Looking for a warm, hearty meal that feels like Italy in your kitchen? Our Italian Chicken Gnocchi Soup recipe is here to help. In just 30 minutes, you’ll make a dish that will impress your family.
This gnocchi soup recipe is all about comfort. It has a rich, creamy base and tender chicken. It’s inspired by Olive Garden, but easier to make. It’s perfect for both experienced cooks and beginners.
This soup is not only delicious but also healthy. It has 523 calories per serving and 31g of protein. Our guide will help you make a soup that’s tasty, affordable, and healthier than eating out.
Ready to change your dinner game? This gnocchi soup recipe is simple yet amazing. It brings Italy to your table!
Understanding Italian Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Exploring Italian cuisine, we find a warm treasure: chicken gnocchi soup. It’s a mix of old Italian ways and new American tastes. This soup is a true comfort food.
Origins of Gnocchi in Italian Cuisine
Gnocchi comes from Italy’s past, made from potatoes, flour, and eggs. These soft dumplings became a favorite in Italian homes. They turned simple ingredients into a special meal.
- Traditional gnocchi dates back to the Roman Empire
- Two primary types exist: Ricotta and Potato Gnocchi
- Handmade preparation remains a cherished cooking tradition
Why This Soup Became an American Favorite
The Italian chicken gnocchi soup is a perfect mix of creamy and flavorful. It’s loved for being both fancy and cozy. It’s a meal that feels like home.
Health Benefits and Nutritional Value
This soup tastes great but is also good for you. Let’s look at its nutritional facts:
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 373 kcal |
| Protein | 17g |
| Carbohydrates | 40g |
| Fat | 17g |
The soup has a good balance of protein, carbs, and veggies. It’s a healthy choice for families looking for tasty and nutritious meals.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Gnocchi Soup
Making a great chicken broth soup begins with picking the right ingredients. Our recipe for an easy weeknight dinner needs a list of fresh parts. These will turn your kitchen into a place that feels like Italy.
Here are the key ingredients for this tasty chicken gnocchi soup:
- 1 pound chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
- 2-3 medium carrots, diced
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 3-4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 package store-bought gnocchi (DeLallo or Trader Joe’s recommended)
- Fresh spinach leaves
- 28 ounces chicken broth
- 1 quart half-and-half
For flavor, grab some fresh herbs like thyme, salt, and black pepper. A tip: Using leftover rotisserie chicken can make your meal even tastier. It also makes cooking easier.
Choose ingredients that are fresh and of good quality. Your soup’s taste will depend on what you pick. Go for organic veggies and low-sodium chicken broth to keep the salt level right.
Kitchen Equipment and Tools Needed
Making a tasty one-pot meal like Italian chicken soup needs the right tools. The right equipment makes cooking better. Let’s look at the key cookware and tools for a perfect soup.
Essential Cookware for Your Soup Adventure
A good cooking pot is key for Italian chicken soup. A large Dutch oven or heavy pot is best. It helps heat evenly and brings out flavors.
- Large Dutch oven (6-8 quart capacity)
- Heavy-bottomed stainless steel pot
- Sturdy wooden spoon for stirring
- Sharp chef’s knife for ingredient preparation
Optional Kitchen Tools to Elevate Your Cooking
These tools are not needed but make cooking better and more fun.
- Immersion blender for creamy textures
- Garlic press for easy mincing
- Kitchen scale for exact measurements
- Silicone spatula for scraping
Precision Measuring Equipment
Getting the measurements right is crucial for a great Italian chicken soup. Good measuring tools help you get it right every time.
| Measuring Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Liquid measuring cups | Measure broth and cream accurately |
| Dry measuring cups | Measure flour, seasonings, and gnocchi |
| Measuring spoons | Precise herb and spice measurements |
With these tools, you’re ready to make a delicious Italian chicken soup. It will wow your family and friends. Remember, the right tools are the start of great cooking!
Preparing the Base Ingredients
Making a tasty Italian Chicken Gnocchi Soup begins with preparing ingredients well. We’ll show you how to create a flavorful base. This will make your soup unforgettable.
