in the fridge. Cook the chicken and broth base ahead of time. Just wait to add the gnocchi and cream until you are ready to serve. This keeps the gnocchi from getting mushy. You can easily reheat the soup when you are ready to enjoy it.

This soup combines rich flavors and simple ingredients. You have diced chicken, creamy broth, and tasty veggies. Following the step-by-step guide makes cooking easy and fun. Remember to let kids help in safe ways. You can even swap proteins or add different vegetables. This soup stores well, making it perfect for busy nights. Overall, it’s versatile and delicious. Enjoy making this meal with your loved one