Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a warm and comforting dish that’s perfect for any day of the week. With its creamy broth and tender gnocchi, it’s a meal that delights everyone. The combination of chicken, vegetables, and flavors makes this soup a family favorite. Whether you’re making it on the stove or in a crock pot, it’s an easy recipe that brings smiles to the table. Serve it with some crusty bread for a complete meal.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
4 Reasons Why You’ll Love It
- Hearty and Filling
- Easy to Make
- Great for Meal Prep
- Family-Friendly Flavor
Time Breakdown
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes (Stove Top) or 6-8 hours (Crock Pot)
- Total Time: 35 minutes (Stove Top) or 6-8 hours (Crock Pot)
Ingredients List
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 1 stick of celery, diced
- 0.5 cup carrots, julienned
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 0.25 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups half and half
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 0.5 teaspoon thyme
- 0.5 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, or 2 cups diced cooked chicken
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 16 oz potato gnocchi
- 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes, optional
How to make Step-by-Step
Stove Top Method:
- Melt Butter: In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Cook Vegetables: Add the diced onions, celery, and carrots, cooking until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add Garlic: Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
- Stir in Flour: Stir in flour and cook until it turns golden, about 2 minutes.
- Add Broth: Gradually add chicken broth and half and half, stirring to combine.
- Season Chicken: Season chicken with salt and pepper, add to the broth, and bring to a gentle boil.
- Cook Chicken: Simmer until chicken is cooked through (10-15 minutes). Do not overboil.
- Shred Chicken: Remove chicken, let it rest, then dice and return it to the soup.
- Add Gnocchi: Add gnocchi and simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Add Spinach: Add spinach and red pepper flakes, simmer until spinach wilts.
- Serve: Serve hot!
Crock Pot Method:
- Cut Chicken: Cut uncooked chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Melt Butter: Melt butter in the Crock Pot over low heat.
- Add Vegetables and Chicken: Add vegetables, garlic, and chicken; toss to coat.
- Pour in Broth: Pour in chicken broth, then stir in thyme and mustard powder.
- Cook: Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
- Whisk Ingredients: Whisk half and half and cornstarch together, then slowly add to the soup.
- Add Gnocchi: Add gnocchi and cook on high for 30 minutes.
- Add Spinach: Add spinach a few minutes before serving.
- Season: Season to taste and serve!
Serving Suggestions
Serve Chicken Gnocchi Soup with crusty bread or a fresh green salad. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top adds a nice touch.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerate Quickly: Let the soup cool completely before storing.
- Use Airtight Containers: Store in airtight containers to keep it fresh.
- Freeze for Later: Freeze individual portions for easy meals later.
- Reheat Gently: Reheat on the stove or microwave until hot.
Tips for Success
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables enhance the flavor.
- Don’t Overcook the Gnocchi: Add gnocchi towards the end to avoid mushiness.
- Season Gradually: Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Try Cooked Chicken: Using pre-cooked chicken speeds up the process.
Variations to Try
- Use different vegetables like zucchini or kale for added nutrition.
- Replace half and half with heavy cream for a richer soup.
- Add herbs like oregano or basil for a different flavor profile.
FAQs
Can I use frozen gnocchi?
Yes, frozen gnocchi can be used directly in the soup without thawing.Is this soup gluten-free?
For gluten-free versions, use gluten-free gnocchi and flour.How long does this soup last?
In the fridge, it lasts 3-4 days. In the freezer, up to 3 months.Can I skip the chicken?
Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by omitting the chicken.
Closing Notes
Chicken Gnocchi Soup is the kind of dish that brings everyone together. It’s not only easy to make but also a comforting option for busy days. Whether you choose the stove top or crock pot method, you will create a meal that warms the heart. This soothing soup is sure to become a staple in your household, offering that cozy feel we all crave, especially as the seasons change. Enjoy each spoonful!
Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Ingredients
For the Soup Base
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 1 stick celery, diced
- 0.5 cup carrots, julienned
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 0.25 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups half and half
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 0.5 teaspoon thyme
- 0.5 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts Or use 2 cups diced cooked chicken
- to taste salt and pepper
- 16 oz potato gnocchi
- 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes Optional
Instructions
Stove Top Method
- Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add diced onions, celery, and carrots, cooking until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
- Stir in flour and cook until it turns golden, about 2 minutes.
- Gradually add chicken broth and half and half, stirring to combine.
- Season chicken with salt and pepper, add to the broth, and bring to a gentle boil.
- Simmer until chicken is cooked through (10-15 minutes). Do not overboil.
- Remove chicken, let it rest, then dice and return it to the soup.
- Add gnocchi and simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Add spinach and red pepper flakes, simmer until spinach wilts.
- Serve hot!
Crock Pot Method
- Cut uncooked chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Melt butter in the Crock Pot over low heat.
- Add vegetables, garlic, and chicken; toss to coat.
- Pour in chicken broth, then stir in thyme and mustard powder.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
- Whisk half and half and cornstarch together, then slowly add to the soup.
- Add gnocchi and cook on high for 30 minutes.
- Add spinach a few minutes before serving.
- Season to taste and serve!
