Gnocchi Chicken Soup – Hearty Food Ideas

As a food enthusiast, I often relish the process of pairing dishes together. Imagine a delightful evening where a warm loaf of garlic bread or a crisp green salad complements a steaming bowl of gnocchi chicken soup. 

It’s a match made in culinary heaven. The rich, hearty soup warms you from the inside, while the garlic bread brings a comforting crunch. 

If you’re anything like me, these flavors are the sort that beckon family and friends to gather around the table, sharing laughter and stories. After all, a good meal is meant to be enjoyed together.

Let’s dive deeper into the dish that makes both those pairs shine—gnocchi chicken soup.

What is Gnocchi Chicken Soup?

Gnocchi chicken soup is a warming dish that combines tender chicken, pillowy potato gnocchi, and a medley of vegetables in a creamy broth. 

The gnocchi acts as the delightful star of the show, sitting softly in a base that’s rich yet light enough for everyday enjoyment. This soup strikes the perfect balance between comfort food and nutritious delight. Imagine curling up with a bowl on a chilly evening. It’s pure bliss.

The Ingredients

Before we embark on this culinary journey, let’s gather our ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to bring this delicious soup to life:

• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 2 teaspoons minced fresh garlic
• ½ small white onion — finely diced
• 1 celery stalk — finely chopped
• ½ cup shredded orange carrots
• 3 to 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts — cooked and cubed
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken stock
• 16 ounces potato gnocchi
• 2 cups half-and-half cream
• 1 cup roughly chopped baby spinach
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper — to taste

These ingredients come together to create a dish that feels familiar and comforting.

How to Make Gnocchi Chicken Soup?

Making gnocchi chicken soup is straightforward and invites you into a cooking experience that’s incredibly rewarding. Each step builds anticipation as the ingredients meld, creating a harmonious blend of flavors. Ready to roll up your sleeves and start cooking? Let’s go!

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating the extra virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and onions. Sauté until fragrant, about two minutes. 

The key here is to ensure you don’t burn the garlic—it should turn a light golden color. This preliminary step lays the foundation for the soup’s enticing aroma.

Step 2: Add the Vegetables

Next, toss in the diced celery and shredded carrots. Cook for about five minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften. 

Stir often. This is where you’ll notice the colors and flavors begin to meld together, an inviting sight that fills the kitchen with warmth.

Step 3: Introduce the Chicken

Once your veggies are softened, add the cooked, cubed chicken to the pot. If you have leftover rotisserie chicken, feel free to use that! Stir well to combine it with the fragrant mix already in the pot.

Step 4: Pour in the Stock

Now comes the exciting part—pour in the low-sodium chicken stock. Bring the mixture to a simmer. 

After a few minutes, you should see gentle bubbles breaking the surface, indicating that the flavors are blending beautifully.

Step 5: Add Gnocchi and Cream

Next, toss in the potato gnocchi. These little pillows will soak up the flavors and become perfectly tender in the soup. After that, stir in the half-and-half cream, creating a luscious texture.

Step 6: Season the Soup

Sprinkle in the dried thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. These spices work to enhance the overall profile of the soup. 

Let it simmer for about five more minutes. You’ll want to keep an eye on the gnocchi as it cooks, ensuring they don’t turn mushy.

Step 7: Finish with Spinach

Finally, fold in the roughly chopped baby spinach. This not only adds a pop of color but also boosts the nutritional value of your dish. Stir until the spinach wilts, which should take just a minute or so.

And just like that, you have a delicious pot of gnocchi chicken soup ready to be devoured!

Notes (Tips for a Flavorful Soup)

To elevate your cooking experience, here are some handy tips:

• Use homemade stock for a richer flavor. If you have time, it makes a noticeable difference.
  
• Monitor the gnocchi closely. Overcooking can turn them too soft. They need about three to five minutes to cook after adding.
  
• Experiment with fresh herbs. Basil or parsley can add a refreshing twist.
  
• Add a squeeze of lemon juice before serving for brightness. It can take the flavors to another level.
  
• Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of creaminess and flavor.
  

Storage Tips

Soup can be a lifesaver for meal prep. If you’ve made a big batch, here’s how to store it:

1. Refrigerate: Allow the soup to cool completely. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days.
   
2. Freeze: For long-term storage, freeze the soup in portions. Use freezer-safe containers or bags to keep it fresh for up to three months.
   

Keep in mind that freezing may change the texture of gnocchi, so this soup is best enjoyed fresh.

Serving Suggestions

Want to elevate your bowl of gnocchi chicken soup even more? Here are some serving ideas:

1. Crusty Garlic Bread: This is a classic side that’s perfect for dipping. Toasted, with garlic spread on top, it adds crunch and flavor.
   
2. Mixed Green Salad: Pairing the soup with a fresh salad brings a lovely contrast. Use vinaigrette to add zest without overpowering the soup.
   
3. Parmesan Crisps: Bake little rounds of Parmesan cheese until crispy. They provide a delightful crunch when tossed atop your soup.
   
4. Grilled Cheese Sandwich: Nothing beats dunking a gooey grilled cheese into the soup. Use your favorite bread and cheese combination for a childhood classic revisited.
   
5. Herb Infused Oil Drizzle: Create an herb oil with parsley, basil, and olive oil. Drizzle a bit on each bowl before serving for a gourmet touch.
   

What Other Substitutes Can I Use in Gnocchi Chicken Soup?

Sometimes, ingredient substitutions can breathe new life into a recipe. Here are options for making this soup work for you:

1. Cauliflower Gnocchi: For a gluten-free and low-carb alternative, consider cauliflower gnocchi. It offers similar texture with fewer carbs.
   
2. Turkey: Substitute chicken with leftover turkey meat, especially after the holidays. It’s an excellent way to enjoy a different flavor profile.
   
3. Vegetable Stock: For a vegetarian-friendly version, swap the chicken stock for vegetable stock and omit the chicken. Add more veggies instead!
   
4. Coconut Milk: For a dairy-free approach, replace half-and-half with coconut milk. Just be mindful of the flavor it will bring to the soup.
   
5. Zucchini Noodles: If you’re looking for a low-carb option, spiralized zucchini can be used instead of gnocchi. Just remember they cook quickly!
   

Conclusion

Gnocchi chicken soup is not just a dish; it is a hug in a bowl. Each step allows for creativity, fun, and delicious outcomes. 

Whether you’re whipping it up for a cozy dinner or meal prepping for a busy week, this soup is sure to please your palate and warm your heart. Engage your inner chef and enjoy every comforting spoonful. Happy cooking!

You’ll also like the following recipes!

• Crockpot Philly Cheesesteaks
• Ultimate Spring Brunch Board
• My Favorite Spring Birthday Cake Recipe