Description
Chicken and Gnocchi Soup is a creamy, hearty, and comforting bowl of tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and rich broth infused with fresh herbs and vegetables. Perfect for a cozy meal on chilly days, this easy-to-make soup combines nourishing ingredients and warm flavors to satisfy the whole family.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 1 pound boneless chicken breasts or thighs, cubed or sliced
Dumplings
- 1 pound store-bought or homemade gnocchi
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 2 medium carrots, finely diced
- 2 celery stalks, finely diced
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Liquids
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
Herbs and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Finely dice carrots, celery, and onion. Sauté them in a little olive oil or butter over medium heat for about 5 minutes, until softened and fragrant.
- Cook the Chicken: Add cubed or sliced chicken pieces to the pan with the vegetables. Cook until lightly browned on the outside but not fully cooked through to keep the chicken tender and juicy.
- Add Garlic and Broth: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds to release its aroma. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil to meld the flavors together.
- Simmer and Season: Let the soup simmer for 15 minutes, allowing the chicken to cook through and flavors to concentrate. Season with salt, pepper, and fresh thyme for brightness and warmth.
- Add Gnocchi and Cream: Drop the gnocchi into the simmering soup and cook until they float, about 3 to 5 minutes. Temper the cream by stirring a few spoonfuls of hot broth into it, then add it to the soup last to maintain a silky texture without curdling.
- Finish with Fresh Herbs: Turn off the heat and fold in chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and herbal flavor that complements the creamy broth perfectly.
Notes
- Use fresh gnocchi if possible, as it cooks faster and has a softer texture than frozen or dried versions.
- Don’t overcook the gnocchi; stop cooking as soon as they float to prevent mushy dumplings.
- Shred the chicken for an even texture spread throughout the soup instead of chunks.
- Temper the cream by mixing some hot broth into it before adding to avoid curdling.
- Adjust the thickness by adding extra broth if too thick or simmering uncovered to reduce if too thin.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soups
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 75mg