Cozy Chicken Gnocchi Soup

$- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 medium onion, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 3 medium carrots, diced - 2 stalks celery, diced - 4 cups chicken broth - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon dried rosemary - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - 16 oz potato gnocchi - 2 cups fresh spinach - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) The chicken forms the base of the soup. Choose fresh, high-quality chicken for the best flavor. Dicing the onion, carrots, and celery adds depth and sweetness to the broth. Garlic brings a rich aroma. Use good chicken broth for a hearty taste. Adding heavy cream makes the soup rich and creamy. Thyme and rosemary offer a nice herbal note. Gnocchi provides a chewy, satisfying texture. Fresh spinach adds color and nutrition. Adjust salt and pepper to your taste. - Red pepper flakes - Fresh parsley for garnish Red pepper flakes add heat if you like spice. Fresh parsley brightens the dish and adds a pop of color. Both are easy to add and enhance the soup’s flavor and look. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, take 1 pound of boneless chicken breasts. Season them with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken. Sear each side for 5 to 7 minutes until golden brown. This step adds rich flavor. Once cooked, remove the chicken and set it aside. In the same pot, add diced onion, diced carrots, and diced celery. You need 1 medium onion, 3 medium carrots, and 2 stalks of celery. Sauté these for about 5 minutes. Cook until the veggies soften. Then, stir in 3 minced garlic cloves. Cook for just 1 more minute until fragrant. This brings out a wonderful aroma. Pour in 4 cups of chicken broth next. Add 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary, and red pepper flakes if you like some heat. Bring the mix to a gentle simmer. While it's simmering, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Add it back into the pot. This makes the soup hearty and filling. Now, add 16 ounces of potato gnocchi to the pot. Cook for about 3 to 5 minutes. You know the gnocchi are done when they float to the top. Then, stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and 2 cups of fresh spinach. Cook for another 2 minutes. The spinach should wilt, and the soup needs to heat through. Adjust the soup with salt and pepper as needed. To get the best flavor in your chicken gnocchi soup, follow these steps: - Start by searing the chicken until it's golden brown. This adds depth. - Use fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary. They boost aroma and taste. - Don't skip the garlic. It makes the soup rich and fragrant. Common mistakes can ruin your soup. Here are some pitfalls to avoid: - Overcooking the gnocchi can make them mushy. Cook just until they float. - Adding cream too early can curdle it. Stir it in at the end. - Forgetting to season can leave your soup bland. Taste and adjust as needed. Pair your chicken gnocchi soup with these tasty sides: - Crusty bread for dipping - A light salad to balance the richness - A sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra heat For presentation, consider these tips: - Serve the soup in deep bowls for a cozy feel. - Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color. - Offer lemon wedges on the side for a fresh twist. Want to make this dish a bit lighter? Try these options: - Use low-fat milk instead of heavy cream. It cuts calories but still tastes good. - Replace half the gnocchi with cauliflower for added veggies and fewer carbs. Consider these ingredient substitutes: - Swap chicken with turkey for a leaner option. - Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version. This keeps it hearty and tasty. Pro Tips Perfectly Shredded Chicken: For easy shredding, use two forks or a hand mixer on low speed to quickly break down the cooked chicken. This saves time and ensures even pieces for your soup. Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh thyme and rosemary can elevate the flavor of your soup significantly. If available, substitute dried herbs with fresh ones for a more vibrant taste. Customize the Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini or peas for added nutrition and flavor. Just ensure they are cut into similar sizes for even cooking. Adjust Creaminess: For a lighter soup, you can reduce the amount of heavy cream or use half-and-half. Alternatively, for a thicker soup, add a bit of cornstarch mixed with water to the broth before adding the gnocchi. {{image_2}} To make a creamy chicken gnocchi soup, you can swap the heavy cream for coconut milk or almond milk. This change gives it a dairy-free twist while keeping that rich taste. Adding more vegetables can enhance the flavor and nutrition. Try adding peas, green beans, or bell peppers for a colorful touch. You can also use kale instead of spinach for a different green. If you want some heat, adjust the amount of red pepper flakes. Start with a small amount, then taste and add more if you like it spicier. You can also add fresh jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. To boost the flavor, include herbs like basil or oregano. Fresh herbs can make your soup more aromatic and tasty. Using a slow cooker is easy and saves time. Start by searing the chicken and then place it in the slow cooker. Add all your vegetables and broth after that. Set it for 6-8 hours on low heat. Near the end, add the gnocchi and cream, cooking for another 30 minutes. This method allows the flavors to blend well. Adjust your cooking time if you use frozen gnocchi, as it may need more time to cook through. To keep your chicken gnocchi soup fresh, use an airtight container. Glass containers work well, as they don’t absorb odors. After cooling, seal the container and place it in the fridge. Make sure to store it within two hours of cooking. This helps keep the soup safe and tasty. When reheating, do it slowly on the stove over low heat. Stir often to make sure it heats evenly. You can also use a microwave, but do it in short bursts. This helps keep the soup’s texture nice. Add a splash of broth or cream if it looks too thick. If you want to freeze the soup, let it cool first. Then, pour it into freezer-safe bags. Squeeze out as much air as you can before sealing. Freeze it flat for easy storage. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it on the stove, stirring gently. The soup can last in the freezer for up to three months, but the gnocchi may lose some texture. Yes, you can use store-bought gnocchi. It saves time and effort. Store-bought gnocchi cooks quickly, usually needing just a few minutes in boiling water. Pros of store-bought gnocchi: - Quick and easy to prepare. - Consistent texture and taste. Cons of store-bought gnocchi: - Less control over ingredients. - May contain preservatives or additives. Making gnocchi from scratch can be fun but takes longer. Homemade gnocchi often has a softer texture and fresh taste. It's rewarding to create your own, but store-bought is a great choice for busy days. Making this soup gluten-free is simple. You just need gluten-free gnocchi. Many brands offer tasty options made from rice or potato flour. Substitutes for gluten-free gnocchi: - Rice flour gnocchi. - Sweet potato gnocchi. Be sure to check labels for gluten-free certifications. You can also use a gluten-free flour blend to make your own gnocchi at home. If you want a lighter soup, you can swap heavy cream with other options. Coconut milk or almond milk works well. You can also use half-and-half or whole milk for a richer taste without the heaviness. Alternatives to heavy cream: - Coconut milk for a dairy-free option. - Almond milk for fewer calories. - Greek yogurt for added protein. Adjust the amount based on your taste. Each option changes the flavor slightly, so choose what you like best. Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is smart and saves time. It adds great flavor and makes the soup even quicker to prepare. Benefits of using rotisserie chicken: - No need to cook chicken from scratch. - Saves prep time significantly. - Adds rich, seasoned flavor to the soup. Just shred the chicken and add it to the soup when you bring it to a simmer. It’s a tasty shortcut that makes this dish even more comforting. You can now make a delicious Chicken Gnocchi Soup using fresh ingredients and simple steps. We covered the main ingredients, optional add-ins, and how to cook each component. Remember to use tips for the best flavor and consider variations for a unique twist. Store leftovers properly and reheat them with care. With this recipe, you can enjoy a hearty meal that warms your soul. Dive into your kitchen and create this cozy dish today!$

Cozy Chicken Gnocchi Soup

A comforting and creamy chicken soup with gnocchi and fresh spinach.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 20

Total Time 35

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 6

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 medium carrots, diced
2 stalks celery, diced
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
16 oz potato gnocchi
2 cups fresh spinach
to taste salt
to taste pepper
for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then add to the pot. Sear the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove from the pot and set aside.
In the same pot, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Pour in the chicken broth, and add the dried thyme, dried rosemary, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
While the broth is simmering, shred the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. Add the shredded chicken back into the pot.
Once the soup is simmering, add the gnocchi. Cook for about 3-5 minutes, or until the gnocchi float to the surface, indicating they are cooked.
Stir in the heavy cream and fresh spinach. Cook for an additional 2 minutes until the spinach wilts, and the soup is heated through. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as desired.
Remove from heat, and ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley.

Notes

Feel free to adjust the seasoning and add more vegetables if desired.

Keyword chicken, comfort food, gnocchi, soup