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Gnocchi Chicken Soup

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. 
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 503
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons minced fresh garlic
  • 1/2 small white onion — finely diced
  • 1 celery stalk — finely chopped
  • 1/2 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

Method
 

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
  1. 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
  1. 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
  1. 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
  1. 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
  1. 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
  1. 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
  1. 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

  • 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.