Chicken Gnocchi Soup

If you’re on the hunt for a hearty, comforting meal that soothes the soul while also offering nutritional benefits, look no further than Chicken Gnocchi Soup. This classic dish combines the tender, pillowy goodness of gnocchi with the rich, savory flavors of chicken and vegetables in a creamy broth. Perfect for any day of the week, this soup is sure to become a new favorite in your household. In this article, we’ll guide you through a simple recipe and share tips to make your Chicken Gnocchi Soup even more delicious.

What Is Chicken Gnocchi Soup?

Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a creamy soup that marries the soft, Italian potato dumplings known as gnocchi with chunks of chicken and vegetables in a smooth, flavorful broth. Often found in Italian and American cuisine, this soup is a staple in many households due to its comforting texture and rich taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Chicken: 2 cups cooked and shredded (rotisserie chicken works great)

Gnocchi: 1 pound, ready-made or homemade
Butter: 1 tablespoon
Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon

Onion: 1 medium, diced
Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
Carrots: 1 cup, sliced

Celery: 1 cup, diced
Flour: 1/3 cup, for thickening
Chicken Broth: 4 cups

Heavy Cream: 1 cup
Fresh Spinach: 1 cup, chopped
Seasonings: Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional: Fresh thyme or parsley for garnish

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Prepare the Ingredients:

Cook and shred the chicken. If using rotisserie chicken, debone and shred it.

Dice the onion, slice the carrots, and chop the celery and garlic.

Sauté the Vegetables:

In a large pot, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat.

Add the onion, celery, and carrots. Sauté until the vegetables are tender.
Add garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.

Thicken the Soup:

Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir to coat them evenly. Cook for about a minute to remove the raw flour taste.
Gradually add the chicken broth, stirring continuously, to avoid lumps.

Cook the Gnocchi:

Bring the mixture to a boil, then add the gnocchi. Let it simmer according to the package instructions, usually about 3-5 minutes, until they float to the top and are tender.

Add Chicken and Cream:

Stir in the shredded chicken and heavy cream. Reduce the heat to low, and warm through.

Finish with Spinach and Seasonings:

Add the chopped spinach and cook until it wilts.
Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve:

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if desired.

Tips for the Perfect Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Homemade Gnocchi: For an even more authentic and heartwarming dish, consider making your own gnocchi. It’s easier than you might think!

Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers for added flavor and texture.
Storage: This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days and makes excellent leftovers.
Vegan Option: Substitute the chicken and cream with plant-based alternatives like tofu and coconut cream for a vegan version.

Conclusion

Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a versatile, comforting dish that’s perfect for chilly evenings or when you simply need a comforting meal. It’s rich, creamy, and full of flavors that everyone in the family can enjoy. With this simple recipe, you can bring a taste of comfort to your table in no time. Give it a try and enjoy the warm, comforting embrace of homemade Chicken Gnocchi Soup tonight!

By following these steps and tips, you’ll master the art of making a delightful Chicken Gnocchi Soup that’s not only satisfying but also a treat to your taste buds. Whether it’s a family dinner or a cozy meal for one, this soup is sure to impress.

Serving and Storage Tips for Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for any day of the week. To make the most of this delicious meal, here are some essential tips for serving and storing your soup:

Serving Tips:

Garnish Wisely: Enhance the flavor and presentation of your Chicken Gnocchi Soup with a sprinkle of fresh herbs such as parsley or thyme right before serving. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese can also add a rich depth to the dish.
Serve Warm: Chicken Gnocchi Soup is best enjoyed warm. Reheat it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally until it’s evenly warmed through. Avoid boiling the soup when reheating to maintain the integrity of the gnocchi and to ensure they don’t become too soft.
Accompaniments: Serve your Chicken Gnocchi Soup with crusty bread or a light salad. The bread is perfect for dipping into the creamy broth, while a fresh salad can balance the richness of the soup.

Adjust Consistency: If the soup thickens upon standing or reheating, you can thin it with a little extra chicken broth or water until you reach your desired consistency.

Storage Tips:

Cool Before Storing: Allow the soup to cool to room temperature before storing it to prevent bacterial growth. However, avoid leaving the soup out for more than two hours to maintain food safety.
Refrigeration: Store the soup in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Use shallow containers if possible, as they help the soup cool more quickly and evenly.

Freezing: Chicken Gnocchi Soup can be frozen, but it’s worth noting that the cream and gnocchi might change texture once thawed. To freeze, omit the cream and gnocchi during the initial cooking. When you’re ready to serve, reheat the base of the soup, then add fresh cream and cook gnocchi directly in the soup. Freeze in airtight, freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
Thawing and Reheating: Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a bit more broth if necessary. If you’ve stored the cream and gnocchi separately, add them after the soup is thoroughly heated through.
Avoid Repeated Reheating: Each time the soup is reheated, it loses a bit of its flavor and the gnocchi can become mushy. Only reheat the portion you plan to eat rather than the entire batch.

1. What is gnocchi, and can I make it at home for this soup?

Gnocchi are Italian dumplings typically made from potatoes, flour, and sometimes egg. They are small, soft, and pillowy, making them a perfect addition to soups and stews. Yes, you can definitely make gnocchi at home! Homemade gnocchi can be a fun project and may enhance the texture and flavor of your Chicken Gnocchi Soup. The basic process involves cooking potatoes, mashing them, and then mixing with flour and egg to form a dough, which is then rolled out, cut into small pieces, and boiled.

2. Can I use leftover chicken for this soup?

Absolutely! Chicken Gnocchi Soup is an excellent recipe for using up leftover chicken. Whether it’s from a roast, grilled, or even rotisserie chicken, adding pre-cooked chicken can save time and add rich flavor to the soup. Just shred or chop the chicken and add it towards the end of cooking the soup to heat through.

3. Is there a dairy-free alternative for making Chicken Gnocchi Soup?

Yes, you can create a dairy-free version of this soup with a few substitutions. Replace the heavy cream with coconut cream or a rich, unsweetened plant-based milk like cashew or oat milk. Also, ensure that your gnocchi is dairy-free (some store-bought gnocchi may contain dairy), or make your own at home using suitable alternatives.

4. How can I thicken my Chicken Gnocchi Soup if it’s too thin?

If your soup is thinner than you’d like, there are a couple of methods to thicken it. One approach is to mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little cold water to make a slurry, then gradually stir this into the boiling soup until it thickens to your liking. Another method is to remove a portion of the soup, blend it until smooth, and then stir it back into the pot. Both methods are effective and can help you achieve the creamy consistency typical of a hearty Chicken Gnocchi Soup.