Picture this: a chilly evening, the kind that sneaks up on you just when you thought summer would never end. Now, imagine the warmth of a creamy chicken gnocchi soup enveloping you like a cozy blanket – it’s a hug in a bowl, really. You know, I once tried this after a long day, and let me tell you, it was like my soul took a deep breath and sighed with relief.
Steps
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Saute the celery, onion, garlic, and carrots for 2-3 minutes until the onions become transparent.
- Add the diced chicken, chicken broth, salt, pepper, and thyme to the pot. Bring it to a boil and then gently incorporate the gnocchi.
- Let the mixture boil for another 3-4 minutes, then reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes.
- Stir in the half and half and chopped spinach, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until the spinach wilts.
- Taste the soup, adjust the salt and pepper if necessary, and serve it hot.
Ingredients
- 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and diced
- 1 stalk celery, chopped
- ½ white onion, diced
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- ½ cup shredded carrots
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cups low sodium chicken broth
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 16 ounces potato gnocchi
- 2 cups half and half (optional: swap one cup for heavy cream for extra richness)
- 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
Nutritional Values
Calories: 2092 kcal | Carbohydrates: 208 g | Protein: 124 g | Fat: 88 g | Saturated Fat: 44 g | Trans Fat: 4 g | Cholesterol: 396 mg | Sodium: 2488 mg | Potassium: 3196 mg | Fiber: 16 g | Sugar: 8 g | Vitamin A: 15436 IU | Vitamin C: 28 mg | Calcium: 736 mg | Iron: 20 mg
FAQ
- How do I make homemade gnocchi for this soup?
- Gnocchi is traditionally made from a simple mixture of potatoes, flour, and eggs. While it’s enjoyable and rewarding to make from scratch, store-bought gnocchi is a convenient option that works well for this recipe.
- What type of pre-cooked chicken should I use for the soup?
- Boneless, skinless chicken that’s already cooked and diced is recommended for convenience. You can prepare this at home by cooking diced chicken in olive oil with a bit of salt and pepper. Alternatively, pre-shredded, cooked chicken can be purchased, although it might be slightly chewier.
- Can I prepare this soup using a slow cooker?
- Absolutely, the soup can be adapted for a slow cooker. Begin by using pre-cooked, diced chicken. Sauté the vegetables and garlic, then combine them with the chicken in the slow cooker. Add liquids and other ingredients, except for the gnocchi, half and half, and spinach. Cook on low for three to four hours, adding the gnocchi in the last hour. Stir in the half and half and spinach just before serving.
- What are some serving suggestions for this chicken gnocchi soup?
- This soup is hearty on its own, but you can enhance the meal by serving it with homemade breadsticks or a side salad. A sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese on top also adds a nice touch of flavor.
Tips
- Use Pre-Cooked Chicken for Convenience: To save time, opt for boneless, skinless chicken that’s already cooked and diced. You can quickly dice and cook the chicken yourself in olive oil with a bit of salt and pepper, or purchase pre-cooked options like rotisserie chicken for ease.
- Enhance Creaminess with Heavy Cream: For a richer texture, consider substituting one cup of the half and half with heavy cream. This will add extra creaminess to your soup, making it even more indulgent.
- Add Gnocchi at the Right Time: If using a slow cooker, introduce the gnocchi during the last hour of cooking. This prevents them from becoming too mushy and ensures they maintain their texture in the soup.
- Finish with Spinach and Half and Half: Towards the end of cooking, stir in the half and half and spinach to let the spinach wilt quickly. This ensures freshness and taste are locked in just before serving.
Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven – Useful for cooking and simmering the soup.
- Chef’s knife – Essential for chopping vegetables and dicing chicken.
- Cutting board – Necessary for preparing ingredients like vegetables and chicken.
- Garlic press or mincer – To finely mince garlic.
- Saute pan (optional) – If you choose to saute the vegetables separately before adding them to the slow cooker.
