Description
Craving comfort food that’s quick and nourishing? This creamy, hearty Chicken Gnocchi Soup with Spinach is perfect for busy parents and health-conscious eaters.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil, for sautéing and building flavor
- 1 medium yellow onion (about 1.5 cups/225g), diced, for aromatic base
- 3 cloves garlic (about 1 tablespoon/15g), minced, for depth of flavor
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced into 1-inch pieces, for lean protein
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme, for earthy notes
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary, for fragrant aroma
- 6 cups (1.4L) chicken broth, low sodium preferred, as the flavor foundation
- 16 oz (450g) potato gnocchi, for that comforting, pillowy bite
- 5 oz (140g) fresh spinach, for a boost of nutrients and vibrant color
- 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream, for luxurious creaminess and richness
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook gently until it softens and becomes translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Brown Chicken: Add the diced chicken breast to the pot. Cook until lightly golden on all sides and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper as it cooks.
- Deglaze and Build Flavor: Pour in about 1/2 cup (120ml) of the chicken broth. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot—this adds incredible flavor to your soup! Stir in the dried thyme and dried rosemary.
- Simmer: Add the remaining chicken broth to the pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook until the chicken is completely cooked through, about 10-12 minutes.
- Add Gnocchi and Spinach: Increase the heat slightly to maintain a gentle simmer. Stir in the potato gnocchi and cook according to the package directions until tender, usually just 2-3 minutes. Then, fold in the fresh spinach a handful at a time until it just wilts into the soup.
- Finish with Cream: Reduce the heat to its lowest setting. Stir in the heavy cream and heat through gently for a minute or two. Be careful not to boil the soup once the cream is added. Taste the Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe with Spinach and adjust seasonings (salt, pepper, herbs) as needed to your preference.
Notes
Nutrition Estimate: Nutritional values are estimates based on standard ingredient data and may vary depending on specific brands and preparation methods.
Substitutions for Dietary Needs: This recipe is wonderfully adaptable for various dietary preferences. For a gluten-free version, simply use chickpea or other certified gluten-free gnocchi. If you’re avoiding dairy, try full-fat coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative in place of heavy cream. To boost the protein content, you could add a can of rinsed cannellini beans or extra chicken. And if you’re not a fan of spinach, try swapping it for chopped kale for a slightly different texture and nutrient profile.
Optional Shortcuts: For those super busy evenings, you can easily use a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. Just shred the meat and add it during step 5 with the gnocchi and spinach. Pre-chopped mirepoix (a mix of onions, carrots, and celery) from the grocery store can also save you a lot of prep time on the aromatics.
Troubleshooting: If your soup turns out too thin for your liking, simply simmer it uncovered for a few extra minutes to allow some liquid to evaporate. If it’s too thick, add a bit more chicken broth or water until it reaches your desired consistency. If the flavor seems a little bland, my trick is always a pinch more salt, pepper, or a dash of your favorite dried herbs.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg