October 4, 2024

Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Healthy Fact of the Day

Chicken Gnocchi Soup can be part of a balanced diet when enjoyed in moderation. To make it healthier, consider using whole wheat or cauliflower gnocchi for added nutrients and fiber. You can increase the vegetable content by adding more carrots, celery, or even some zucchini. Using low-fat milk instead of half-and-half can reduce the calorie and fat content. The chicken provides lean protein, while the vegetables offer various vitamins and minerals. To further boost the nutritional value, you could add some white beans for extra protein and fiber. Remember, portion control is key – consider having a smaller serving of soup alongside a fresh green salad for a more balanced meal. This soup can be a comforting way to incorporate vegetables into your diet, especially on cold days when you're craving something warm and satisfying.

Ingredients

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
1 lb potato gnocchi
4 tbsp butter
1 onion, diced
2 celery stalks, chopped
2 carrots, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
4 cups chicken broth
2 cups half-and-half
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried rosemary
1/2 tsp nutmeg
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp olive oil
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Add chicken and cook until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
Remove and set aside.
In the same pot, melt butter. Add onion, celery, and carrots. Cook until vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
Add garlic and cook for another minute.
Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir to combine. Cook for 1 minute.
Slowly pour in chicken broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
Add half-and-half, thyme, rosemary, and nutmeg. Bring to a simmer.
Add gnocchi and cook for 3-4 minutes until they float to the surface.
Return the cooked chicken to the pot and add spinach. Cook until spinach is wilted.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Dip your spoon into this Chicken Gnocchi Soup and watch as it emerges laden with pillowy gnocchi, tender chunks of chicken, and a medley of colorful vegetables, all swimming in a creamy, herb-infused broth. It’s like ladling up a bowlful of comfort, where each spoonful is a perfect harmony of textures and flavors. The gnocchi, those little potato dumplings, are like soft, starchy clouds that melt in your mouth, while the vegetables provide a satisfying bite and a burst of freshness. Whether you’re nursing a cold, seeking solace on a rainy day, or just in need of a warm culinary hug, this soup delivers on all fronts. It’s not just a meal; it’s a soothing balm for your soul, the culinary equivalent of wrapping yourself in a soft, warm blanket fresh from the dryer. So grab your biggest pot, sharpen your knife, and get ready to create a soup that will fill your kitchen with an aroma so inviting, it might just lure the neighbors over. Your spoon is about to embark on a journey through a creamy sea of comfort, dotted with gnocchi islands and vegetable treasures. Bon voyage and bon appétit!