Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

This Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a creamy, comforting meal that combines tender chicken, soft gnocchi, and fresh spinach in a rich, flavorful broth. Made with half-and-half, chicken broth, and a mix of savory seasonings like thyme and mustard powder, it’s the perfect dish for chilly days. This easy-to-make soup is a family favorite, packed with wholesome vegetables and protein-rich chicken. Whether you’re craving a cozy dinner or meal prepping for the week, this hearty chicken soup with gnocchi will satisfy your taste buds. Perfect for those looking for a filling and delicious soup recipe!

Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 1 stick of celery, diced
• ½ cup carrots, julienned
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups half-and-half
• 4 cups chicken broth
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon mustard powder
• 1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts (or 2 cups cooked, diced chicken)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 16 oz. potato gnocchi (found in the pasta aisle)
• 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• Red pepper flakes, pinch (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook the vegetables: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, celery, and carrots, cooking for about 5 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
2. Make the roux: Sprinkle the flour into the pot, stirring to combine with the vegetables. Cook for 2 minutes until the flour turns a golden color.
3. Add liquids: Gradually pour in the chicken broth and half-and-half in splashes, stirring constantly. This will prevent the roux from breaking. Add the dried thyme and mustard powder.
4. Cook the chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then add to the pot. Bring to a gentle boil (avoid rapid boiling to keep the chicken tender). Simmer for 10-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chicken, until it’s fully cooked.
5. Shred the chicken: Remove the chicken from the pot and let it rest for 5 minutes before dicing it into small pieces. Add the diced chicken back into the soup and let it simmer until the soup reaches your desired thickness.
6. Add gnocchi: Stir in the gnocchi and cook for about 5 minutes, or according to package instructions, until they float to the top.
7. Finish the soup: Reduce the heat to low and add the spinach, red pepper flakes, and any additional salt and pepper. Simmer for 1 minute until the spinach is wilted and the soup is heated through.
8. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a comforting, creamy dish that’s hearty and satisfying. It’s packed with tender chicken, soft gnocchi, and fresh vegetables, all brought together in a rich, velvety broth. The addition of spinach adds a pop of color and nutrition, while the mustard powder and thyme bring a savory depth to the soup. It’s a perfect meal for chilly days, and its rich flavors make it an instant favorite.

Tips

• Slow and steady: When adding the broth and half-and-half, pour them in gradually to avoid breaking the roux and creating lumps.
• Avoid overcooking chicken: Let the chicken simmer gently to avoid tough meat. Once cooked, let it rest before cutting it into pieces.
• Adjust thickness: If you prefer a thicker soup, let it simmer longer. The soup will continue to thicken as it cools, so you can always add a splash of broth if it becomes too thick.

Variations and Substitutions

• Vegetarian version: Replace the chicken with chickpeas or tofu, and use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth.
• Creamy alternative: For an even richer soup, substitute the half-and-half with heavy cream or whole milk.
• Use frozen gnocchi: If using frozen gnocchi, simply add them directly to the soup and cook until they float to the top, just like the fresh gnocchi.
• Add more veggies: Feel free to toss in other vegetables like potatoes, zucchini, or peas to make the soup even heartier.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken? Yes, you can use diced cooked chicken in place of raw chicken breasts. Add it when you add the gnocchi, allowing it to heat through.

Can I make this soup in advance? Yes, this soup keeps well for 2-3 days in the refrigerator. If it thickens too much, you can add a little more broth or half-and-half to reach your desired consistency.

Can I make this in a crockpot? Yes! For the crockpot method, combine all ingredients (except gnocchi and spinach) and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Add the gnocchi and spinach in the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Chicken Gnocchi Soup with a side of crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up all the creamy goodness. It also pairs beautifully with a light green salad or a side of roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. For extra flavor, sprinkle some Parmesan cheese on top of each bowl before serving.