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.
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.
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!
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
