Creamy & Comforting: Easy Chicken and Gnocchi Soup Recipe

This Chicken and Gnocchi Soup recipe is the epitome of comfort food – creamy, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make! Imagine tender shredded chicken swimming in a rich broth with pillowy gnocchi, fresh vegetables, and a hint of Italian seasoning. This soup is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a chilly weekend gathering.

Forget spending hours in the kitchen; this recipe utilizes simple ingredients and streamlined steps to bring you a restaurant-quality soup in under an hour. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, you’ll be able to whip up this delightful dish with ease.

## Why You’ll Love This Chicken and Gnocchi Soup:

* **Easy and Quick:** This recipe is designed for busy weeknights. Minimal prep time and straightforward instructions make it a breeze to prepare.
* **Comforting and Delicious:** The creamy broth, tender chicken, and soft gnocchi create a symphony of flavors and textures that will warm you from the inside out.
* **Versatile and Customizable:** Feel free to adapt the recipe to your liking. Add different vegetables, change the spices, or adjust the creaminess to suit your preferences.
* **Budget-Friendly:** This soup uses affordable ingredients, making it a great option for feeding a family on a budget.
* **Kid-Friendly:** Even picky eaters will love the mild flavors and fun texture of the gnocchi.

## Ingredients You’ll Need:

Before you start cooking, gather these ingredients. Don’t worry, you probably have many of them already!

* **Chicken:** 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (or a combination of both). Chicken thighs will give a richer flavor, while chicken breasts are leaner. You can also use leftover cooked chicken to save time.
* **Gnocchi:** 1 (16-ounce) package shelf-stable gnocchi. These are usually found in the pasta aisle. Potato gnocchi is the most common, but you can also find gluten-free or cauliflower gnocchi.
* **Onion:** 1 medium yellow onion, chopped. Yellow onion provides a good base flavor for the soup.
* **Carrots:** 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced. Carrots add sweetness and texture.
* **Celery:** 2 stalks celery, diced. Celery contributes to the aromatic base of the soup.
* **Garlic:** 3 cloves garlic, minced. Garlic adds a pungent and savory flavor.
* **Chicken Broth:** 8 cups chicken broth. Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the saltiness of the soup.
* **Heavy Cream:** 1 cup heavy cream. Heavy cream adds richness and creaminess to the soup. You can substitute half-and-half or milk for a lighter option, but the soup will be less creamy.
* **Italian Seasoning:** 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning. This blend of herbs adds a classic Italian flavor.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste. Adjust the seasoning to your liking.
* **Olive Oil:** 2 tablespoons olive oil. Olive oil is used to sauté the vegetables.
* **Fresh Parsley:** Chopped, for garnish (optional). Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness.
* **Parmesan Cheese:** Grated, for serving (optional). Parmesan cheese adds a salty and savory flavor.

## Equipment You’ll Need:

* Large pot or Dutch oven
* Cutting board
* Knife
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Ladle

## Step-by-Step Instructions:

Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create your own delicious Chicken and Gnocchi Soup.

**Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables**

* Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
* Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
* Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.

**Step 2: Cook the Chicken**

* Add the chicken breasts or thighs to the pot. Season with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning.
* Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring the chicken is fully submerged.
* Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds with a fork. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).

**Step 3: Shred the Chicken**

* Remove the chicken from the pot and place it on a cutting board.
* Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
* Return the shredded chicken to the pot.

**Step 4: Add the Gnocchi and Seasonings**

* Add the gnocchi and the remaining 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning to the pot.
* Bring the soup back to a simmer and cook until the gnocchi is tender, about 3-5 minutes. The gnocchi will float to the surface when they are done.

**Step 5: Stir in the Cream**

* Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Be careful not to boil the soup after adding the cream, as it may curdle.
* Heat gently for a few minutes until the soup is heated through.

**Step 6: Season and Serve**

* Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
* Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
* Serve immediately and enjoy!