First, we need to gather our main ingredients. You’ll need:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 6 carrots, diced
- 4 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- 2-4 garlic cloves, minced
Preparing the chicken is key in our gnocchi in soup recipe. Season 1 pound of chicken breast with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet. Cook the chicken until it reaches 165°F. This takes 3-5 minutes per side.
While the chicken cooks, work on your vegetable base. Sauté the chopped onions, carrots, and celery in butter. This step adds deep flavor to your Italian Chicken Gnocchi Soup. Cook the vegetables until they’re soft but not browned, which takes about 5-7 minutes.
Pro tip: Add minced garlic during the last minute of sautéing. This prevents burning and enhances its aroma. The mix of butter and olive oil gives a rich, complex flavor. This flavor foundation is essential for a great soup.
After your vegetables are tender and fragrant, you’re ready for the next steps. The careful preparation of these ingredients ensures a delicious and comforting meal. It will warm hearts and satisfy appetites.
Making the Perfect Broth Base
Making a great chicken broth soup is like a work of art in Italian cooking. The base of any soup is key, and our gnocchi soup recipe offers a rich, flavorful taste that feels like Italy.
Creating a Silky Roux
The secret to a top-notch chicken broth soup is a great roux. This mix of flour and butter makes the soup creamy. Here’s how we do it:
- Melt butter in a big pot over medium heat
- Slowly add all-purpose flour while whisking
- Cook for 2-3 minutes to get rid of the raw flour taste
Herb and Seasoning Magic
Italian cooking is all about building flavors. We mix fresh herbs and special seasonings to make our chicken broth soup stand out. The key ingredients are:
- Fresh thyme
- Minced garlic
- A pinch of nutmeg
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
Achieving Perfect Consistency
The perfect chicken broth soup is just right, not too thick or too thin. We mix 6 cups of chicken stock with 2 cups of heavy cream. This makes the soup creamy but not too heavy. Slowly add the liquid while whisking to avoid lumps and get a smooth texture.
Pro tip: If the soup is too thick, add more chicken stock. If it’s too thin, simmer it uncovered to thicken it up. This will make the flavors of our Italian dish even better.
Cooking and Adding the Chicken
Chicken is the main protein in our Italian chicken soup. It makes the soup a hearty dish that warms your heart. We’ll look at two ways to cook chicken: directly in the soup or using pre-cooked chicken.
Chicken Preparation Options
- Raw Chicken Method: Cook directly in the soup
- Pre-cooked Chicken Method: Add shredded or diced chicken
- Recommended Cooking Time: 4-5 minutes per side
For raw chicken, cut 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breast into small pieces. Season with salt and pepper. Heat 3 tablespoons of butter or olive oil in your pot. Then, cook the chicken until it’s 165°F inside.
Chicken Cooking Techniques
| Cooking Method | Preparation Time | Flavor Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Soup Cooking | 4-5 minutes | Intense flavor infusion |
| Pre-cooked Chicken | 2-3 minutes | Gentle warming |
If you use pre-cooked chicken, like leftover roast chicken, shred or dice 3 cups. Add it to the soup for the last 5 minutes. This saves time in making your Italian chicken soup.
Pro tip: Shredded chicken gives a rustic texture, while diced chicken looks cleaner. Pick what you like best for your soup.
Incorporating Gnocchi and Vegetables
Making the perfect gnocchi soup recipe needs focus and skill. Our easy weeknight dinner guide helps you add gnocchi and veggies for a tasty, cozy meal.
Proper Gnocchi Cooking Techniques
Gnocchi need special care when cooking. These soft potato dumplings can turn mushy if not cooked right. Here are some tips for cooking gnocchi perfectly:
- Add gnocchi directly to simmering soup
- Cook for 2-4 minutes until they float to the surface
- Avoid overcrowding the pot
- Stir gently to prevent sticking
Vegetable Integration Timeline
Timing is key when adding veggies to your soup. Each veggie cooks differently to keep its texture and taste.
| Vegetable | Addition Time | Cooking Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Carrots | Early stages | 10-15 minutes |
| Celery | Early stages | 10-15 minutes |
| Spinach | Last 2-3 minutes | Minimal cooking |
| Peas | Final minute | Just warming through |
Pro tip: Add fresh herbs like parsley or basil in the last minute. This boosts flavor and looks. It keeps each veggie’s texture and nutrition, making your dinner a hit.
