Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Here’s a recipe for a Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup that is rich, comforting, and full of flavor:

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast (or thighs)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 medium carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1/2 teaspoon ground sage
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups whole milk (or heavy cream for extra richness)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 package (16 oz) potato gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped (optional for extra greens)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Chicken:
   • Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil or butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
   • Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then cook for 6-7 minutes per side until fully cooked through.
   • Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside to rest. Once cooled slightly, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces using two forks.
2. Sauté Vegetables:
   • In the same pot, add the remaining olive oil or butter. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
   • Add the minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, sage, salt, and pepper. Stir and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Add Broth and Milk:
   • Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
   • Add the milk (or cream) and stir to combine.
4. Add Gnocchi and Chicken:
   • Bring the soup back to a gentle simmer. Add the gnocchi to the pot and cook according to the package instructions (usually 2-3 minutes, or until they float to the top).
   • Add the shredded chicken back into the pot and stir.
5. Finish the Soup:
   • Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped spinach, if using. Let the spinach wilt into the soup for 1-2 minutes.
   • Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
6. Serve:
   • Ladle the creamy chicken gnocchi soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.

Enjoy your hearty and creamy chicken gnocchi soup! Perfect for cozying up on a cold day.