Description

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

Instructions

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.
Sprinkle flour over the sauteed vegetables and stir well to combine. Cook for 1 minute to eliminate the raw flour taste.
Slowly pour in fat-free evaporated milk or half and half, stirring constantly to ensure a smooth consistency without lumps.
Meanwhile, in a separate pan, cook gnocchi according to package directions until they float to the surface. Drain and set aside.
Add diced chicken and shredded carrots to the pot of soup. Stir as the mixture begins to thicken slightly.
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.
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

Notes

Serving Tips:

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.
Accompany the soup with crusty bread or garlic breadsticks for a delightful dipping experience.
For a complete meal, pair the soup with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette dressing.

Storage Tips:

Allow any leftover Chicken Gnocchi Soup to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container.
Store the soup in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring it is tightly sealed to maintain freshness.
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.
Frozen Chicken Gnocchi Soup can be stored for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
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.
Avoid reheating the soup in the microwave at high power, as it may cause uneven heating and affect the texture of the gnocchi.
Always discard any leftover soup that has been left at room temperature for more than 2 hours to ensure food safety.