Chicken Gnocchi Soup

by

Indulge in the cozy embrace of a steaming bowl of Chicken Gnocchi Soup, brimming with tender chicken, fluffy gnocchi, vibrant vegetables, and aromatic herbs, all bathed in a creamy broth. This soul-soothing recipe is your ticket to warmth and satisfaction on cold evenings or whenever you crave a nourishing meal. Let’s dive into the delightful journey of crafting this comforting masterpiece.

Ingredients:

  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • ½ cup celery, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 quart fat-free evaporated milk or half and half
  • 1 cup cooked chicken breasts, diced
  • ½ cup shredded carrots
  • 2 cups chicken stock
  • 1 cup fresh spinach, coarsely chopped
  • ½ tsp dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 (16 oz) package gnocchi

Directions:

  1. Heat butter and olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add diced onion, chopped celery, and minced garlic. Saute until the onion turns soft and translucent.
  2. Sprinkle flour over the sauteed vegetables and stir well to combine. Cook for 1 minute to eliminate the raw flour taste.
  3. Slowly pour in fat-free evaporated milk or half and half, stirring constantly to ensure a smooth consistency without lumps.
  4. Meanwhile, in a separate pan, cook gnocchi according to package directions until they float to the surface. Drain and set aside.
  5. Add diced chicken and shredded carrots to the pot of soup. Stir as the mixture begins to thicken slightly.
  6. Pour in chicken stock, cooked gnocchi, chopped spinach, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld and spinach to wilt.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired. Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese.

Preparation Time: 10 minutes Cooking Time: 20 minutes Total Time: 30 minutes Servings: 6

Serving Tips:

  1. Serve Chicken Gnocchi Soup piping hot in individual bowls, allowing guests to garnish their servings with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese for an extra flavor boost.
  2. Accompany the soup with crusty bread or garlic breadsticks for a delightful dipping experience.
  3. For a complete meal, pair the soup with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette dressing.

Storage Tips:

  1. Allow any leftover Chicken Gnocchi Soup to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container.
  2. Store the soup in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring it is tightly sealed to maintain freshness.
  3. To freeze the soup for longer storage, ladle it into freezer-safe containers or resealable freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion. Label with the date and contents before freezing.
  4. Frozen Chicken Gnocchi Soup can be stored for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  5. Reheat refrigerated or thawed soup gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Add a splash of chicken stock or water if needed to adjust the consistency.
  6. Avoid reheating the soup in the microwave at high power, as it may cause uneven heating and affect the texture of the gnocchi.
  7. Always discard any leftover soup that has been left at room temperature for more than 2 hours to ensure food safety.

By following these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy the deliciousness of Chicken Gnocchi Soup whenever hunger strikes, whether freshly made or from your freezer stash.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

  1. Can I use store-bought gnocchi for this recipe? Absolutely! Store-bought gnocchi works perfectly well in this recipe. Simply follow the package instructions to cook the gnocchi until they float to the surface, then add them to the soup as directed.
  2. Can I make this soup ahead of time? Yes, you can! Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a great make-ahead dish. Simply prepare the soup as directed, allow it to cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. When ready to serve, gently reheat the soup on the stovetop over low to medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
  3. Can I substitute the evaporated milk or half and half? Yes, you can substitute evaporated milk or half and half with heavy cream or whole milk if you prefer a richer soup. However, keep in mind that using heavy cream will result in a thicker and creamier consistency, while whole milk will yield a lighter broth.
  4. Can I make this soup vegetarian? Absolutely! To make a vegetarian version of Chicken Gnocchi Soup, simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock. You can also add more vegetables such as mushrooms, peas, or bell peppers to enhance the flavor and texture of the soup. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences, and enjoy a delicious meat-free rendition of this comforting dish!

Variations:

  1. Cheesy Chicken Gnocchi Soup: For an extra indulgent twist, stir in a generous amount of shredded cheese such as sharp cheddar, Gruyere, or Parmesan into the soup just before serving. The melted cheese adds richness and a delightful cheesy flavor to the soup.
  2. Spicy Chicken Gnocchi Soup: Add a kick of heat to your soup by incorporating diced jalapenos, crushed red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce during the cooking process. Adjust the amount of spice according to your preference to create a zesty and warming version of Chicken Gnocchi Soup.
  3. Creamy Tomato Chicken Gnocchi Soup: Give your soup a tangy twist by adding a can of diced tomatoes or tomato sauce along with Italian seasoning and a splash of heavy cream. The combination of creamy broth and tomato base creates a luscious and satisfying soup with a hint of acidity.
  4. Herb-infused Chicken Gnocchi Soup: Elevate the flavor profile of your soup by experimenting with different herbs and spices. Try adding fresh rosemary, sage, or basil for a fragrant and aromatic touch. You can also incorporate dried herbs such as oregano, basil, or parsley to enhance the depth of flavor.

By exploring these variations, you can customize Chicken Gnocchi Soup to suit your taste preferences and create unique and delicious flavor combinations that will keep you coming back for more.

Embrace the heartwarming goodness of Chicken Gnocchi Soup, a delightful blend of flavors and textures that will leave you feeling satisfied and content. With simple ingredients and easy steps, this recipe is a perfect choice for busy weeknights or leisurely weekends. So, gather your ingredients, simmer up a pot of this comforting soup, and let its warmth fill your soul with joy.