There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of Chicken Gnocchi Soup to comfort you on a chilly day or to enjoy with family and friends.
This creamy and hearty soup is packed with tender chicken, soft gnocchi, and a blend of vegetables and spices that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Let’s dive into this easy-to-follow recipe that will have you whipping up a pot of delicious soup in no time.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delightful Chicken Gnocchi Soup:
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup chopped celery (2-3 stalks)
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic (3-4 cloves)
- 1 cup shredded carrots (2 carrots)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 cup flour
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 3 cups milk
- 1.5 cups heavy cream
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 8 ounces chopped frozen spinach
- 16 ounces gnocchi
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create a pot of Chicken Gnocchi Soup that will warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds:
Step 1: Prepare the Base
- In a large pot, over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of butter and heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil. The combination of butter and olive oil adds a rich flavor to the soup.
Step 2: Cook the Vegetables
- Once the butter is melted and the oil is hot, add in 1 cup of chopped celery. Cook the celery for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes soft. This step enhances the celery’s sweetness and ensures it blends well into the soup.
- Add in 1 tablespoon of minced garlic and stir. Let the garlic cook for 2 minutes. The garlic will release a wonderful aroma and flavor into the base of the soup.
- Add in 1 cup of shredded carrots. These will add a touch of sweetness and color to your soup.
Step 3: Season and Thicken
- Season the mixture with 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, 2 teaspoons of onion powder, and 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning. Stir well to combine all the spices evenly.
- Sprinkle in 1/4 cup of flour. Stir for about 2 minutes until the flour is fully incorporated. This step helps to thicken the soup, giving it that creamy texture we love.
Step 4: Add the Liquids
- Slowly pour in 3 cups of chicken broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. The broth will help deglaze the pot and pick up all the flavors from the bottom.
- Add 3 cups of milk and 1.5 cups of heavy cream. Stir well to combine. The milk and cream will make the soup rich and creamy.
Step 5: Incorporate the Main Ingredients
- Toss in 8 ounces of chopped frozen spinach. Stir to distribute the spinach evenly throughout the soup.
- Add 2 cups of cooked shredded chicken. Stir again to combine. The chicken will add protein and make the soup more filling.
Step 6: Cook the Gnocchi
- Turn up the heat and bring the soup to a gentle boil. This will help to cook all the ingredients thoroughly.
- Gently add 16 ounces of gnocchi to the boiling soup. Let the gnocchi cook for about 4-5 minutes. They will float to the top when they are done, becoming soft and pillowy.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
- Once the gnocchi are cooked, reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for a few minutes. This allows all the flavors to meld together perfectly.
- Serve the Chicken Gnocchi Soup hot, accompanied by breadsticks for dipping. Enjoy the creamy, comforting goodness!
Tips for the Best Chicken Gnocchi Soup
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh celery, carrots, and garlic will give the best flavor.
- Cook the Gnocchi Separately: For an even more tender gnocchi texture, you can cook the gnocchi separately and add them to each bowl before serving.
- Adjust Seasonings to Taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to suit your taste preferences.
- Make It Ahead: This soup can be made ahead of time and reheated. It often tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.
With this easy-to-read and follow recipe, you can enjoy a bowl of homemade Chicken Gnocchi Soup that’s better than anything you can find at a restaurant.
Happy cooking!