Chicken Bacon Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Introduction

Welcome to our delicious Chicken Bacon Gnocchi Soup recipe! This hearty soup is perfect for a cozy dinner and is sure to become a family favorite. Combining the rich flavors of chicken, crispy bacon, and tender gnocchi, this soup is comforting and satisfying. Follow our detailed guide to prepare this mouthwatering dish that will impress your guests and delight your taste buds.

Ingredients

To prepare this flavorful Chicken Bacon Gnocchi Soup, you will need the following ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
• 6 slices of bacon, chopped
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 pound potato gnocchi
• 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Preparation

Step 1: Cook the Chicken and Bacon

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.

In the same pot, add the chopped bacon. Cook until crispy, stirring occasionally, for about 5-6 minutes. Remove the bacon and set aside with the chicken.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Drain excess fat from the pot, leaving about 2 tablespoons. Add the chopped onion, diced carrots, and diced celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the onion is translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.

Step 3: Prepare the Soup Base

Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and milk. Stir to combine. Add the dried thyme and dried basil, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.

Step 4: Cook the Gnocchi

Add the potato gnocchi to the pot and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 2-3 minutes. The gnocchi will float to the top when they are done. Stir in the cooked chicken and bacon, allowing them to heat through.

Step 5: Add the Spinach and Cheese

Stir in the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and well combined.

Serving Suggestions

Ladle the Chicken Bacon Gnocchi Soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. This soup is perfect for a weeknight dinner or as a comforting dish on a cold day.

Tips for the Best Chicken Bacon Gnocchi Soup

1. Use high-quality chicken broth: The flavor of the broth greatly affects the overall taste of the soup. Opt for a good-quality chicken broth or make your own for the best results.
2. Don’t overcook the gnocchi: Gnocchi cooks quickly and can become mushy if overcooked. Keep an eye on them and remove the pot from heat as soon as they float to the top.
3. Adjust the consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add a slurry of cornstarch and water (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) to the pot and simmer until the soup thickens. For a thinner soup, add more chicken broth or milk.
4. Customize the vegetables: Feel free to add or substitute other vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers to suit your taste.
5. Make it ahead: This soup can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth or milk to thin it out if needed.

Nutritional Information

This Chicken Bacon Gnocchi Soup is not only delicious but also provides a good balance of protein, carbohydrates, and fats. Here is a rough estimate of the nutritional content per serving:

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fat: 25g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 4g

Conclusion

Our Chicken Bacon Gnocchi Soup recipe is a delightful and hearty meal that brings together the savory flavors of chicken, bacon, and gnocchi in a creamy, comforting broth. Whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining guests, this soup is sure to impress. Enjoy the warm, rich taste of this wonderful dish, and don’t forget to share it with your loved ones.