Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Whenever I think of comfort food, Chicken Gnocchi Soup comes to mind. It’s one of those dishes that has the power to bring warmth to a chilly evening, filling your home with enticing aromas that beckon everyone to the kitchen. I remember the first time I made this soup; it was a cold winter night, and I wanted something hearty yet simple. As I gathered my ingredients, I felt a wave of excitement—this was going to be a favorite in our household. The combination of tender chicken, fluffy gnocchi, and vibrant greens creates a symphony of flavors that warms you from the inside out. Now, every time I make Chicken Gnocchi Soup, it feels like a cherished ritual, reminding me of love and comfort.

What You Need for Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Each ingredient in this Chicken Gnocchi Soup plays a vital role in crafting the perfect flavor profile. The base of chicken broth provides rich depth, while sundried tomatoes and Italian seasoning elevate the dish with vibrant notes. Let’s explore these key players and see how they come together to create a comforting bowl of goodness.

• 3 tablespoons all purpose flour or gluten-free flour mix – This helps to thicken the soup, giving it a creamy texture.
• 1/4 cup half and half – Adds creaminess to the broth, contributing to its rich flavor.
• 1 cup cold water, divided – Used to create a slurry for thickening the soup.
• 7 ounces sweet Italian chicken sausage, removed from casings – Provides a savory meatiness that complements the other ingredients.
• Olive oil spray – Used for cooking the sausage without adding too much fat.
• 5 cups reduced sodium chicken broth – The base of the soup, imparting flavor and warmth.
• 1 large shallot, diced – Brings a mild onion flavor, enhancing the overall taste.
• 6 garlic cloves, minced – Adds aromatic depth and a rich flavor.
• 2 teaspoons tomato paste – Introduces a hint of sweetness and acidity, balancing the richness of the soup.
• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast – The main protein source, shredded for texture.
• 1 parmesan cheese rind – Adds a depth of flavor, making the broth even richer.
• 1/3 cup sundried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped – Enhances the soup with a burst of tangy sweetness.
• 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning – A blend of herbs that brings an Italian flair to the soup.
• 16 ounces package gnocchi or gluten-free gnocchi – The comforting dumplings that make this soup hearty.
• 4 cups fresh baby spinach leaves, rough chopped – Adds a pop of color and nutrition.
• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated – For garnish, adding a salty finish.
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, optional for garnish – A fresh herb that brightens the dish.

How to Prepare Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Making Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a delightful experience filled with layers of flavor. Follow along as I guide you through each step to create a comforting bowl of soup that you and your family will love.

1. Start by creating a slurry. In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup of the cold water, half and half, and flour. Whisk until well blended and set this aside. This step is crucial for achieving a nice thick texture in your soup.
2. Next, heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Spray the bottom with olive oil to prevent sticking. Once the pot is hot, add the chicken sausage that you’ve removed from its casing. Cook it, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it browns until it’s no longer pink. This usually takes around five to seven minutes.
3. After the sausage is nicely browned, add the diced shallots and minced garlic to the pot. Cook them for about three minutes, until they soften and release their wonderful aromas. This is where the magic begins!
4. Stir in the tomato paste and place the boneless skinless chicken breast into the pot. Allow it to cook for a minute, mixing everything together to blend the flavors.
5. Pour in the remaining 1/2 cup of cold water along with the chicken broth, parmesan rind, and sundried tomatoes. Add the Italian seasoning and bring the mixture to a boil. The bubbling sounds will make your kitchen feel inviting!
6. Once it reaches a boil, partially cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for about twenty-five minutes, or until the vegetables are soft and the chicken can be easily shredded with two forks. This is a great time to enjoy the aroma wafting through your home.
7. Carefully remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. This step ensures that every spoonful of soup is packed with delicious chicken.
8. Return the shredded chicken back into the pot. Slowly stir in the slurry you made earlier, mixing well as you add it in. Bring the soup back to a gentle boil. This will thicken the soup beautifully.
9. Add the gnocchi and the chopped spinach to the pot. Cook according to the package directions for the gnocchi, which usually takes about two to three minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the gnocchi starts to float to the top.
10. Finally, stir in the grated parmesan cheese and fresh basil. Adjust the salt and pepper to taste, then discard the parmesan rind before serving. Ladle your Chicken Gnocchi Soup into bowls and enjoy!

Change It Up

There are countless ways to put your spin on Chicken Gnocchi Soup. Here are some tips that can help you customize it to your liking:

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on the stove for the best texture.
• Freezing: You can freeze this soup! Just let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer bags or containers. It keeps well for about three months.
• Pairing: This soup pairs wonderfully with a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
• Spice it Up: If you like a little heat, add in some red pepper flakes while cooking.
• Cheese Lovers: Consider adding more cheese like mozzarella for a gooey texture.
• Fresh Herbs: Experiment with different herbs, such as thyme or oregano, to create unique flavors.

