Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

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There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of enjoying a warm, hearty bowl of homemade soup. Whether it’s a chilly evening, a family gathering, or simply a craving for comfort food, a bowl of Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup will never disappoint. This recipe is the perfect balance of tender chicken, flavorful broth, and pillowy gnocchi, all brought together with a creamy texture that’s irresistible. In this article, we will guide you through every step of making this delicious soup and share expert tips to help you make it the best you’ve ever had.  Indulge in gourmet dining at home with our Baked Spinach Mushroom Quesadillas

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup

If you’ve ever enjoyed a rich and comforting soup that warms your heart, you know how satisfying it can be. Here are just a few reasons why this Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup will quickly become a staple in your recipe collection:

• Hearty & Filling: The combination of tender chicken, soft gnocchi, and a creamy broth creates a meal that is both comforting and filling. You won’t leave the table feeling hungry after this one.
• Comforting & Creamy: The creaminess of the soup, balanced with savory chicken and flavorful veggies, gives you that cozy feeling of indulgence.
• Quick & Easy: This soup is straightforward to prepare, and it can be made in about 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you need something satisfying but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
• Customizable Ingredients: You can swap out ingredients to suit your preferences—try different greens like kale or use a gluten-free gnocchi option for dietary needs.

Ingredients for the Perfect Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Before you get started, let’s take a look at the ingredients you’ll need. This soup is made with fresh, simple ingredients that are easy to find at your local grocery store. Here’s a handy table to keep everything organized:

Ingredient	Amount
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts	1 lb (cut into 1-inch pieces)
Kosher salt	1½ tsp (divided)
Dried oregano	1 tsp
Ground black pepper	¼ tsp
Olive oil	2 Tbsp
Unsalted butter	2 Tbsp
Medium onion, finely diced	1
Celery stalks, finely chopped	2
Sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped	½ cup
Garlic cloves, minced	4
Tomato paste	2 Tbsp
Low-sodium chicken broth	4 cups
Pesto (homemade or store-bought)	2 Tbsp
Parmesan rind (optional)	1
Dried potato gnocchi (or small pasta)	16 oz
Heavy cream	½–1 cup
Fresh baby spinach	5 oz
Grated Parmesan cheese	½ cup

These ingredients come together to create a soup that’s bursting with flavor. Now let’s move on to the step-by-step instructions to help you create this delicious dish from start to finish.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

To start, you’ll want to prepare your chicken. Place your boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a large bowl. Season them with 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, oregano, and black pepper. Toss the chicken to make sure it’s evenly coated. This seasoning is going to infuse the chicken with flavor, ensuring that every bite of chicken is savory and well-seasoned.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil and unsalted butter over medium-high heat. Once the butter has melted and the oil is hot, add your seasoned chicken. Brown the chicken on all sides for about 4 to 5 minutes. This step adds a lot of flavor to the dish, giving the chicken a nice golden-brown exterior. Once the chicken is browned, remove it from the pot with a slotted spoon and set it aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

Now, in the same pot, add finely diced onion and chopped celery. Season with ½ teaspoon of kosher salt to help draw out the moisture from the vegetables. Sauté them for 3 to 5 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent. You’ll start to smell the savory aroma of the onions and celery cooking, which means you’re on the right track!

Next, stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, minced garlic, and tomato paste. Break up the tomato paste to ensure it’s well-incorporated into the vegetables. The tomato paste will add a rich depth of flavor to the base of your soup.

Step 4: Add the Broth & Pesto

Now it’s time to create the flavorful broth that will bring everything together. Pour in low-sodium chicken broth and add the pesto. If you’re using a Parmesan rind, now is the time to toss it in. The rind will slowly release its cheesy, savory flavor into the broth, making it richer and more flavorful. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 to 15 minutes to allow all the flavors to meld together.

Step 5: Cook the Gnocchi

Now, return the browned chicken (and any juices that have accumulated) to the pot. Stir in your gnocchi and let it cook for about 3 to 5 minutes, or until the gnocchi floats to the surface. Floating gnocchi indicates that it’s done and tender. If you’re using small pasta instead of gnocchi, you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly, depending on the type of pasta.

Step 6: Finish with Cream and Spinach

Once the gnocchi is cooked, it’s time to make the soup creamy. Stir in heavy cream, which will give the broth its luscious, velvety texture. Next, add fresh spinach and let it wilt into the soup. Once the spinach has wilted, stir in grated Parmesan cheese for extra creaminess and flavor. Taste your soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper, if necessary.

Pro Tips for Making the Best Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup

To ensure that your Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup turns out perfectly every time, here are a few expert tips:

• Tip 1: Use Fresh, High-Quality Gnocchi
  Fresh gnocchi tends to cook more evenly and retains its shape better than the dried version. If you have access to fresh gnocchi, it’s worth using. However, dried gnocchi works perfectly as well, so don’t worry if that’s what you have on hand.
• Tip 2: Customize the Greens
  While this recipe calls for fresh baby spinach, you can easily swap it out for other greens like kale, arugula, or chard. These greens bring different textures and flavors to the dish.
• Tip 3: Make it Ahead of Time
  This soup keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can make a big batch and enjoy it for multiple meals. When reheating, you may need to add a bit more cream to restore the soup’s texture.
• Tip 4: Add Spice
  For a bit of heat, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes when cooking the vegetables. This small addition will give your soup a subtle kick without overpowering the other flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?

Yes, you can! If you have frozen chicken, just be sure to thaw it completely before cooking. This will ensure even cooking and better flavor absorption.

Can I Substitute the Gnocchi with Another Type of Pasta?

Absolutely! If you prefer a different type of pasta or don’t have gnocchi on hand, small pasta shapes like orecchiette, farfalle, or small shells can be great alternatives. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

How Can I Make This Soup Vegan?

To make a vegan version of this soup, simply replace the chicken with tofu or chickpeas for protein. Swap out the chicken broth for vegetable broth, and use a non-dairy cream, such as coconut milk or cashew cream, for the creamy base.

Can I Make This Recipe in a Slow Cooker?

Yes, you can! Brown the chicken and sauté the vegetables first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours. Just be sure to add the cream and spinach at the end, right before serving.

Conclusion

There you have it—the ultimate recipe for Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup. This comforting, flavorful soup is sure to warm you up on even the coldest days. With its rich creamy texture, savory chicken, and tender gnocchi, it’s a meal the whole family will love. Whether you make it for a weeknight dinner or to share with friends, this soup is a crowd-pleaser.

Now that you have the recipe, it’s time to get cooking. Don’t forget to share your creation on social media, and let us know how it turned out. If you’ve made any tweaks or added your own twist, we’d love to hear about it!

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