Instructions
1. Sauté the Vegetables
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery; sauté 5-6 minutes until tender. Add garlic, thyme, basil, salt, and pepper; cook 1-2 minutes more until fragrant.
2. Make the Soup Base
Sprinkle flour over vegetables; stir to coat. Cook 1-2 minutes. Slowly pour in chicken broth, stirring until smooth. Bring to a gentle boil.
3. Add Chicken and Gnocchi
Add shredded chicken and gnocchi. Reduce heat to medium-low; simmer 5-7 minutes, or until gnocchi are tender and float.
4. Add Cream and Spinach
Stir in half-and-half (or heavy cream). Simmer. Add spinach; cook 1-2 minutes until wilted.
5. Serve
Remove from heat. Ladle into bowls. Top with Parmesan cheese (optional). Serve warm with crusty bread!
Cooking Notes
- Use leftover or rotisserie chicken for convenience. You can also cook fresh chicken in the broth.
- Both store-bought and homemade gnocchi work well. Cooking times may vary.
- Half-and-half makes a creamy soup; heavy cream makes it richer.
Variations
- Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup: Replace chicken with crumbled Italian sausage (cook sausage first).
- Vegetarian Gnocchi Soup: Omit chicken, use vegetable broth, and add more veggies (mushrooms, peppers, zucchini).
- Spicy Gnocchi Soup: Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make this ahead?
Yes! Cook the gnocchi fresh when reheating, as they can become soft if left in the soup too long. Alternatively, cook the soup without gnocchi, store it, and add the gnocchi when reheating.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently.
Can I freeze this soup?
The soup base can be frozen, but gnocchi may become mushy. Add gnocchi fresh when reheating thawed soup.
Can I use a different cream?
Light cream, milk, or dairy-free alternatives can be used, but the richness may be affected.
What can I serve with this?
Enjoy it with crusty bread or a green salad.
Enjoy your delicious and easy Gnocchi Chicken Soup!
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