Description
A rich and hearty Italian-American chicken gnocchi soup featuring tender shredded chicken, soft potato gnocchi, fresh vegetables, and a creamy, flavorful broth. This comforting soup is perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or family gatherings.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works great)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp dried thyme (or 2 tsp fresh thyme)
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 package (16 oz / 450 g) potato gnocchi
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter option)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for richness)
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add diced onion, minced garlic, diced carrots, and diced celery. Sauté until the vegetables are softened and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Chicken and Broth: Stir in the shredded cooked chicken, chicken broth, dried thyme, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
- Cook Gnocchi: Add the potato gnocchi to the simmering soup and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the gnocchi float to the surface, indicating they are cooked through.
- Add Spinach: Stir in the fresh spinach leaves and cook until wilted, about 1-2 minutes.
- Finish with Cream and Cheese: Pour in the heavy cream (or half-and-half) and add the grated Parmesan cheese if using. Heat gently, stirring frequently, making sure not to bring the soup to a boil to prevent curdling.
- Season and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot and enjoy your comforting chicken gnocchi soup.
Notes
- For a thicker soup, mash a few cooked gnocchi into the broth to release starch and create more body.
- Make it dairy-free by substituting coconut milk for cream and omitting Parmesan cheese.
- You can swap spinach for kale for a heartier, more robust green addition.
- Leftovers reheat well on the stovetop; add extra broth if the soup thickens too much.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup, Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American