Slow Cooker Adaptation Method
Turn your favorite Italian Chicken Gnocchi Soup into a simple one-pot meal with your slow cooker. This method makes cooking easier while keeping the dish’s rich, comforting flavors.
Slow Cooker Preparation Steps
- Begin by getting your ingredients ready:
- 2 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 cups diced carrots
- 2 cups diced white onions
- 2 cups diced celery
- Place chicken and vegetables in the slow cooker
- Add chicken broth and seasonings
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4 hours
The secret to a great slow cooker Italian Chicken Gnocchi Soup is timing. Add gnocchi and spinach in the last 30-60 minutes to avoid overcooking.
| Cooking Setting | Total Time | Gnocchi Addition |
|---|---|---|
| Low Setting | 7 hours | Last 30-45 minutes |
| High Setting | 4 hours | Last 30 minutes |
Pro tip for your one-pot meal: Use pre-cooked chicken to cut down cooking time and make prep easier. This way, you get a creamy, hearty soup perfect for busy weeknights.
Final Touches
- Stir in 5 oz of baby spinach
- Add 1 lb of potato gnocchi
- Let cook until gnocchi is tender
Your slow cooker Italian Chicken Gnocchi Soup is now ready to serve. It’s a comforting meal that’s easy to make but full of flavor!
Storage and Reheating Guidelines
Keeping your Italian chicken soup fresh is important. It lets you enjoy it all week. The right storage and reheating methods keep the soup’s flavor and texture.
Refrigeration Guidelines
- Store in an airtight container
- Refrigerate for up to 4 days
- Keep at consistent temperature below 40°F
Freezing Techniques
- Use freezer-safe containers
- Freeze for up to 3 months
- Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating
Reheating Recommendations
Here’s how to reheat your Italian chicken soup:
- Stovetop: Low heat, stirring occasionally
- Microwave: 30-45 second increments
- Add splash of water or milk to restore consistency
| Storage Method | Duration | Best Practices |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | 3-4 days | Use airtight container |
| Freezer | 3 months | Portion before freezing |
Pro tip: Always check for any signs of spoilage before consuming leftover Italian chicken soup. When in doubt, throw it out to ensure food safety!
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Your hearty soup is ready, and now it’s time to elevate the entire dining experience. Italian cuisine is all about creating a complete meal that delights every sense. Our chicken gnocchi soup is no exception.
Perfect Side Dishes
Complement your soup with these delightful accompaniments:
- Crusty focaccia bread for dipping
- Fresh caprese salad with mozzarella and tomatoes
- Crisp green bean salad
- Antipasto salad with vibrant ingredients
- Bruschetta topped with fresh basil
Wine Pairing Recommendations
Enhance your Italian cuisine experience with these wine selections:
- Pinot Grigio – light and crisp
- Chianti – medium-bodied red
- Vermentino – refreshing white wine
Garnishing Tips
Transform your hearty soup into a restaurant-quality dish with these simple garnishing techniques:
- Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Add chopped fresh parsley
- Drizzle extra virgin olive oil
- Crack fresh black pepper on top
- Add a swirl of cream for extra richness
These serving suggestions will turn your chicken gnocchi soup into a memorable meal. It celebrates the warmth and comfort of traditional Italian cuisine.
Conclusion
We’ve looked into every tasty aspect of this comfort food classic. The Italian Chicken Gnocchi Soup is more than a recipe. It’s a journey that turns simple ingredients into a warm meal. With 218.9K recipe shares, it’s clear many love it.
Choosing the right gnocchi and mastering cooking techniques are key. You now have the skills to make a top-notch soup. Cooking is all about being creative. Feel free to change ingredients and seasonings to make it your own.
Your kitchen is now a place where you can make authentic Italian comfort food. The skills you’ve learned will help you with many recipes. Enjoy the process, trust your taste, and relish every bite of your homemade soup.
Buon appetito, and happy cooking!
