Chicken and Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Introduction

Welcome to this delicious chicken and gnocchi soup recipe! This hearty and comforting soup is perfect for cold winter nights or anytime you’re in the mood for a warm and satisfying meal. Packed with tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and flavorful vegetables, this soup is sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

For the Soup:

– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded

– 1 tablespoon olive oil

– 1 medium onion, diced

– 2 cloves garlic, minced

– 2 carrots, diced

– 2 celery stalks, diced

– 6 cups chicken broth

– 1 cup heavy cream

– 1 teaspoon dried thyme

– Salt and pepper to taste

– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For the Gnocchi:

– 2 cups all-purpose flour

– 2 large eggs

– 1 pound russet potatoes, cooked and mashed

– Salt to taste

Steps

Step 1: Prepare the Gnocchi

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the eggs.

2. Mix the eggs into the flour until a dough forms. Add the mashed potatoes and continue mixing until well combined.

3. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it gently until smooth. Divide the dough into smaller portions.

4. Roll each portion into a long rope, about 1/2 inch in diameter. Cut the rope into small pieces, about 1-inch long.

5. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook until they float to the surface, about 2-3 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Soup

1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté until fragrant.

2. Add the diced carrots and celery, and cook until they start to soften, about 5 minutes.

3. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes.

4. Stir in the shredded chicken, cooked gnocchi, heavy cream, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer for another 5 minutes, until heated through.

5. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Variations

This chicken and gnocchi soup recipe is quite versatile and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Here are a few variations you can try:

– Add some chopped spinach or kale for extra color and nutrients.

– Substitute the chicken with cooked turkey or leftover rotisserie chicken.

– For a creamier soup, add some grated Parmesan cheese before serving.

Tips

Here are some helpful tips to ensure your chicken and gnocchi soup turns out perfectly:

– Use homemade chicken broth for the best flavor, but store-bought will work too.

– If you don’t have gnocchi, you can use small pasta shapes like orzo or ditalini instead.

– Don’t overcook the gnocchi, as they can become mushy. Follow the cooking instructions and remove them from the water as soon as they float.

– Feel free to add other vegetables like peas or corn to the soup for added texture and flavor.

Conclusion

Now that you have this delicious chicken and gnocchi soup recipe, you can enjoy a warm and comforting meal anytime you want. With its tender chicken, fluffy gnocchi, and flavorful broth, this soup is sure to please your taste buds. Get ready to cozy up with a bowl of this hearty soup and let it warm you from the inside out.

FAQs

Q: Can I freeze the chicken and gnocchi soup?

A: Yes, you can freeze the soup. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to airtight containers or freezer bags. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and warm it up on the stove.

Q: Can I use store-bought gnocchi?

A: Absolutely! If you don’t have the time or energy to make homemade gnocchi, store-bought gnocchi works just as well. Just follow the cooking instructions on the package and add them to the soup as directed.