What Complements This Chicken Gnocchi Soup

When serving Chicken Gnocchi Soup, think about what will enhance the experience. Here are some delightful ideas:

• Crispy Bread: Serve the soup with toasted garlic bread for a satisfying crunch.
• Salads: A simple mixed greens salad with a vinaigrette pairs beautifully, cutting through the richness.
• Occasions: This soup is perfect for cozy family dinners, casual gatherings, or even as a comforting meal after a long day at work.
• Seasonal Pairing: Enjoy it during the winter months when heartiness is key to warding off the chill.
• Leftovers: If you have leftovers, consider transforming them into a delicious pasta dish the next day!
• Garnish Ideas: Top each bowl with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or additional cheese for that extra touch.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Chicken Gnocchi Soup is special because it brings together rich flavors and comforting textures in every bowl. It’s not just a meal; it’s a cozy experience that warms the heart and soul. I encourage you to try making this soup at home—it’s easier than you think and incredibly rewarding. Your family will be asking for seconds!

Chicken Gnocchi Soup

The ultimate comfort food, Chicken Gnocchi Soup is creamy, hearty, and packed with flavor. This easy weeknight dinner features tender chicken, fluffy gnocchi, and fresh spinach, perfect for warming up the coldest evenings. Make it tonight for a home-cooked meal that will satisfy everyone!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Soups

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 3 tablespoons all purpose flour
• 1/4 cup half and half
• 1 cup cold water divided
• 7 ounces sweet Italian chicken sausage removed from casings
• Olive oil spray
• 5 cups reduced sodium chicken broth
• 1 large shallot diced
• 6 garlic cloves minced
• 2 teaspoons tomato paste
• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast
• 1 parmesan cheese rind
• 1/3 cup sundried tomatoes in oil drained and chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 16 ounces gnocchi or gluten-free gnocchi
• 4 cups fresh baby spinach leaves rough chopped
• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese grated
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil optional for garnish

Equipment

• Dutch Oven
• Large Pot

Method

 

1. Start by creating a slurry. In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup of the cold water, half and half, and flour. Whisk until well blended and set this aside. This step is crucial for achieving a nice thick texture in your soup.
2. Next, heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Spray the bottom with olive oil to prevent sticking. Once the pot is hot, add the chicken sausage that you’ve removed from its casing. Cook it, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it browns until it's no longer pink. This usually takes around five to seven minutes.
3. After the sausage is nicely browned, add the diced shallots and minced garlic to the pot. Cook them for about three minutes, until they soften and release their wonderful aromas. This is where the magic begins!
4. Stir in the tomato paste and place the boneless skinless chicken breast into the pot. Allow it to cook for a minute, mixing everything together to blend the flavors.
5. Pour in the remaining 1/2 cup of cold water along with the chicken broth, parmesan rind, and sundried tomatoes. Add the Italian seasoning and bring the mixture to a boil. The bubbling sounds will make your kitchen feel inviting!
6. Once it reaches a boil, partially cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for about twenty-five minutes, or until the vegetables are soft and the chicken can be easily shredded with two forks. This is a great time to enjoy the aroma wafting through your home.
7. Carefully remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. This step ensures that every spoonful of soup is packed with delicious chicken.
8. Return the shredded chicken back into the pot. Slowly stir in the slurry you made earlier, mixing well as you add it in. Bring the soup back to a gentle boil. This will thicken the soup beautifully.
9. Add the gnocchi and the chopped spinach to the pot. Cook according to the package directions for the gnocchi, which usually takes about two to three minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the gnocchi starts to float to the top.
10. Finally, stir in the grated parmesan cheese and fresh basil. Adjust the salt and pepper to taste, then discard the parmesan rind before serving. Ladle your Chicken Gnocchi Soup into bowls and enjoy!

Notes

• Sausage: Substitute chicken sausage with turkey.
• Parmesan Rind: If you don’t have a parmesan rind, it’s fine to skip it. However, it adds depth you can’t get from grated parmesan. One tip for always having rinds on hand is to store them in a zip-locked bag in the freezer the next time you cut one off a block of parmesan.
• Shallot: Swap the shallot with red onion.
• Italian Seasoning: If you don’t have Italian seasoning, substitute dried basil and oregano.

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Meet Georgia Clark

I’m the one who obsesses over the details so you don't have to. I love the science of cooking and perfecting comfort classics. I’ve tested this recipe multiple times to guarantee it comes out foolproof and delicious every single time you make it.