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- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 small onion - 3 cloves garlic - 3 medium carrots - 2 celery stalks - 6 cups chicken broth - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon dried basil - Salt and pepper - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 pound gnocchi - 2 cups fresh spinach - Grated Parmesan cheese Choosing the right chicken Pick fresh, high-quality chicken breasts. Look for meat that is pink and firm. Frozen chicken works too, but fresh gives the best flavor. Best types of broth for flavor Use low-sodium chicken broth. This choice allows you to control the salt level. Homemade broth adds the best taste, but store-bought works well too. Substitutions for heavy cream If you want a lighter soup, use milk or a mix of milk and Greek yogurt. Coconut milk can add a nice twist if you want a dairy-free option. Cooking the chicken First, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 pound of diced chicken breasts. Cook the chicken until it turns brown, about 5 to 7 minutes. Once done, take the chicken out and set it aside. This step builds a great base for your soup. Sautéing vegetables In the same pot, add 1 small diced onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, 3 diced carrots, and 2 diced celery stalks. Sauté these for about 5 minutes. You want the veggies to soften nicely. This adds depth to the flavor of your soup. Adding broth and seasonings Next, pour in 6 cups of chicken broth. Stir well to blend the flavors. Then, add 1 teaspoon of dried thyme and 1 teaspoon of dried basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. This process infuses the broth with rich flavors. Cooking the gnocchi Once it reaches a boil, add 1 pound of gnocchi to the pot. Cook according to the package directions, usually about 2 to 3 minutes. The gnocchi should float to the top when done. This means they are ready to absorb all the delicious broth. Combining all ingredients Return the cooked chicken to the pot. Lower the heat to keep it warm. Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and let the soup simmer for 5 more minutes. This gives it that creamy texture we all love. Incorporating spinach Just before serving, stir in 2 cups of fresh spinach. Let it wilt into the soup. This adds a lovely color and freshness to your dish. Adjusting seasonings Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings if needed. This final touch ensures your soup is just right for your palate. Serving suggestions Serve the soup hot in bowls, topped with grated Parmesan cheese. It pairs well with crusty bread or a light salad. Enjoy this cozy comfort food! *Preventing the chicken from drying out:* To keep the chicken juicy, cook it just until it turns brown. Remove it from the pot before adding other ingredients. This helps lock in moisture. The chicken will cook more when you return it to the soup. *Achieving the perfect soup consistency:* For a creamy texture, add the heavy cream after cooking the gnocchi. This keeps the cream from breaking apart. Stir it in gently and allow the soup to simmer a bit. This helps blend the flavors well. *Adding herbs and spices:* Dried thyme and basil work great in this soup. They add a warm, earthy flavor. You can also try adding a pinch of nutmeg or a dash of cayenne for a kick. Fresh herbs like parsley or chives can brighten the dish when served. *Recommended garnishes:* Grated Parmesan cheese is a must. It adds richness and depth. A sprinkle of fresh herbs on top makes it look nice. You could also add a drizzle of olive oil for extra flavor. *Overcooking gnocchi:* Gnocchi cooks fast, usually in just 2-3 minutes. If you leave it in too long, it can become mushy. Keep an eye on it and taste to check doneness. *Ingredient ratios:* Too much broth can make the soup too watery. Stick to the recipe for the best balance. If you want it richer, add more cream but adjust the broth to keep it from being too thin. {{image_2}} If you want to make this soup fit your needs, consider these options: - Gluten-free gnocchi options: Look for gnocchi made with potato or rice flour. Many brands offer gluten-free versions that taste just as good. This way, you can enjoy the soup without worry. - Dairy-free alternatives: Swap heavy cream for coconut milk or a dairy-free cream. This change keeps the soup creamy while making it safe for those avoiding dairy. You can add fun twists to this soup’s flavor: - Adding mushrooms or bell peppers: Sauté sliced mushrooms or diced bell peppers with the onions and garlic. These veggies add depth and a nice texture. - Using different proteins: Feel free to switch the chicken for turkey or even shrimp. Each protein brings its unique taste, keeping the soup exciting. Pairing your soup with the right sides makes it even better: - Pairing with bread or salad: Serve the soup with crusty bread or a fresh salad. This adds a nice crunch and balances the creamy soup. - Storage and reheating options: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, gently warm it on the stove to avoid overcooking the gnocchi. Enjoy the flavors again! You can keep Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup in the fridge for up to three days. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. Glass containers or BPA-free plastic ones work best. They seal well and prevent spills. Always let the soup cool down before placing it in the fridge. This helps it stay safe and tasty. To freeze the soup, let it cool completely first. Then, pour it into freezer-safe containers. Leave some space at the top, as the soup will expand when frozen. You can also use freezer bags for easy storage. When you want to enjoy it later, thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat, pour the soup into a pot and warm it over low heat. Stir it often to prevent sticking. If it seems thick, add a little water or broth to loosen it up. Enjoy the warmth and comfort of this soup any time! Can I use frozen gnocchi? Yes, you can use frozen gnocchi. Just add it directly to the soup without thawing. It will cook as the soup simmers. How can I make this soup spicy? To spice up the soup, add red pepper flakes while cooking. You can also mix in diced jalapeños for extra heat. What if I don’t have chicken broth on hand? If you lack chicken broth, use vegetable broth instead. It will still give the soup great flavor. How do I make it thicker? To thicken the soup, mix in a cornstarch slurry. Combine equal parts water and cornstarch, then stir it in while simmering. Can I make it a day ahead? Yes, you can make this soup a day ahead. Store it in the fridge, and the flavors will deepen overnight. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers? Reheat leftovers on the stove over low heat. Stir gently and avoid boiling to keep the cream from separating. This blog post outlined a hearty chicken soup recipe. You learned about the main ingredients and preparation steps. I provided tips for cooking, flavor enhancements, and variations. Remember to avoid common mistakes like overcooking gnocchi. Incorporating fresh ingredients and following the steps can yield a comforting dish. Use this guide to experiment and make the soup your own. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!

Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Warm up with this delightful creamy chicken gnocchi soup that’s simple to make and bursting with flavor! Packed with tender chicken, fresh veggies, and soft gnocchi, this comforting recipe is ready in just 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings, it’s a bowl of happiness topped with Parmesan cheese that everyone will love. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your soup game today!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 small onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

3 medium carrots, diced

2 celery stalks, diced

6 cups chicken broth

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon dried basil

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup heavy cream

1 pound gnocchi

2 cups fresh spinach

Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions
 

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.

    In the same pot, add the diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened.

      Pour in the chicken broth, stirring to combine. Add the dried thyme, dried basil, and season with salt and pepper. Bring to a gentle boil.

        Once boiling, add the gnocchi to the pot and cook according to package instructions (usually about 2-3 minutes).

          Return the cooked chicken to the pot. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 5 minutes until heated through.

            Just before serving, stir in the fresh spinach and let it wilt in the soup. Adjust seasoning as needed.

              Serve hot in bowls, topped with grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy!

                Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 6