Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup: A Comforting Culinary Delight

Get ready to indulge in a bowl of pure comfort with our Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup! This rich and satisfying soup is a harmony of flavors, combining tender rotisserie chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a medley of fresh vegetables, all swimming in a luscious, creamy broth. Perfect for chilly evenings or when you simply crave a hearty and soul-warming dish, this recipe is a go-to for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs. Let’s dive into the culinary journey of crafting this delightful soup that’s bound to become a family favorite.

Ingredients:

Meat:

  • 2 cups Rotisserie chicken meat, shredded

Produce:

  • 2 Carrots, diced
  • 2 stalks Celery, diced
  • 4 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1/2 Red bell pepper, diced
  • 2 cups Fresh spinach, chopped
  • 1/2 tsp Ground thyme
  • 1 Yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 1 Zucchini, large, diced

Canned Goods:

  • 3 cups Chicken broth

Pasta & Grains:

  • 1 (16 ounce) package Small gnocchi

Baking & Spices:

  • 1/4 cup All-purpose flour
  • 1/4 tsp Nutmeg
  • Salt and ground black pepper to taste

Oils & Vinegars:

  • 1 tbsp Extra-virgin olive oil

Dairy:

  • 1/4 cup Butter
  • 1 cup Half-and-half
  • 1 pint Fat-free half-and-half

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Ingredients:
    • Shred the rotisserie chicken into bite-sized pieces.
    • Dice the carrots, celery, red bell pepper, and zucchini.
    • Mince the garlic and finely chop the onion.
    • Chop the fresh spinach.
  2. Cook the Vegetables:
    • In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
    • Add diced onions, carrots, celery, and red bell pepper. Sauté until the vegetables are softened.
  3. Add Garlic and Thyme:
    • Stir in the minced garlic and ground thyme. Sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
  4. Make the Roux:
    • Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir continuously to create a roux. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the flour is well incorporated.
  5. Add Broth and Half-and-Half:
    • Gradually pour in the chicken broth, stirring to avoid lumps.
    • Add both regular and fat-free half-and-half, stirring continuously.
  6. Introduce Chicken and Gnocchi:
    • Add the shredded rotisserie chicken and small gnocchi to the pot. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
  7. Season the Soup:
    • Season the soup with nutmeg, salt, and black pepper. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences.
  8. Incorporate Vegetables and Spinach:
    • Stir in the diced zucchini and chopped spinach. Allow the soup to simmer until the vegetables are tender.
  9. Finish with Butter:
    • Add butter to the soup for an extra layer of richness. Stir until the butter is melted and fully incorporated.
  10. Serve Hot:
    • Ladle the creamy chicken gnocchi soup into bowls and serve hot.

Cook Notes and Variations:

  • Bacon Crumbles: Enhance the flavor by topping each serving with crispy bacon crumbles.
  • Cheese Garnish: Grate Parmesan or sprinkle shredded mozzarella on top for a cheesy twist.
  • Herb Infusion: Experiment with fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for added aromatic complexity.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):

Q: Can I use homemade gnocchi?

A: Absolutely! If you have the time and desire, feel free to use your favorite homemade gnocchi recipe.

Q: Can I freeze this soup?

A: While the soup can be frozen, it’s important to note that the texture of the gnocchi may change upon thawing. Consider making the soup fresh and storing leftovers in the refrigerator.

Q: Can I substitute the half-and-half?

A: Yes, you can use whole milk or heavy cream as a substitute for half-and-half. Adjust the ratio based on your preference for richness.

Keto and Low-Carb Versions:

Keto Version:

  • Replace gnocchi with cauliflower gnocchi or zucchini noodles.
  • Use heavy cream instead of half-and-half.
  • Skip the flour in the roux and use xanthan gum as a thickening agent.

Low-Carb Version:

  • Follow the keto version instructions, adjusting the ingredients to fit your low-carb preferences.

In conclusion, our Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a comforting masterpiece that brings together the richness of creamy broth, the heartiness of gnocchi, and the wholesome goodness of vegetables. This versatile recipe can be adapted to suit various dietary preferences, making it a crowd-pleaser for family dinners, gatherings, or solo indulgence. So, whip up a batch of this soul-warming soup, cozy up with a bowlful, and let each spoonful transport you to culinary bliss!