Chicken Gnocchi Soup: Creamy and Comforting Recipe

When the air gets chilly, a warm bowl of Chicken Gnocchi Soup is just what you need. It’s filled with chicken, gnocchi, and veggies, all simmered to perfection. This soup wraps you in comfort, making cold days a little warmer.

This homemade soup is more than just a meal. It’s a warm hug in a bowl, reminding you of happy family times. Whether you enjoy it alone or with others, it makes any evening special. It’s a perfect dish for those winter nights, serving 6-8 people.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Gnocchi Soup

This Gnocchi Soup is the ultimate comfort food for winter. It’s warm, hearty, and creamy. Made with heavy cream and corn starch, it’s a treat for your taste buds. Plus, it’s ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for any weeknight.

Perfect for Cold Weather

On a cold evening, nothing warms you up like chicken soup. It combines the flavors of rotisserie chicken, fresh spinach, and DeLallo Potato Gnocchi. This mix creates a cozy meal perfect for chilly nights.

Hearty and Filling

This soup is not just warm; it’s also filling. With 435 kcal, 25g of protein, and 19g of fat, it keeps you satisfied. Parmesan adds depth, and fresh veggies bring essential nutrients, making it a hearty choice.

Great Way to Feed a Crowd

This soup is perfect for gatherings, serving about six people. It’s easy to make in one pot, saving you time and effort. You can also add garnishes like Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese or extra veggies to please everyone.

Essential Ingredients for Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Making a tasty chicken gnocchi soup starts with picking the right ingredients. You need a mix of chicken, broth, and fresh veggies. Here are the key parts to make your soup creamy and delicious.

Chicken Selection

For the best taste and texture, use boneless skinless chicken breasts. A rotisserie chicken is also a great choice. About 2 cups of shredded rotisserie chicken makes the soup rich and filling.

Choosing the Right Broth

The broth you choose greatly affects the soup’s flavor. Homemade chicken broth is best, but low-sodium store-bought works too. Use 4 to 8 cups, depending on how thick you like your soup.

The Best Vegetables to Use

Fresh veggies add flavor and nutrients to the soup. A mix of onions, celery, and carrots (mirepoix) is a great start. Adding spinach or bell peppers makes the soup colorful and healthy.

Making it Creamy

Heavy cream or evaporated milk makes the soup creamy. A third of a cup of heavy cream makes it velvety. Adding basil pesto gives it a zesty twist that goes well with chicken.

How To Make Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Making Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a fun and tasty experience. It’s a one pot meal that’s easy to make and full of flavor. Follow these steps for a creamy, comforting dish that will warm your heart.

Step-by-step Cooking Instructions

1. Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts and cook until they’re fully cooked. Remove the chicken and let it rest.
2. In the same pot, add 2 medium diced carrots, 2 large diced celery stalks, and 1 large diced onion. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add 12 ounces of diced mushrooms and cook for an additional 3 minutes. Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves and cook until fragrant, around 1 minute.
4. Mix in ⅓ cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes, 2 tablespoons of potato starch (or cornstarch), and 2 tablespoons of tomato paste. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
5. Gradually pour in 5 cups of low sodium chicken broth while stirring. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
6. Return the cooked chicken to the pot and add 1 pound of gnocchi. Allow everything to cook together for about 8-10 minutes or until the gnocchi are tender.
7. Stir in ½ cup of heavy cream (or coconut cream), ½ cup of grated parmesan cheese, and a handful of roughly chopped baby spinach for freshness.

Tips for Cooking Gnocchi

• For the best texture, add the gnocchi to the soup just before serving and cook for a few minutes.
• If seeking a vegetarian alternative, substitute the chicken with two cans of rinsed and drained white beans or chickpeas.
• Consider garnishing with fresh basil, shredded parmesan, or chili pepper flakes for an extra kick.

Tips for a Delicious Homemade Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Making a great homemade soup takes some thought and creativity. Chicken Gnocchi Soup is perfect for adding your own twist. You can change it up based on what you like or what you have in your kitchen. Follow these tips to make your soup even more special.

Using Leftovers

Using leftovers can make your Chicken Gnocchi Soup even better. A leftover rotisserie chicken can add a lot of flavor to the broth. Add veggies like carrots, celery, and onions too. Cook them until they’re soft to soak up all the flavors.

If you have fresh herbs like parsley or thyme, add them in for a burst of freshness.

Customizing Flavors

This soup is super versatile, so you can make it your own. Try adding red pepper flakes for a spicy twist. Heavy cream makes it creamy and rich. Or, use half and half for a lighter version.

Adding different veggies not only boosts nutrition but also lets you experiment with flavors each time you make it.

Making it Vegetarian

Turning Chicken Gnocchi Soup into a vegetarian dish is easy. Just skip the chicken and add white beans or chickpeas for protein. They keep the soup hearty and filling.

Finish with fresh spinach or curly kale. This keeps them bright and full of nutrients. Your soup will be both tasty and healthy.

