Cream of Chicken and Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Cooked chicken: Shredded chicken adds protein and a savory flavor to the soup.

Gnocchi: These Italian potato dumplings provide a unique texture and heartiness to the dish.

Carrots: Diced carrots add sweetness and color to the soup.

Celery: Diced celery contributes a subtle crunch and depth of flavor.

Onion: Diced onions bring a foundational flavor to the soup.

Chicken broth: This forms the base of the soup, adding a rich, savory taste.

Heavy cream: Essential for creating the creamy texture of the soup.

Olive oil: Used for sautéing the vegetables, adding a hint of richness.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the soup.

Pepper: Adds a touch of heat and depth to the dish.

When cooking the onions, carrots, and celery, make sure to dice them uniformly to ensure even cooking. This will help achieve a consistent texture throughout the soup. Additionally, when adding the gnocchi, wait until the chicken broth is at a rolling boil. This will help the gnocchi cook evenly and rise to the top more quickly, indicating they are done.

• cooked chicken - Substitute with cooked turkey: Turkey has a similar texture and flavor profile, making it a great alternative.

• gnocchi - Substitute with mini potato dumplings: These have a similar texture and can absorb the flavors of the soup well.

• carrots - Substitute with parsnips: Parsnips have a slightly sweeter taste but similar texture when cooked.

• celery - Substitute with fennel: Fennel adds a slight anise flavor, which can add depth to the soup.

• onion - Substitute with leeks: Leeks provide a milder, slightly sweeter flavor compared to onions.

• chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can provide a similar base flavor while keeping the dish vegetarian.

• heavy cream - Substitute with coconut milk: Coconut milk provides a creamy texture and a slight sweetness, making it a good dairy-free alternative.

• olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar smoke point and neutral flavor, making it a good substitute.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty and umami flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the soup.

• pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a milder flavor and can blend seamlessly into creamy soups.

• Allow the soup to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation and helps maintain the texture of the gnocchi and vegetables.
• Transfer the cooled soup into airtight containers. For easy portioning, consider using individual serving-sized containers.
• Label the containers with the date of preparation. This helps you keep track of freshness and ensures you consume the soup within a safe timeframe.
• Store the containers in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the soup within 3-4 days. The heavy cream in the soup may separate slightly, but a gentle reheating will bring it back together.
• For longer storage, place the airtight containers in the freezer. The soup can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Be mindful that the texture of the gnocchi may change slightly upon thawing.
• When ready to enjoy, thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. This gradual thawing helps maintain the integrity of the ingredients.
• Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Avoid boiling, as this can cause the heavy cream to curdle.
• Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper after reheating, as flavors can mellow during storage.
• If the soup appears too thick after reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or heavy cream to reach the desired consistency.
• Serve hot and enjoy the comforting flavors of your cream of chicken and gnocchi soup.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Pour the leftover soup into a pot.
  2. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
  3. Add a splash of chicken broth or heavy cream if the soup has thickened too much.
  4. Heat until the soup is steaming hot and the gnocchi is heated through.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Transfer the soup to a microwave-safe bowl.
  2. Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap with a small vent.
  3. Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, then stir.
  4. Continue heating in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the soup is hot.
  5. If the soup seems too thick, stir in a bit of chicken broth or heavy cream.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Pour the soup into an oven-safe dish.
  3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
  4. Heat in the oven for about 20-30 minutes, or until the soup is hot and bubbling.
  5. Stir halfway through to ensure even heating.

• Slow Cooker Method:

  1. Transfer the soup to your slow cooker.
  2. Set to low heat.
  3. Heat for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally.
  4. Add a bit of chicken broth or heavy cream if the soup has thickened too much during storage.

• Double Boiler Method:

  1. Fill the bottom part of a double boiler with water and bring to a simmer.
  2. Place the soup in the top part of the double boiler.
  3. Stir occasionally, heating until the soup is hot and the gnocchi is warmed through.
  4. This method is gentle and helps prevent the soup from scorching.

• Large pot: Used to cook the soup and combine all the ingredients.

• Olive oil: Used to sauté the vegetables and add flavor.

• Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring the ingredients without scratching the pot.

• Knife: Essential for dicing the onions, carrots, and celery.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure out the chicken broth, heavy cream, and other ingredients.

• Measuring spoons: Useful for measuring smaller quantities like salt and pepper.

• Ladle: Perfect for serving the soup into bowls.

• Bowls: Used for serving the finished soup.

• Tongs: Handy for handling the shredded chicken and gnocchi.

• Colander: Useful for draining the gnocchi if needed.

• Peeler: Helps in peeling the carrots before dicing them.

Use rotisserie chicken: Save time by using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken instead of cooking and shredding your own.

Pre-chopped vegetables: Purchase pre-chopped vegetables from the store to cut down on prep time.

Ready-made gnocchi: Opt for store-bought gnocchi to avoid making it from scratch.

One-pot cooking: Use a single large pot to minimize cleanup and streamline the cooking process.

Quick simmer: Simmer the soup for a shorter time by ensuring all ingredients are pre-cooked or quick-cooking.