Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Chop the vegetables: Finely chop the onion, mince the garlic, and dice the celery and carrots.
- Dice the chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into small, bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken and Vegetables
- Heat the olive oil and butter: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat until the butter is melted and bubbly.
- Cook the chicken: Add the diced chicken to the pot and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
- Sauté the vegetables: In the same pot, add the chopped onion, garlic, celery, and carrots. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 3: Make the Soup Base
- Add the broth: Pour the chicken broth into the pot with the sautéed vegetables. Stir well to combine.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 4: Cook the Gnocchi
- Add the gnocchi: Add the potato gnocchi to the pot and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 3-5 minutes, until the gnocchi are tender and float to the surface.
Step 5: Finish the Soup
- Add the cream and chicken: Stir in the heavy cream and return the cooked chicken to the pot.
- Add the spinach and thyme: Add the fresh spinach and dried thyme. Stir until the spinach is wilted and the soup is heated through, about 2-3 minutes.
- Season: Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste.
Step 6: Serve
- Garnish: Ladle the creamy chicken gnocchi soup into bowls and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Serve hot: Serve the soup hot with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
Tips for Perfect Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables and spinach add vibrant flavors and textures to the soup.
- Don’t overcook the gnocchi: Be careful not to overcook the gnocchi as they can become mushy.
- Adjust the consistency: If the soup is too thick, you can add more chicken broth or cream to reach your desired consistency.
Conclusion
Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a comforting and hearty dish that’s perfect for any meal. This recipe ensures a rich and flavorful soup packed with tender chicken, soft gnocchi, fresh vegetables, and a creamy broth. Enjoy making and savoring this delightful soup with your family and friends!