Description
Chicken and Gnocchi Soup is a comforting and hearty dish featuring a creamy broth, tender chicken breast pieces, and soft, pillowy potato gnocchi. Enhanced with classic soup vegetables, fresh herbs, and a touch of cream, this soup delivers soulful flavors perfect for any season or occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Base
- 1 lb boneless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 package (about 16 oz) potato gnocchi (preferably fresh or refrigerated)
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
Herbs and Seasonings
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Fats for Sautéing
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Aromatics: Heat butter and olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté the finely chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the pot and sauté until lightly browned on all sides, ensuring the chicken is sealed and juicy.
- Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth, add fresh thyme, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 15 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and chicken to cook thoroughly.
- Add Gnocchi and Cream: Stir in the potato gnocchi and heavy cream. Continue to simmer for 3-5 minutes until the gnocchi are tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Finish with Fresh Herbs: Remove the pot from heat, add chopped parsley, and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot.
Notes
- Use fresh or refrigerated gnocchi for the best texture; avoid frozen gnocchi when possible.
- Add gnocchi towards the end of cooking to keep their soft, pillowy consistency.
- Bone-in chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for richer flavor; remove bones before serving.
- Sauté aromatics slowly to develop a deeper flavor base.
- Season the soup gradually, tasting at multiple stages to maintain balanced seasoning.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soups & Stews
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: chicken soup, gnocchi soup, creamy soup, comfort food, easy dinner, hearty soup, weeknight meal