Imagine a soup so rich, so comforting, that it feels like a warm hug on a chilly day - that's exactly what this Hearty Chicken Gnocchi Soup delivers! Packed with tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a medley of vibrant vegetables, this Italian-inspired recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary culinary experience that will have your family begging for seconds. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or simply craving a soul-warming meal, this soup is about to become your new go-to comfort food.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 package gnocchi
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 cup spinach
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté diced onions until translucent and softened, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning and release aromatic flavors.
- Incorporate diced carrots and celery into the pot, cooking for 5 minutes until vegetables begin to soften and develop a slight tenderness.
- Pour chicken broth into the pot, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer and allowing vegetables to cook for an additional 7-8 minutes.
- Add shredded cooked chicken to the broth, stirring to distribute evenly throughout the soup.
- Gently add gnocchi to the simmering soup, cooking for 3-4 minutes until they float to the surface and become tender.
- Stir in fresh spinach and allow it to wilt into the soup, which will take approximately 1-2 minutes.
- Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting seasoning as needed.
- Remove from heat and let the soup rest for 2-3 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld together.
- Ladle into warm bowls and serve immediately, optionally garnishing with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips
- For maximum flavor, use homemade or high-quality rotisserie chicken instead of plain boiled chicken.
- To prevent gnocchi from becoming mushy, add them towards the end of cooking and avoid overcooking.
- Fresh spinach is key - add it at the very last moment to maintain its bright green color and nutritional value.
- If you want a creamier soup, consider stirring in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half just before serving.
- For extra depth of flavor, try sautéing your vegetables in butter instead of olive oil.
- Prep all ingredients before starting to cook, ensuring a smooth and stress-free cooking process.
- Feel free to customize the soup with additional herbs like thyme or rosemary for added complexity.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 55mg
