PERFECT CHICKEN GNOCCHI SOUP

Picture a bowl filled with creamy, flavorful broth, tender pieces of chicken, and soft, pillowy gnocchi, all coming together in perfect harmony. That’s exactly what you get with this Chicken Gnocchi Soup, a comforting classic that warms you from the inside out. Get ready to create a restaurant-quality soup right in your own kitchen, and prepare to be amazed at how easy and delicious it is to make!

What You’ll Need: The Ingredients for Amazing Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Let’s gather everything you need to make this incredible Chicken Gnocchi Soup. Don’t worry; most of these ingredients are probably already in your pantry!

Soup Base

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup milk

Chicken and Gnocchi

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
• 1 (16-ounce) package potato gnocchi

Seasoning and Flavor

• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional, but adds a lovely warmth)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Optional Additions

• Spinach or Kale: Adding a handful of fresh spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking adds nutrients and color.
• Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan cheese adds a rich, salty flavor to the soup.
• Red Pepper Flakes: For a touch of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the soup.

Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Instructions

Now for the fun part! Follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a pot of delicious Chicken Gnocchi Soup simmering in no time. I promise, it’s easier than you think!

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes. This step is crucial for building flavor, so don’t rush it!
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!

Step 2: Build the Broth

1. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
2. Add the Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using). Stir well to combine.

Step 3: Add the Chicken and Gnocchi

1. Gently stir in the shredded chicken and gnocchi.
2. Bring the soup back to a simmer and cook until the gnocchi are tender and float to the surface, about 3-5 minutes. Keep an eye on the gnocchi; they cook quickly!

Step 4: Make it Creamy

1. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and milk.
2. Heat gently, being careful not to boil. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

1. Ladle the Chicken Gnocchi Soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.
2. Serve immediately and enjoy! Consider serving with a side of crusty bread for dipping.

Tips and Tricks for the Best Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Want to take your Chicken Gnocchi Soup to the next level? Here are a few of my favorite tips and tricks:

Perfecting the Chicken

• Cooking the Chicken: You can poach, bake, or even use rotisserie chicken to make this soup. Poaching is my preferred method because it keeps the chicken moist and tender. Simply simmer the chicken breasts in chicken broth until cooked through, then shred with two forks.
• Pre-Cooked Chicken: Using pre-cooked chicken is a great time-saver! Rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken works perfectly.

Gnocchi Know-How

• Types of Gnocchi: You can use fresh or shelf-stable gnocchi for this recipe. Fresh gnocchi tend to be more delicate and cook faster.
• Don’t Overcook: Be careful not to overcook the gnocchi, or they will become mushy. They are done when they float to the surface and are tender when pierced with a fork.

Creamy Dreamy Broth

• Heavy Cream vs. Milk: The combination of heavy cream and milk creates a perfectly creamy broth without being too heavy. You can adjust the ratio to your liking. For a richer soup, use more heavy cream. For a lighter soup, use more milk.
• Adding Cheese: A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese adds a salty, savory element to the broth. Stir it in at the end for the best results.

Flavor Boosters

• Spice it Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a subtle kick to your Chicken Gnocchi Soup.
• Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can also enhance the flavor of the soup. Add them along with the Italian seasoning for a more complex flavor profile.

Variations and Substitutions

Feel like experimenting? Here are some ideas for customizing your Chicken Gnocchi Soup:

Vegetarian Option

To make this soup vegetarian, simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers.

Dairy-Free Option

For a dairy-free version, use coconut milk or cashew cream instead of heavy cream and milk. Be sure to choose unsweetened varieties.

Adding Greens

Stir in a handful of fresh spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking for added nutrients and color. Other leafy greens like chard or arugula would also work well.

Spicy Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to give your soup a spicy kick. You could also use spicy Italian sausage instead of chicken for a different flavor profile.

Making Chicken Gnocchi Soup Like Olive Garden

Many people search for the Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe, and for good reason! That soup is so comforting and delicious. While this isn’t an exact clone, it’s definitely inspired by it, capturing that same creamy, flavorful essence. The key is to use good quality ingredients and not skimp on the cream. Think of this as your homemade, even-better version of the Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi. You can also try making Creamy Lasagna Soup for another Olive Garden-inspired dish.

The type of Olive Garden Pasta that makes up the base of their dish, gnocchi, are key! Be sure to pick high quality, potato-based gnocchi.

Serving Suggestions

Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a complete meal on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to make it even more special:

• Crusty Bread: Serve with a side of crusty bread for dipping into the creamy broth.
• Side Salad: A simple green salad or Caesar salad makes a refreshing accompaniment.
• Grilled Cheese: A warm grilled cheese sandwich is the perfect comfort food pairing.

Other Soup Recipes You Might Love

If you’re a soup lover like me, here are a few other recipes you might enjoy:

• Outback Potato Soup: A creamy and comforting potato soup with all the fixings.
• Chicken Tortilla Soup: A flavorful and hearty soup with chicken, tortillas, and all your favorite toppings.
• Chicken Noodle Soup: The ultimate comfort food for a cold day.
• Marry Me Chicken Soup: Looking for something exceptionally creamy and rich? This is the soup for you.

Storing and Reheating

Got leftovers? Here’s how to store and reheat your Chicken Gnocchi Soup:

Storing

Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Reheating

Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave. Be careful not to boil the soup, as this can cause the cream to separate.

So there you have it – a complete guide to making the most delicious Chicken Gnocchi Soup you’ve ever tasted! I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as my family and I do. Happy cooking!