Description
A rich and hearty Italian-American soup featuring tender shredded chicken, soft potato gnocchi, fresh vegetables, and a creamy, flavorful broth. This comforting dish is perfect for cozy family dinners or weeknight meals.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp dried thyme (or 2 tsp fresh thyme)
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Protein & Gnocchi
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works great)
- 1 package (16 oz / 450 g) potato gnocchi
Greens & Dairy
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter option)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for richness)
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add diced onion, minced garlic, diced carrots, and diced celery. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Chicken & Seasoning: Stir in the shredded cooked chicken, chicken broth, dried thyme, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Cook Gnocchi: Add the potato gnocchi to the simmering broth. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, or until the gnocchi float to the top, indicating they are cooked through.
- Add Spinach: Stir in the fresh spinach leaves and cook just until wilted, about 1-2 minutes.
- Incorporate Cream and Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese if using. Heat gently to warm through without boiling to prevent curdling.
- Adjust Seasoning & Serve: Taste the soup and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot for a comforting meal.
Notes
- For a thicker soup, mash a few cooked gnocchi into the broth to add body.
- Make it dairy-free by substituting coconut milk for cream and omitting Parmesan cheese.
- Swap spinach for kale if you prefer a heartier green vegetable.
- Leftovers reheat well; add extra broth if the soup thickens upon storing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup, Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American