Easy Chicken And Gnocchi Soup Recipe

There’s something deeply comforting about a hearty bowl of soup, especially when it’s packed with the richness of tender chicken and pillowy gnocchi. If you’re looking for a cozy, satisfying dish that’s as easy to prepare as it is delicious, Chicken and Gnocchi Soup is a go-to option that’s bound to become a staple in your kitchen.

This soup combines simple ingredients with bold flavors, making it the perfect weeknight meal, whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving something warm on a chilly day. The best part? It comes together quickly, so you can enjoy a homemade meal without hours of prep time.

So, let’s dive into this comforting recipe, which not only delivers in flavor but also in ease of preparation!

Easy Chicken And Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Now, let’s take a step-by-step look at how to create this soul-warming Chicken and Gnocchi Soup. It’s as easy as chopping, stirring, and simmering – a process that will fill your kitchen with amazing aromas and leave you with a bowl of pure satisfaction.

Ingredients Needed

Before we get into the cooking process, let’s talk ingredients. You’ll find most of them are kitchen staples, which makes this a super accessible recipe for anyone to try.

Here’s the list of what you’ll need:

• Chicken breast (boneless and skinless) – This is your lean protein, and it cooks up tender and juicy in the soup. You can substitute it with thighs if you prefer darker meat.
• Gnocchi – These pillowy little dumplings are the heart of the soup. They soak up the flavors of the broth, adding a wonderful texture to the dish.
• Carrots – These add sweetness and color to your soup.
• Celery – Along with carrots, celery provides that classic soup base flavor and a slight crunch.
• Onion – The aromatic foundation of many soups, onions bring depth and sweetness when sautéed.
• Garlic – A couple of cloves of garlic will elevate the flavor profile and give it that warm, fragrant kick.
• Chicken broth – The base of your soup; opt for a low-sodium version to control the salt content.
• Heavy cream – For richness and a silky smooth texture that makes the soup indulgent.
• Fresh thyme and bay leaves – These herbs bring a delightful earthy flavor to the mix.
• Spinach – Adding greens is an easy way to make the soup more nutritious without sacrificing flavor.
• Salt and pepper – Essential for seasoning and enhancing the natural flavors of the soup.

Cooking Instructions

Cooking this Chicken and Gnocchi Soup is incredibly easy, and it’s a great recipe to try if you’re a beginner cook. Here’s how to put it all together:

1. Cook the chicken: Start by seasoning your chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a large pot, heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside to cool. Once cooled, shred it with two forks or chop it into bite-sized pieces.
2. Sauté the vegetables: In the same pot, add a little more oil if needed, and toss in the diced onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté them for about 5 minutes, until they start to soften and the onions become translucent. Add the garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add the broth: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Add the thyme and bay leaves. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
4. Add the gnocchi and chicken: Stir in the gnocchi and shredded chicken. Continue to simmer the soup for another 5-7 minutes, or until the gnocchi floats to the top, signaling that they’re cooked through.
5. Finish with cream and spinach: Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream, followed by the spinach. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the spinach wilts and the soup is hot and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
6. Serve and enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls, serve it hot, and enjoy the comforting flavors of your homemade chicken and gnocchi soup!

Ingredient Insights

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Here’s a breakdown of why these ingredients are essential:

• Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are used for their mild flavor and lean protein. They absorb the broth’s flavor well and are easy to shred or chop.
• Gnocchi: These soft, pillowy dumplings add texture and substance. As gnocchi are made from potatoes, they act like little sponges in the soup, soaking up all the flavors.
• Carrots, celery, and onion: These vegetables form the holy trinity of many soups. They provide sweetness, earthiness, and crunch, which give the soup layers of flavor.
• Heavy cream: This transforms the broth into a velvety, indulgent base that coats the gnocchi and chicken perfectly.
• Spinach: While you could technically skip the spinach, it adds a wonderful green freshness that balances the richness of the cream and the savory chicken. Plus, it’s a great way to add some nutrients!

Expert Tips

To ensure you get the best results from this recipe, keep these expert tips in mind:

• Don’t overcook the gnocchi: Gnocchi cooks very quickly, so once they start floating, remove the soup from the heat. Overcooking can make them mushy.
• Use a rotisserie chicken: For an even quicker option, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. This saves you time and adds an extra depth of flavor since the chicken is already seasoned and roasted.
• Season gradually: Taste your soup as you go, and adjust the salt and pepper as necessary. Remember, the chicken broth can already be salted, so taste first before adding more salt.
• Leftovers: This soup stores wonderfully. Just be mindful that the gnocchi can absorb more of the broth as it sits. If reheating, you may need to add a little extra chicken broth or cream to loosen it up.

Recipe Variations

While the classic version of Chicken and Gnocchi Soup is always a winner, there are plenty of ways to customize it to suit your preferences. Here are a few variations to try:

• Spicy Chicken and Gnocchi Soup: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to give the soup a little kick.
• Creamy Pesto Chicken and Gnocchi Soup: Stir in a spoonful of pesto for a fresh, herby twist that complements the chicken and gnocchi perfectly.
• Vegetarian Gnocchi Soup: Replace the chicken with a can of cannellini beans or tofu for a vegetarian option. You could also add more veggies like zucchini or mushrooms.
• Use other herbs: Experiment with herbs like rosemary, oregano, or basil to vary the flavor profile of the soup.

Final Words

This Chicken and Gnocchi Soup is the definition of comfort in a bowl. It’s creamy, hearty, and full of flavor – everything you want in a satisfying meal. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a family, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner but indulgent enough to feel like a special treat.