When you’re feeling cold or just tired from a long day, a warm bowl of Chicken Gnocchi Soup can fix just about anything. It’s this creamy mix of soft gnocchi, juicy chicken bits, and veggies that all soak up a tasty broth. Even though it started in Italy, now families all over the world love it. Every spoonful brings together chewy dumplings and savory chicken, which makes it perfect any time you need a little comfort.
Nowadays, we’re always in a rush, and comfort food like Chicken Gnocchi Soup has blown up in popularity. It reminds you of home dinners or family get-togethers—kind of like a tasty trip down memory lane. Plus, when life gets crazy, dishes like this help you chill out and feel cozy. Rich flavours and a hearty feel make it a top pick when you just want something you know will hit the spot.
In this article we’ll dive into everything about Chicken Gnocchi Soup—from what goes in it to why it’s good for you, and even a step-by-step recipe. Whether you’ve cooked tons of meals or you’re new to the kitchen, you’ll walk away feeling ready to make your own batch. By the end, you’ll see why this soup is such a classic and maybe add your own twist to the recipe.
What is Chicken Gnocchi Soup?
Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a filling, creamy soup full of gnocchi, little potato dumplings that melt in your mouth, and shredded or diced chicken. Those soft gnocchi bits give it a unique chewiness that folks really like. You can get different kinds too—classic potato gnocchi, ricotta gnocchi, even whole wheat or gluten-free so anyones happy.
This soup started in Italy where they often serve gnocchi with thick sauces or broths. Over time it changed into this cozy mix with chicken, veggies, and a creamy broth. You can taste the Italian vibes in the herbs and spices they throw in.
A typical Chicken Gnocchi Soup includes ingredients such as:
- Cooked chicken, usually shredded or diced
- Fresh or frozen gnocchi
- Veggies like carrots, celery, and spinach
- A creamy base made from chicken broth with heavy cream or milk
- Seasonings such as thyme, garlic, and parsley
There are tons of ways to make it, but every version still brings that warm, comforting feeling we all love.
The Benefits of Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Besides tasting awesome, Chicken Gnocchi Soup packs some good nutrition. You get protein from the chicken and carbs from the gnocchi, so it fills you up and gives you energy. Chicken is lean protein, which helps repair muscles, and potatoes in gnocchi fuel your body.
Then you add veggies, which bring in vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Spinach is loaded with iron and vitamin A and C. Carrots give you beta-carotene for your eyes, and celery helps keep you hydrated. Eating those veggies can support your health in a bunch of ways.
On top of that, it’s comfort food to the max. When you eat it, you might feel happy and remember family dinners or holidays. On a cold day or after a rough week, this soup warms you up inside and out.
The Benefits of Chicken Gnocchi Soup
It’s crazy how a simple bowl of soup can make you feel so much better. The blend of creamy broth, soft dumplings, and chicken bites not only tastes great but also gives your body what it needs. You can even sneak in more veggies if you want extra vitamins.
Key Ingredients
Knowing the main parts of Chicken Gnocchi Soup helps you tweak it just how you like it. Each ingredient adds flavor and nutrition.
Fresh Chicken
The chicken is key. You can grab a rotisserie chicken to save time, use skinless chicken breasts for a leaner choice, or go for thigh meat if you want more flavor. Rotisserie is fast, but fresh chicken lets you season it just right.
Gnocchi: Store-Bought vs. Homemade
You can buy gnocchi ready-made or roll your own at home. Store-bought is quick and comes in different types. Homemade is fun and you control the taste. To make your own, mix:
- 2 cups mashed potatoes
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (add more if needed)
- 1 beaten egg
- Salt to taste
Then knead into a dough, roll into ropes, cut into pieces, and boil until they float.
Vegetables
Common veggies are spinach, carrots, and celery. They each bring something good:
- Spinach: Packed with iron and vitamins A and C, plus antioxidants.
- Carrots: Full of beta-carotene, great for your eyes.
- Celery: Keeps things crunchy, hydrating, and low in calories.
Chicken Broth vs. Stock
Broth or stock? Broth is lighter, made from meat and veggies, while stock comes from bones and is richer. For a creamy soup, use low-sodium chicken broth and stir in heavy cream or milk.
Herbs and Seasonings
Don’t skip thyme, garlic, and parsley—they bring out the Italian flavor. A sprinkle of Parmesan on top adds extra creaminess and a classic touch.
Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Equipment
- 1 Large pot or Dutch oven
- 1 Wooden spoon
- 1 Ladle
- 1 Sharp knife
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 set Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream Can substitute half-and-half for a healthier version.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- to taste N/A salt and pepper
- 1 pound potato gnocchi
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- to taste N/A grated Parmesan cheese For serving.
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 4 minutes.
- Stir in the garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook for another 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- Add the chicken breast to the pot. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
- Stir in the heavy cream, dried thyme, dried oregano, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the potato gnocchi to the soup and cook for 2-3 minutes, until the gnocchi float to the surface.
- Stir in the fresh spinach and cook for an additional minute until wilted.
- Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
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