One Pot Meal: Benefits of Making Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Making Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a great choice for a flexible meal. It’s perfect for busy weeknights because it’s a one pot meal. You can easily prepare it and let the slow cooker do the rest.

The soup has rich flavors and requires minimal cleanup. This makes it even more appealing for those who value convenience.

Easy Preparation

This recipe is a “dump and go crockpot meal.” Just add your ingredients in the morning, and it’s ready by dinner. It’s a simple way to make a comforting dish without spending a lot of time.

It cooks for 6-7 hours on low heat. This makes it as easy as it is rewarding.

Less Cleanup

Chicken Gnocchi Soup is cooked in one pot, making cleanup easy. After enjoying your meal, you only have one pot to wash. This is great for those with busy schedules who want to cook at home.

Chicken Gnocchi Soup: An Olive Garden Copycat Recipe

Making Chicken Gnocchi Soup at home is a fun and rewarding task. It brings back memories of Olive Garden’s famous dish. This recipe lets you make a similar soup at home, adding a new favorite to your dinner list.

By using the same ingredients and methods, you can make a soup that’s just as good as the restaurant’s. It will impress your family and friends with its rich and comforting taste.

Recreating the Magic at Home

This recipe is easy to follow. Start by cooking fresh vegetables in butter and olive oil. This step sets the stage for a flavorful soup.

Next, mix in half-and-half and chicken broth to create a creamy base. This mirrors the original dish perfectly. By adding flavors gradually, you make the soup as comforting as Olive Garden’s.

Flavor Comparisons

To match the restaurant’s taste, balance your seasonings well. Use dried thyme and parsley flakes for a fresh taste. A bit of nutmeg adds a warm depth to the soup.

Adding tender chicken, fresh spinach, and soft gnocchi completes the dish. It offers a texture and taste that rivals any restaurant. Enjoying this classic soup at home is a joy.

Common Variations of Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a dish that you can change up in many ways. You can add more proteins, try different veggies, or mix in new flavors. This makes it a great meal to customize to your liking.

Adding Extra Proteins

Adding more proteins can make your soup even more satisfying. You could use ground beef or Italian sausage instead of chicken. Shrimp or bacon can also add interesting textures and tastes. Mixing proteins makes the soup more complex and filling.

Exploring Different Vegetables

Adding various veggies can make your soup tastier and healthier. Baby spinach adds a nice green color and a light flavor. Carrots and mushrooms can add texture. For a bold twist, try sun-dried tomatoes or nutmeg.

If you want a veggie-only option, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. These changes keep your soup exciting and fresh every time you make it.

Storage Tips for Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Storing your Chicken Gnocchi Soup right is key to keeping its flavors and freshness. These tips help you enjoy tasty meals all week. They also make sure your soup stays good for longer.

Refrigeration and Freezing

Let your chicken gnocchi soup cool down before storing it. Put it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. In the fridge, it stays good for up to three days. This makes it great for quick meals.

For longer storage, freeze the soup in a freezer-safe container. It can last up to three months in the freezer. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.

How Long it Lasts

The soup’s shelf life depends on how you store it. Freezing works well, but the texture might change a bit when thawed. To fix this, reheat it on the stovetop with a bit of broth or water. This helps it get back to its original consistency.

For microwaving, heat individual portions in short intervals. Stir every thirty seconds to heat evenly.

Conclusion

Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a mix of comfort and nourishment for any time of year. It warms you up on cold days with its creamy broth, tender chicken, and soft gnocchi. You can make it your own by adding your favorite ingredients.

Enjoying this soup is easy, whether you’re cooking for many or just a few. Serve it with crusty bread or crackers for extra flavor. You can also add bacon, Parmesan, or herbs to make it even better.

This soup stays fresh in the fridge for a few days, letting the flavors grow. If you love comforting food that’s easy to make, Chicken Gnocchi Soup is perfect. You’ll want to make it again and again.

Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Nutritional Information (Per Serving): Calories: ~350 Protein: ~30g Carbohydrates: ~30g Fat: ~15g

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Ingredients

  

• 34 boneless skinless chicken breasts cooked and diced
• 1 stalk of 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 see note
• 1 cup fresh spinach roughly chopped

Instructions

 

• Step 1: Sauté Vegetables
• Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
• Add the celery, onions, garlic, and shredded carrots.
• Sauté for 23 minutes, until the onions are translucent.
• Step 2: Cook Chicken & Gnocchi
• Add the diced chicken, chicken broth, salt, pepper, and thyme to the pot.
• Bring the mixture to a boil.
• Gently stir in the gnocchi and cook for 34 minutes longer.
• Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for an additional 10 minutes.
• Step 3: Add Half and Half & Spinach
• Stir in the half and half and fresh spinach.
• Cook for 12 minutes until the spinach wilts and becomes tender.
• Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

Notes

Serving Suggestions
Serve the soup with a slice of crusty bread for dipping.
Pair with a green salad for a balanced meal.

Tips & Variations
For extra creaminess: Use heavy cream instead of half and half.
Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.