Gnocchi Soup Recipe -

Gnocchi Soup is a rich, comforting, and hearty dish that features soft, pillowy gnocchi combined with savory chicken, fresh vegetables, and a creamy, flavorful broth. This soup is perfect for chilly days or when you're in the mood for a satisfying, yet elegant meal. The addition of Parmesan cheese adds a delightful depth of flavor, making this soup a delightful treat for both casual family meals and more formal occasions.

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup finely diced onion
½ cup finely diced celery
½ cup finely diced carrot
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
4 cups chicken broth
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried parsley
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
16 oz potato gnocchi
1 cup half-and-half
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Preparation:

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 cup of finely diced onion, ½ cup of finely diced celery, and ½ cup of finely diced carrot. Sauté the vegetables until they become soft and the onions are translucent, about 5 minutes. Add 2 cloves of minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently to prevent the garlic from burning.

Step 2: Add Chicken and Broth
To the pot, add 1 pound of cooked and shredded boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Pour in 4 cups of chicken broth. Stir to combine all the ingredients.

Step 3: Season the Soup
Season the soup with 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, 1 teaspoon of dried parsley, and salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 4: Add Gnocchi and Spinach
Add 16 oz of potato gnocchi to the pot. Cook according to the package instructions until the gnocchi is tender, usually about 3-5 minutes. Stir in 1 cup of chopped fresh spinach and cook until the spinach wilts, which should take about 1-2 minutes.

Step 5: Add Cream and Cheese
Reduce the heat to low. Stir in 1 cup of half-and-half and ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the soup is heated through. Be careful not to bring the soup to a boil after adding the half-and-half to prevent curdling.

Step 6: Serve the Soup

Once the soup is heated through and the cheese is melted, it's ready to serve. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Cooking Note:

It's important to cook the gnocchi just until it's tender to avoid it becoming overly soft or mushy in the soup.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve the Gnocchi Soup hot, garnished with extra grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley if desired. This soup pairs well with crusty bread or a light salad for a complete meal.

Tips:

Chicken Preparation: You can use leftover chicken, rotisserie chicken, or quickly poach chicken breasts for this recipe.
Vegetable Consistency: Dice the vegetables finely for a consistent texture and to ensure they cook evenly.
Dairy Alternatives: If you prefer a lighter version, you can use whole milk instead of half-and-half.

Prep Time:

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Nutritional Information:

Calories: Approximately 350-400 per serving (varies based on the serving size and specific ingredients used)
Protein: 20-25g per serving
Sodium: Varies based on the chicken broth and added salt

Conclusion

Gnocchi Soup is a delightful and comforting dish that combines the heartiness of chicken soup with the indulgence of creamy, cheesy gnocchi. It's a versatile recipe that can be easily adapted to suit your taste preferences and is sure to be a hit with family and friends. Whether you're looking for a cozy dinner option on a cold evening or a satisfying lunch, this Gnocchi Soup recipe is sure to warm you up and leave you feeling content.