## Tips and Variations:

* **Use Leftover Chicken:** Save time by using leftover cooked chicken, rotisserie chicken, or shredded chicken from another recipe. Simply add the cooked chicken to the soup after the vegetables are sautéed.
* **Add Vegetables:** Customize the soup by adding other vegetables such as spinach, kale, mushrooms, or zucchini. Add leafy greens towards the end of cooking to prevent them from becoming overcooked. Add mushrooms or zucchini along with the carrots and celery.
* **Make it Spicy:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the soup for a little heat.
* **Thicken the Soup:** If you prefer a thicker soup, you can whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the soup while it’s simmering. Cook for a few minutes until the soup thickens to your desired consistency. Alternatively, mash some of the gnocchi against the side of the pot to release starch and thicken the soup naturally.
* **Lighter Version:** Use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream for a lighter version of the soup. You can also use low-sodium chicken broth to reduce the salt content.
* **Slow Cooker Version:** To make this soup in a slow cooker, add the chicken, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, chicken broth, and Italian seasoning to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through. Shred the chicken and return it to the slow cooker. Add the gnocchi and heavy cream and cook for another 30 minutes, or until the gnocchi is tender. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** Use gluten-free gnocchi to make this soup gluten-free. You can find gluten-free gnocchi in most grocery stores or online.
* **Add Bacon:** Cook chopped bacon in the pot before adding the vegetables. Remove the bacon and set aside. Add the vegetables to the pot and cook in the bacon fat for extra flavor. Crumble the cooked bacon and sprinkle it over the soup before serving.
* **Substitute the Gnocchi:** If you don’t have gnocchi, you can substitute with other small pasta shapes such as ditalini, orzo, or acini de pepe.

## Serving Suggestions:

* Serve this Chicken and Gnocchi Soup with a side of crusty bread for dipping.
* Top with fresh parsley, grated Parmesan cheese, or a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt.
* Pair it with a simple salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

## Storage Instructions:

* **Refrigerating:** Store leftover Chicken and Gnocchi Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave.
* **Freezing:** Freezing this soup is not recommended as the heavy cream and gnocchi may change texture. The cream can separate and the gnocchi can become mushy. However, if you want to freeze it, it is best to freeze it without the cream. Allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then add the cream when reheating.

## Nutrition Information (Approximate):

(Per serving, based on a recipe that yields 6 servings)

* Calories: 450-550
* Protein: 30-40g
* Fat: 25-35g
* Carbohydrates: 20-30g

(Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

**Q: Can I use frozen gnocchi?**
A: Yes, you can use frozen gnocchi. Add them to the soup directly from the freezer and cook until tender, about 5-7 minutes.

**Q: Can I make this soup ahead of time?**
A: Yes, you can make the soup ahead of time. Prepare the soup up to the point of adding the heavy cream. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, reheat the soup and stir in the heavy cream.

**Q: What can I do if my soup is too thin?**
A: If your soup is too thin, you can thicken it by whisking together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stirring it into the soup while it’s simmering. Cook for a few minutes until the soup thickens to your desired consistency. Alternatively, mash some of the gnocchi against the side of the pot to release starch and thicken the soup naturally. You can also simmer it uncovered for a little longer, allowing some of the liquid to evaporate.

**Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?**
A: Yes, you can use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. Chicken thighs will give the soup a richer flavor.

**Q: Can I make this soup vegetarian?**
A: Yes, you can make this soup vegetarian by omitting the chicken and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add more vegetables, such as mushrooms or spinach, to make it more filling.

**Q: My cream curdled. What did I do wrong?**
A: The most common reason for cream curdling is adding it to a soup that is boiling. Always reduce the heat to low before adding the cream. Adding a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch to the cream before adding it to the soup can also help prevent curdling.

## Conclusion:

This Easy Chicken and Gnocchi Soup recipe is a winner! It’s quick, easy, delicious, and customizable. It’s the perfect comfort food for any occasion. So, gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and enjoy a warm and satisfying bowl of this creamy goodness!

Enjoy your delicious Chicken and Gnocchi Soup! Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and family, and let us know in the comments how it turned out for you. Happy cooking!