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Chicken And Gnocchi Soup
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This is no light, boring appetizer soup. Tender chicken, rich gnocchi, and an array of veggies make this a seriously hearty bowl of soup.
serves/makes:
ready in:
under 30 minutes
under 30 minutes
3 reviews
ingredients
1 pound potato gnocchi
4 tablespoons butter
1 cup finely diced onion
1/2 cup finely diced celery
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 tablespoons flour
1 quart half and half
1 cup finely grated carrots
1 cup chopped, cooked chicken breasts
1 can (14 ounce size) chicken broth
1 cup chopped fresh spinach
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
freshly grated Parmesan cheese, optional
directions
Cook the gnocchi as directed on the package. Drain and set aside.
Meanwhile, heat the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion, celery, and garlic. Cook, stirring frequently, until the onion is soft.
Stir the flour into the vegetable mixture. Cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute. While stirring, slowly add the half and half.
Add the shredded carrots and chicken to the saucepan. Cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes or until the liquid begins to thicken. While stirring, add the chicken broth. Cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes.
Add the cooked gnocchi, spinach, thyme, and parsley. Let simmer for 2-3 minutes or until the soup is heated through. Serve immediately, topped with some freshly grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
recipe tips
For a thicker soup, you can puree a portion of the vegetables before adding the adding the carrots and chicken.
Top the soup with a dollop of pesto for extra flavor.
Try different vegetables like peas, corn, or broccoli for added variety.
common recipe questions
What is gnocchi?
Gnocchi are small, soft dumplings made from potatoes, flour, and sometimes eggs.
Do I use fresh or frozen gnocchi?
You can use either, just cook it according to package directions. Frozen will take longer than fresh, but both work just fine in this recipe. You can also use homemade gnocchi, if desired.
What can I substitute for chicken breast in the soup?
You can substitute the chicken with dark meat chicken such as thigh meat, turkey, ham, or even tofu.
Can I use whole milk instead of half and half?
Using whole milk instead of half and half will result in a lighter soup. If you want a thicker consistency using milk, add more flour to the sauce.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
You can use fresh thyme and parsley instead of dried. Use three times the amount of dried, so for this recipe you'll use 1 1/2 teaspoons of fresh minced thyme and 1 1/2 teaspoons of fresh minced parsley.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
You can prepare the soup ahead of time and reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving. You may want to slightly undercook the gnocchi so it doesn't get mushy.
Is this soup freezer-friendly?
While the soup can be frozen, the gnocchi may become mushy upon thawing, so it's best to freeze the soup without the gnocchi and add freshly cooked gnocchi when reheating.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
tools needed
Measuring Cups and Spoons: For measuring the various ingredients such as onion, celery, flour, and thyme.
Large Saucepan: To cook the vegetables and create the creamy base of the soup. Make sure it is large enough to hold all the ingredients without overflowing.
Stirring Spoon: For stirring the vegetable mixture and the liquid ingredients while cooking to prevent sticking.
Cutting Board and Knife: The vegetables need to be finely diced and minced, so a cutting board and a sharp knife are necessary for this task.
Can Opener: To open the can of chicken broth if it is not the pull-tab kind.
what goes with it?
Fluffy Dinner Rolls: these warm, buttery rolls will soak up every last drop of that creamy soup, leaving you with a clean bowl and a satisfied belly.
Savory Herb Focaccia Bread: the herby, olive oil-infused bread will elevate your soup game to a whole new level.
Cheese and Charcuterie Board: pick your favorite cheeses and meats to nibble on in between sips of soup. It's like a fancy, adult Lunchable that pairs perfectly with the heartiness of the soup.
Garlic Breadsticks: because let's be honest, who doesn't love dunking buttery garlic bread into a creamy soup?
Garden Salad: a light and refreshing salad with a tangy vinaigrette would provide a nice contrast to the richness of the soup.
Crispy Bacon: crumble some crispy bacon on top of the soup for an extra crunch and a burst of smoky flavor.
beverage pairings
Wine Pairings
Chardonnay: The buttery notes in a Chardonnay will complement the richness of the soup, while the acidity will cut through the creaminess. Look for one with a touch of oak for extra depth.
Pinot Grigio: If you prefer a lighter white wine, a Pinot Grigio with its crisp, citrus notes can provide a refreshing contrast to the hearty soup.
Merlot: The fruit-forward nature of a Merlot, with hints of plum and cherry, can stand up to the flavors in the soup. Its smooth finish can help balance the richness of the dish.
Other Alcohol Pairings
Amber Ale: The malty sweetness of an Amber Ale pairs well with the creamy textures of the soup, while the slight bitterness can help cut through the richness. Look for one with caramel notes.
Old Fashioned: The classic flavors of bourbon in an Old Fashioned can complement the savory elements of the soup. The slight sweetness and hint of orange peel can add a touch of sophistication to your meal.
Moscow Mule: The effervescence and bite of ginger beer in a Moscow Mule can provide a nice contrast to the creamy soup. The citrus and herbal notes from the lime and mint can brighten up the flavors.
Non-Alcoholic Pairings
Ginger Ale: The ginger kick in a cold glass of ginger ale can provide a refreshing accompaniment to the soup.
Hot Chocolate: A rich cup of hot chocolate can be a cozy pairing with the soup. The chocolate flavors can complement the rich textures in the dish.
nutrition data
Nutritional data has not been calculated yet.
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reviews & comments
August 10, 2012
I doubled this recipe,so I'm not sure if that is why it got really thick so I had to add more chicken broth to it. I really enjoyed this soup.
March 19, 2012
made this soup for dinner, added about 3 oz of marscapone cheese and a little salt and pepper. yummy!
October 4, 2011
best gnocchi soup ever better than any restaurants that I have had WOW