If you're searching for a cozy dish that brings the comforting essence of Italian cuisine right to your kitchen, look no further than this Hearty Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup! With its rich flavors and creamy texture, this soup is not just a meal; it’s a warm embrace in a bowl. Perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a quick yet satisfying dinner, this recipe combines tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a medley of vegetables in a luscious broth. Ready in just 40 minutes, you’ll want to bookmark this delightful dish for your next culinary adventure!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound cooked chicken, shredded
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 package (16 oz) gnocchi
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by dicing onions, carrots, and celery, mincing garlic, and shredding cooked chicken. Have all ingredients measured and ready before starting.
- Heat olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add diced onions, carrots, and celery, sautéing for 5-6 minutes until vegetables become soft and slightly translucent.
- Add minced garlic to the vegetable mixture and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning and release aromatic flavors.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Allow vegetables to cook for an additional 5 minutes to develop deeper flavor profiles.
- Stir in shredded chicken and heavy cream, reducing heat to medium-low. Simmer gently for 10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld together.
- Add gnocchi to the soup, cooking for 3-4 minutes or until they float to the surface, indicating they are fully heated through.
- Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting seasoning as needed. Stir thoroughly to distribute flavors evenly.
- Remove from heat and let soup rest for 2-3 minutes to allow slight thickening and temperature stabilization.
- Ladle soup into serving bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot and enjoy immediately.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To make the cooking process smoother, prepare all your ingredients beforehand. Dice the onions, carrots, and celery, and shred the chicken so you can focus on cooking without interruptions.
- Use a Heavy-Bottomed Pot: A heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven helps distribute heat evenly, preventing the soup from scorching and allowing the flavors to develop beautifully.
- Sauté Vegetables Properly: Don’t rush the sautéing process! Allow the onions, carrots, and celery to soften and become slightly translucent, which enhances the overall flavor of the soup.
- Adjust Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter soup, you can reduce the amount of heavy cream or substitute it with half-and-half or whole milk.
- Gnocchi Cooking Tip: Gnocchi is done when it floats to the top of the soup. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t overcook and become mushy.
- Season to Taste: Don’t forget to taste your soup before serving! Adjust the salt and pepper according to your preference to elevate the flavors.
- Garnish for Freshness: A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the flavor profile of the soup.
- Leftover Magic: This soup stores well in the refrigerator for a few days. Just remember that gnocchi may absorb some of the broth, so you may need to add a splash of chicken broth when reheating.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 95mg
