Comforting Chicken Gnocchi Soup for Cozy Nights In
This Chicken Gnocchi Soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for cozy nights in with its creamy texture and rich flavors.
Equipment
- - Large pot
Ingredients
For the Base
- 2 tbsp Butter Adds richness and flavor; substitute with olive oil for a dairy-free option.
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil Enhances flavor and helps sauté vegetables; can be replaced with any cooking oil.
- 1 Onion, chopped Provides a base flavor; use shallots as a substitute.
- 2 Carrots, chopped Adds sweetness and texture; frozen or canned carrots can work in a pinch.
- 2 stalks Celery, chopped Contributes depth to the flavor; green bell pepper can be an alternative.
- 1/4 tsp Salt Enhances overall flavor; use sea salt or kosher salt for best results.
- 1/2 tsp Pepper Adds a hint of spice; use white pepper for a milder taste.
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced Adds aromatic flavor; garlic powder can be used if fresh is unavailable.
- 1/2 cup White Wine Deglazes the pot and adds acidity; swap with chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version.
- 2 tbsp Flour Thickens the soup; use gluten-free flour as a substitute if needed.
For the Soup
- 4 cups Chicken Stock Provides liquid base and flavor; vegetable stock is perfect for a vegetarian version.
- 1 cup Half-and-Half Creates creaminess; substitute with equal parts whole milk and heavy cream or a plant-based milk with cornstarch.
- 1 tsp Thyme, dried Adds earthy flavor; oregano can be used as an alternative.
- 1 tsp Italian Seasoning Blends various herbs for flavor depth; an Italian herbs mix can replace it.
For the Heart of the Dish
- 1 lb Gnocchi The main carbohydrate providing chewiness; swap with small pasta shapes or cauliflower for a low-carb option.
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese, grated Adds umami flavor; nutritional yeast is a great dairy-free option.
- 2 cups Rotisserie Chicken, shredded The main protein source; canned chickpeas can serve as a vegetarian substitute.
- 2 cups Spinach, fresh Provides freshness and color; kale can also be used instead.
For the Finishing Touch
- pinch Nutmeg, optional Enhances flavor profile; can be omitted if undesired.
Instructions
How to Make Chicken Gnocchi Soup
- In a large pot, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat until the butter is melted and foaming subsides, creating a rich foundation for your soup.
- Add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, salt, and pepper to the pot. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened and lightly browned.
- Stir in the minced garlic, cooking for about a minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the white wine, scraping the bottom of the pan to release the browned bits. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the wine is nearly evaporated.
- Stir in the flour and cook briefly for 1-2 minutes to incorporate.
- Gradually whisk in the chicken stock and bring to a simmer, allowing it to thicken slightly, approximately 5 minutes.
- Whisk in the half-and-half, thyme, and Italian seasoning; then let it gently simmer for a few more minutes.
- Add the gnocchi and simmer for 3-5 minutes until they float to the surface.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, shredded chicken, and spinach; simmer until everything is heated through.
- Taste your soup and adjust the seasoning as necessary, using a pinch of nutmeg if desired.
Notes
Garnish with fresh herbs for an extra pop of flavor. Allow the soup to sit for 5-10 minutes before serving; it thickens beautifully as it cools slightly.