Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a delightful, hearty dish that warms both the body and soul. This soup combines tender chicken, soft gnocchi, and a variety of fresh vegetables, all enveloped in a creamy broth. It’s perfect for chilly days or anytime you need comfort food. Quick to make and easy to customize, this soup is sure to be a favorite.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
4 Reasons Why You’ll Love It
- Rich and Creamy Flavor
- Hearty and Filling
- Quick to Prepare
- Customizable Ingredients
Time Breakdown
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Ingredients List
- 2.5 cup Precooked Chicken (Rotisserie Chicken) (or 1.5 lb boneless chicken breast (2-3 chicken breast))
- 4 Slices of Bacon
- 1 Small Onion, chopped
- 6 Garlic Cloves, minced
- 3 large Carrots, chopped
- 3 Celery Stalks, chopped
- 1 Poblano Pepper, chopped (optional)
- 1 Jalapeno Pepper, chopped (optional)
- 4 cups Chicken Broth
- 2 tbsp Fresh Oregano
- 1 tbsp Fresh Rosemary
- 2 tsp Italian Seasoning or Herbs de Provence
- 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
- 1/4 tsp Cayenne Pepper (optional)
- Pinch of Red Crushed Peppers (optional)
- 1 1/2 cup Cashew Cream
- 2 cups Raw Spinach or Kale
- 16 oz Potato Gnocchi (2 packages of gnocchi)
- Salt and Pepper, as desired
How to Make Step-by-Step
1. Prep the Ingredients
Start by prepping the ingredients: chop the carrots, onion, garlic, celery, bacon, poblano pepper, and jalapeno pepper. Shred your precooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. You’ll need about 2.5 cups of cooked chicken. Prepare the cashews for the cream by bringing 2 cups of water to a boil, then pouring it over a bowl of raw cashews. Allow the cashews to soak for at least 15 minutes.
2. Sauté the Vegetables
Once your ingredients are prepped, add cooking oil to a large dutch oven or pot and sauté the onions for about 2-3 minutes, or until fragrant and translucent. Then, add the carrots and onions and sauté for another 2 minutes. Finally, add the garlic, sliced peppers, and bacon. Sauté for 5 minutes.
3. Mix in Seasonings
Mix in the seasonings and sauté for 1 minute, or until fragrant. Then, add the sliced chicken breast, fresh herbs, and broth. Bring the mixture to a boil and boil for 5 minutes. (If your chicken is raw, simmer over medium heat for 20 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through.)
4. Add the Gnocchi
Then, stir in the gnocchi. Reduce the heat to medium heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. While the soup is simmering, make the cashew cream. Drain the cashews, add them to a blender, along with 1.5 cups of water. Blend until smooth.
5. Combine Cashew Cream
Pour the cashew cream into the soup. Mix well, then add in the raw spinach. Let the soup simmer for 5 more minutes, or until warmed through. If the soup is too thick, add additional broth.
6. Serve
Stir the soup before serving and garnish with chopped green onion. Enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty soup with crusty bread or a fresh garden salad. A sprinkle of fresh herbs right before serving can add a pop of color and flavor.
Storage Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- To freeze, place the soup in freezer-safe containers; it can last for up to 3 months.
- Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth if it thickens too much.
- Avoid freezing with spinach, as it may become mushy upon thawing.
Tips for Success
- Use pre-cooked chicken for quick preparation.
- Adjust spice levels by omitting or adding peppers.
- Soak cashews well for a smoother cream.
- Keep an eye on the gnocchi to prevent overcooking.
Variations to Try
- Swap gnocchi for pasta or rice for a different texture.
- Add different vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini.
- Use a different protein such as shrimp or turkey.
FAQs
Can I use frozen gnocchi?
Yes, you can add frozen gnocchi directly to the soup without thawing.How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
The cashew cream is already dairy-free, making this soup suitable for dairy-free diets.Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it in advance. Just store it in the fridge and reheat when ready.What can I substitute for cashew cream?
You can use coconut cream or a non-dairy cream alternative if you’re looking for a different flavor.
Closing Notes
Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a lovely dish that brings warmth to any table. It’s simple to make and packed with delicious flavors. Customize this recipe to fit your taste and enjoy the heartwarming benefits of a homemade soup. Whether it’s for a cozy family dinner or meal prep for the week, this soup is sure to satisfy. Enjoy each comforting spoonful!
Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Ingredients
For the Soup
- 2.5 cups Precooked Chicken (Rotisserie Chicken) (or 1.5 lb boneless chicken breast) Shred into bite-sized pieces.
- 4 slices Bacon
- 1 small Onion, chopped
- 6 cloves Garlic, minced
- 3 large Carrots, chopped
- 3 stalks Celery, chopped
- 1 whole Poblano Pepper, chopped (optional)
- 1 whole Jalapeno Pepper, chopped (optional)
- 4 cups Chicken Broth
- 2 tbsp Fresh Oregano
- 1 tbsp Fresh Rosemary
- 2 tsp Italian Seasoning or Herbs de Provence
- 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
- 1/4 tsp Cayenne Pepper (optional)
- a pinch Red Crushed Peppers (optional)
- 1.5 cups Cashew Cream Made by soaking cashews.
- 2 cups Raw Spinach or Kale
- 16 oz Potato Gnocchi (2 packages) Can be substituted with pasta or rice.
- to taste Salt and Pepper
Instructions
Preparation
- Start by prepping the ingredients: chop the carrots, onion, garlic, celery, bacon, poblano pepper, and jalapeno pepper. Shred your precooked chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Prepare the cashews for the cream by bringing 2 cups of water to a boil, then pouring it over a bowl of raw cashews. Allow the cashews to soak for at least 15 minutes.
Cooking
- Add cooking oil to a large dutch oven or pot and sauté the onions for about 2-3 minutes, or until fragrant and translucent.
- Add the carrots and onions and sauté for another 2 minutes.
- Add the garlic, sliced peppers, and bacon. Sauté for 5 minutes.
- Mix in the seasonings and sauté for 1 minute, or until fragrant.
- Add the chicken, fresh herbs, and broth. Bring the mixture to a boil and boil for 5 minutes.
- If using raw chicken, simmer over medium heat for 20 minutes until cooked through. Stir in the gnocchi and reduce the heat to medium, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
Finishing Touches
- Drain the cashews, add to a blender with 1.5 cups of water, and blend until smooth.
- Pour the cashew cream into the soup, mix well, then add in the raw spinach. Let simmer for 5 more minutes, or until warmed through.
- If the soup is too thick, add additional broth.
- Stir before serving and garnish with chopped green onion.
