Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup That Will Warm Your Heart

So, let me tell you about this Chicken Gnocchi Soup… it’s one of those dishes that—not to be dramatic or anything—just wraps you in a cozy blanket of flavor. Imagine tender chicken swimming in a creamy, dreamy broth, with soft, pillowy gnocchi floating around like little clouds. It’s perfect for those chilly nights when you want something that warms you from the inside out. All those lovely veggies peeking through? They make it feel wholesome, too… you know, like a hug in a bowl.

Why You’ll Crave It

• This soup is rich and creamy, but not in a heavy way—just delightful.
• It’s so comforting, and, honestly, it feels like home on a spoon.
• You can whip it up in about 45 minutes, which is awesome for busy evenings.
• Leftovers? Even better the next day; the flavors just meld together!
• Total crowd-pleaser—kids and adults alike gobble it right up.

The first time I made this, my family couldn’t believe how quickly it disappeared!

What You’ll Need

• Chicken breast: 1 pound, cooked and shredded, or use rotisserie if you’re in a pinch
• Gnocchi: 1 package (about 16 ounces), any brand you love will do
• Olive oil: 2 tablespoons, for that lovely sautéing magic
• Carrots: 2 medium, diced, adding some nice sweetness
• Celery: 2 stalks, diced, for crunch and flavor
• Onion: 1 medium, diced—you know the usual suspects
• Garlic: 3 cloves, minced, because garlic makes everything better
• Chicken broth: 4 cups, your favorite brand or homemade if you’re feeling ambitious
• Heavy cream: 1 cup, rich and luscious
• Spinach: 2 cups, fresh if you can, it adds a nice pop of color
• Italian seasoning: 1 teaspoon, because why not?
• Salt and pepper: to taste, of course

Easy How-To

Cooking the Chicken

Okay, first things first… heat up some olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Toss in those chicken breasts—season with salt and pepper, just a sprinkle. Let them sizzle until browned, which takes about 5-7 minutes on each side. Once they look golden and delicious, take them out, shred them up, and set aside. Super easy, right?

Sautéing the Veggies

Now in the same pot—don’t you dare wash it yet, we want all that flavor!—add in your diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes, stirring them around until the onion’s nice and translucent. Oh, you can smell that already; it’s like magic.

Flavor Town, Here We Come

Add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning… and maybe a little extra nudge, if you like. Cook that for about a minute until it smells totally amazing. Seriously, people will start coming to your kitchen just to see what’s cooking!

Bringing it Together

Pour in your chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Don’t forget to scrape up the bottom of the pot… you want all those little crispy bits. They make the soup sing.

Meet the Gnocchi

Alright, once it’s bubbling away, toss in the gnocchi—you’ll want to run them through a quick swim. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 3-5 minutes, just until those little guys float to the surface. It’s like a party in the pot!

Creamy Goodness

Shred your chicken back in there, swirl in that heavy cream, and let it gently simmer for a few minutes more. It’s just about done! Melt in your mouth creamy goodness is just around the corner.

Final Touches

Now, taste it! Add more salt or pepper as you see fit… maybe a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for some zing. Bam! You’ve created something magical!

Good to Know

• Feel free to use rotisserie chicken for a quicker option—works like a charm!
• Fresh gnocchi cooks faster than dried, so keep an eye on it to get that perfect doughy bite.
• If you want to lighten things up, half and half can be a great substitute for heavy cream.

Serving Ideas

• Serve it piping hot in big bowls with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or some crusty bread on the side for dipping.

Top Tricks

• If you’re feeling fancy, add a little Parmesan cheese on top before serving; it elevates it even more!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use store-bought gnocchi instead of making it from scratch?

Absolutely! Store-bought gnocchi is a lifesaver and just as delicious, perfect on busy nights when you want something tasty!

What can I substitute for chicken if I am vegetarian?

You can use vegetable broth and throw in your favorite veggies, or even tofu for that protein kick—super versatile!

Can I freeze the soup?

Yes! Just make sure it’s in an airtight container. It can hang out in your freezer for about 3 months; reheat it gently when you’re ready to dig in.

How long does it take to cook the chicken?

Poaching the chicken usually takes around 15-20 minutes—just keep an eye on it until it’s cooked through.

What can I add for extra flavor?

A splash of lemon juice or maybe some red pepper flakes can change the game—giving it a little extra kick!

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And there you have it! This Chicken Gnocchi Soup is not just a recipe, it’s a cherished family favorite that brings a little warmth and comfort to any table. Perfect for those nights when you want something cozy, and honestly, it’ll impress anyone who gets to share a bowl with you. Enjoy!