Italian Restaurant Chicken Gnocchi Soup 🍲🇮🇹

This creamy and savory soup is inspired by the delightful dishes served at Italian restaurants. It’s perfect for a cozy night in or to impress guests at dinner. With tender gnocchi, succulent chicken, and fresh vegetables, this soup is a warm embrace in a bowl. Pair it with some crusty bread to soak up every delicious drop!

Ingredients

For the soup base

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the gnocchi

• 1 pound potato gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)

For the finishing touches

• 2 cups fresh spinach or kale, roughly chopped
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)

Instructions

• In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and cook until browned on all sides, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.

🍗 For extra flavor, season the chicken with Italian herbs while cooking.

• In the same pot, add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.

• Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Add the heavy cream, thyme, basil, red pepper flakes, and season with salt and pepper.

💡 Use low-sodium broth to control the overall saltiness of the soup.

• Return the browned chicken to the pot and let it simmer for about 10 minutes to meld the flavors.

• Meanwhile, cook the gnocchi according to package instructions. They only need a few minutes—once they float to the top, they are done!

• Add the cooked gnocchi and chopped greens to the soup, and stir until the greens are wilted, approximately 2 minutes.

• Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined. Adjust seasoning as needed.

• Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice if desired.

🍋 The lemon juice adds a wonderful brightness to the soup, enhancing the flavors beautifully.

Variations

• Vegetarian: Swap the chicken for white beans or mushrooms, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a satisfying plant-based option. 🌱
• Spicy: Add more red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for an extra kick! 🌶️
• Herby: Swap out the thyme and basil for fresh herbs like rosemary or oregano for a different flavor profile.
• Creamy Vegan: Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream and replace the chicken with chickpeas. Add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.

This cozy Italian Chicken Gnocchi Soup is not just a dish; it's a gathering at the table, bringing everyone together for a warm and satisfying meal. Enjoy! 🍽️💕