Description
This comforting Chicken Gnocchi Soup features tender shredded chicken, pillowy potato gnocchi, and fresh spinach in a creamy, flavorful broth. Perfect for a cozy meal, it’s rich yet easy to prepare on the stovetop.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Soup Thickener and Liquids
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup half-and-half or heavy cream
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked shredded chicken
- 1 pound potato gnocchi
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
Optional Garnish
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté vegetables: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, diced carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5 to 6 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant. Stir in dried thyme, salt, and black pepper to season.
- Add flour and create roux: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour evenly over the sautéed vegetables and stir well to coat them. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste and develop a light roux.
- Incorporate broth: Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, ensuring there are no lumps and the flour is fully dissolved. This creates the base for the creamy soup.
- Simmer soup base: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until the soup thickens slightly, stirring occasionally to avoid sticking.
- Add dairy, chicken, and gnocchi: Stir in the half-and-half or heavy cream, cooked shredded chicken, and potato gnocchi. Continue to simmer for an additional 4 to 5 minutes, or until the gnocchi float to the surface and become tender.
- Finish with spinach and seasoning: Add the fresh baby spinach and stir until wilted. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if desired.
- Serve and garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with grated Parmesan cheese if using. Serve warm for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time and add flavor.
- For a lighter version, substitute milk for cream and reduce the butter amount.
- Add mushrooms to deepen flavor and texture.
- Swap spinach for kale for a different leafy green twist.
