garden chicken gnocchi spinach soup

Garden Chicken Gnocchi Spinach Soup Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 medium carrots, thinly sliced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
• 1 package (16 oz) potato gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

1. Sauté the Chicken:
   • In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat.
   • Add the chicken pieces and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
   • Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

1. Cook the Aromatics:
   • In the same pot, add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables are softened.
   • Add the minced garlic, thyme, and basil, and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Make the Soup Base

1. Add Broth:
   • Pour in the chicken broth, stirring to combine with the vegetables.
   • Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Step 4: Add Gnocchi and Cream

1. Cook the Gnocchi:
   • Stir in the gnocchi and cook according to package instructions (usually about 3-4 minutes) until they float to the surface and are tender.
2. Add the Cream:
   • Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in the heavy cream. Let the soup gently simmer for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.

Step 5: Finish with Spinach and Chicken

1. Add Spinach and Chicken:
   • Stir the fresh spinach into the soup until it wilts, about 1-2 minutes.
   • Return the cooked chicken to the pot and simmer for another 2-3 minutes to heat through.

Step 6: Serve

1. Garnish and Serve:
   • Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
   • Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.

Tips:

• Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other garden vegetables like zucchini, peas, or bell peppers for more variety.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut milk or a non-dairy cream alternative in place of heavy cream.
• Make It Thicker: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can make a slurry with 1 tablespoon cornstarch and 2 tablespoons water and stir it into the soup.

Cooking Time:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

Nutritional Information (per serving, about 6 servings):

• Calories: ~400 kcal
• Protein: ~25g
• Fat: ~20g
• Carbohydrates: ~30g
• Fiber: ~3g

This Garden Chicken Gnocchi Spinach Soup is a cozy and hearty meal packed with flavors from the garden and tender gnocchi. It’s perfect for a nourishing family dinner or a comforting lunch!