Creamy Chicken Soup with Gnocchi
If you’re looking for a comforting and hearty dish that warms the soul, look no further than this easy recipe for Creamy Chicken Soup with Gnocchi. This delightful soup combines tender pieces of chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a medley of vegetables simmered in a rich, creamy broth. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a quick weeknight meal, this recipe brings together classic flavors with a touch of elegance, all while being simple enough for even novice cooks to master. Enjoy a bowl of creamy deliciousness that will have everyone asking for seconds!
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SOUP IS PARTICULARLY COMFORTING DURING THE FALL SEASON FOR SEVERAL REASONS
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- Warmth Against the Chill: As temperatures drop and the air becomes crisp. A hot bowl of soup provides a much-needed warmth that feels like a cozy embrace. The steam rising from the bowl can be a soothing contrast to the increasingly chilly weather outside.
- Seasonal Ingredients: Fall is harvest time for many vegetables. Making it an ideal season for fresh, flavorful ingredients like pumpkins, squash, carrots, and root vegetables. These seasonal ingredients not only enhance the taste of the soup but also provide a nutritious boost. Aligning with the body’s needs as it prepares for winter.
- Nostalgic Comfort: Soup often evokes memories of family gatherings and home-cooked meals, creating a sense of nostalgia and comfort. Whether it’s a family recipe passed down through generations or a simple chicken noodle soup that reminds you of being cared for when sick, these associations make soup a heartwarming choice.
- Easy to Prepare: As the days become shorter, people often look for quick and easy meal options. Soup can be a convenient choice, as it often requires minimal preparation and can be made in large batches. Leftovers can be enjoyed over several days, making it a practical and comforting meal during the busy fall season.
- Versatile and Adaptable: Soup can be easily adapted to suit various dietary preferences and restrictions, whether you prefer a hearty meat-based stew or a light, vegetarian broth. This versatility allows everyone to enjoy a bowl of soup tailored to their tastes and nutritional needs.
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INGREDIENTS FOR CREAMY CHICKEN SOUP WITH GNOCCHI
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- Onion: Begin with a finely chopped onion. This will form the aromatic base of your creamy chicken soup, adding both flavor and a slight sweetness.
- Garlic: Mince a few cloves of garlic. It contributes a rich, savory aroma that pairs perfectly with the onion and enhances the overall depth of the soup.
- Carrots: Dice fresh carrots for a touch of natural sweetness and a lovely pop of color, adding both taste and texture.
- Celery: Add chopped celery to bring a crisp, earthy quality that complements the carrots and contributes to the soup’s hearty foundation.
- Dried Thyme: Sprinkle in some dried thyme for a warm, woodsy flavor that pairs beautifully with the other herbs and spices.
- Dried Basil: Include dried basil to introduce a sweet, slightly peppery note that enriches the soup’s aromatic profile.
- Salt and Pepper to Taste: Season your soup with salt and pepper to enhance the ingredients’ flavors, adjusting to suit your preference.
- Chicken Broth: Pour in chicken broth to provide a savory, flavorful liquid base that ties all the ingredients together.
- Cooked Chicken Breast, Shredded: Shredded chicken breasts add a satisfying, protein-rich element that makes the soup hearty and filling.
- Packaged or Store-Bought Potato Gnocchi: Add potato gnocchi for a unique twist. They offer soft, pillowy bites that soak up the delicious broth.
- Baby Spinach Leaves: Stir in fresh baby spinach leaves for a nutritious burst of color and a delicate, fresh flavor.
- Heavy Cream: Pour in heavy cream to create a rich, velvety texture that adds luxurious creaminess to the soup.
- Parmesan Cheese: Finish with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a nutty, salty touch that elevates the soup’s flavor profile to new heights.
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HOW TO MAKE CREAMY CHICKEN SOUP WITH GNOCCHI
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- Heat the Oil: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Vegetables and Seasonings: Stir in the minced garlic, sliced carrots, and celery. Cook for an additional 3 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften. Add the dried thyme, dried basil, salt, and black pepper, stirring to combine.
- Simmer the Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the vegetables to become tender.
- Incorporate Chicken and Gnocchi: Add the shredded chicken into the pot, followed by the potato gnocchi. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the gnocchi are soft and cooked through.
- Finish with Spinach and Cream: Stir in the baby spinach leaves and let them wilt into the soup. Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring gently to create a creamy consistency.
- Add Cheese and Serve: Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into the soup. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
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Creamy Chicken Soup with Gnocchi
This delightful soup combines tender pieces of chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a medley of vegetables simmered in a rich, creamy broth.
Equipment
- Soup Pot
- Laddle
- cutting board
- knife
- Measuring cup
- Measuring spoons
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1 package (16 oz) potato gnocchi, store-bought or homemade
- 2 cups baby spinach leaves
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Heat the Oil: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Vegetables and Seasonings: Stir in the minced garlic, sliced carrots, and celery. Cook for an additional 3 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften. Add the dried thyme, dried basil, salt, and black pepper, stirring to combine.
- Simmer the Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the vegetables to become tender.
- Incorporate Chicken and Gnocchi: Add the shredded chicken into the pot, followed by the potato gnocchi. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the gnocchi are soft and cooked through.
- Finish with Spinach and Cream: Stir in the baby spinach leaves and let them wilt into the soup. Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring gently to create a creamy consistency.
- Add Cheese and Serve: Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into the soup. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
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