Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with our Cheesy Chicken Gnocchi Soup—a delightful blend of creamy goodness and hearty flavors that will warm your soul! This easy-to-follow recipe combines tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a medley of fresh vegetables, all enveloped in a rich, cheesy broth. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends, this dish is sure to impress and satisfy. Ready to dive into a bowl of pure bliss? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 1 package (16 oz) gnocchi
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup spinach
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by dicing the chicken breast into small, uniform cubes, measuring out the broth, cream, and other ingredients.
- Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat and add a small amount of olive oil. Add the diced chicken and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Cook the chicken until it is golden brown and fully cooked through, approximately 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Add shredded carrots to the pot and sauté with the chicken for an additional 2-3 minutes until the carrots begin to soften.
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Add the gnocchi to the pot and cook for 3-4 minutes or until they float to the surface, indicating they are tender.
- Reduce heat to low and gradually stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it is completely melted and incorporated into the soup.
- Add fresh spinach and stir until it wilts, which should take about 1-2 minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
- Remove from heat and let the soup rest for 2-3 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld together.
- Ladle into bowls and optionally garnish with additional cheese or fresh herbs like parsley.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, dice your chicken and measure out all ingredients before starting the cooking process. This will make the cooking flow smoother and quicker.
- Sauté for Flavor: Don’t skip the step of sautéing the chicken with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This builds a flavorful base for your soup.
- Gnocchi Cooking Time: Keep an eye on the gnocchi; they’re done when they float to the surface. Overcooking can make them mushy, so be ready to add them to the pot!
- Cheese Choices: While shredded cheddar cheese is a classic choice, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella or gouda for a different flavor profile.
- Add Freshness: For an extra pop of color and nutrition, consider adding other vegetables like bell peppers or peas along with the spinach.
- Let it Rest: Allowing the soup to sit for a few minutes after cooking helps the flavors meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste.
- Garnish Creatively: Elevate your presentation with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a dollop of sour cream on top before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 480kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Cholesterol: 110mg
