Creamy Chicken and Bacon Gnocchi Soup Recipe For Cozy Evenings

Warming comfort arrives through this delectable chicken and bacon gnocchi soup that promises pure culinary magic.

Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly in a creamy broth guaranteed to chase away winter chills.

Soft potato dumplings nestle alongside tender chicken pieces and crispy bacon bits.

Rich flavors dance across your palate with each spoonful of this comforting classic.

Nutritious and satisfying, the soup delivers a perfect balance between indulgence and wholesome goodness.

Preparing this recipe feels like wrapping yourself in a delicious, savory blanket.

Dive into a bowl that will instantly become your new cold-weather favorite.

Flavorful Twists On Chicken And Bacon Gnocchi Soup

• Creamy Vegetarian Gnocchi Stew: Replace chicken and bacon with mushrooms and vegetable broth for a meat-free version.
• Spicy Southwest Gnocchi Soup: Add diced green chiles, cumin, and swap spinach for cilantro to create a zesty southwestern flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Herb Gnocchi Soup: Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, and replace Parmesan with crumbled feta cheese for a Mediterranean touch.
• Dairy-Free Lean Protein Gnocchi Soup: Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream, add white beans for extra protein, and garnish with fresh herbs.

What To Serve With Chicken And Bacon Gnocchi Soup

• Pair Rustic Red Wine: Select a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the rich, hearty flavors of the chicken and bacon gnocchi soup. Its acidity will cut through the creamy texture while enhancing the smoky bacon notes.
• Serve Crusty Artisan Bread: Choose a rustic sourdough or rosemary focaccia to soak up the creamy broth. The bread's crispy exterior and soft interior provide the perfect textural contrast to the soup's velvety consistency.
• Match Fresh Herb Salad: Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the soup's richness. The peppery greens and bright citrus will refresh the palate between creamy spoonfuls.

Storing Chicken And Bacon Gnocchi Soup The Easy Way

• Store soup in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is completely sealed to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other refrigerator odors.
• Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing gnocchi separately, as they may become mushy when thawed.
• Warm soup over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth to restore original consistency if the soup has thickened. Heat until steaming hot, about 5-7 minutes.
• Place soup in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals. Stir between intervals to ensure even heating. Stop when soup reaches desired temperature.

Chicken And Bacon Gnocchi Soup FAQ Guide

• Is gnocchi gluten-free?

Not all gnocchi are gluten-free. Traditional gnocchi are made with wheat flour, which contains gluten. However, you can find gluten-free gnocchi made from potato or alternative flours in specialty stores.

• Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen vegetables work well in this soup. Just add them directly to the pot and adjust cooking time slightly. They’re convenient and still provide good nutrition and flavor.

• What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half, whole milk, or even coconut milk as alternatives. Each will slightly change the soup’s richness and flavor profile, but they’ll still create a creamy texture.

Why Chicken And Bacon Gnocchi Soup Is So Cozy

• Craft Comfort in a Bowl: This chicken and bacon gnocchi soup delivers ultimate comfort food with rich, hearty flavors that warm you from inside out.
• Master One-Pot Magic: Prepare an entire delicious meal using just one pot, minimizing kitchen cleanup and making cooking super simple for busy home chefs.
• Customize Your Culinary Creation: Easily adapt the recipe by swapping spinach with kale, using different proteins, or adjusting seasonings to match personal taste preferences.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dinner Solution: Perfect for family gatherings, weeknight dinners, or when you want a satisfying meal that appeals to multiple age groups and taste buds.

What Goes Into Chicken And Bacon Gnocchi Soup

• Chicken Breast: A lean protein that adds hearty flavor and substance to the soup.
• Bacon: Provides a rich, smoky taste and crispy texture as a topping.

• Onion, Carrots, Celery: A classic mirepoix that creates a flavorful and aromatic base for the soup.
• Garlic: Adds depth and a robust flavor to the overall dish.
• Baby Spinach: Introduces a fresh, green element and provides additional nutrients.

• Chicken Broth: Serves as the primary liquid base, adding richness and depth to the soup.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a creamy and luxurious texture in the soup.
• Parmesan Cheese: Offers a salty, nutty flavor and helps to thicken the soup.

• Dried Thyme, Salt, Pepper: Provide essential seasoning and enhance the overall flavor profile.
• Gnocchi: Serves as the starchy component, adding heartiness and texture to the soup.
• Olive Oil: Used for cooking and adding a subtle flavor to the base.

How To Make Chicken And Bacon Gnocchi Soup

Step 1: Crisp the Bacon

Grab a large pot and heat olive oil over medium heat. Toss in chopped bacon and cook until it turns deliciously crispy, around 5 minutes. Scoop out the bacon pieces and set them aside, keeping those delectable drippings in the pot.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetable Base

• Chopped onion
• Carrots
• Celery

Cook while stirring occasionally until the vegetables soften and become tender, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 3: Awaken the Garlic

Sprinkle in minced garlic and let it dance in the pot for 1-2 minutes until its aroma fills your kitchen.

Step 4: Build the Flavor Foundation

Introduce shredded chicken breast to the pot along with dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together for a minute to let the flavors get acquainted.

Step 5: Create the Broth

Pour in chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it bubble away for 10 minutes, allowing all the flavors to blend beautifully.

Step 6: Add Creamy Richness

Splash in heavy cream and return the soup to a soft simmer, creating a luxurious texture.

Step 7: Cook the Gnocchi

Drop in the gnocchi and cook according to package instructions, typically 2-3 minutes or until they float to the surface.

Step 8: Wilt the Spinach

Stir in baby spinach and cook until it wilts and turns a vibrant green, about 2 minutes.

Step 9: Finish with Cheese

Remove the pot from heat and stir in grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into a smooth, creamy consistency.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the soup into bowls, sprinkle with crispy bacon pieces, and add extra Parmesan if you’re feeling indulgent. Serve piping hot and savor every spoonful!

Best Tips For Chicken And Bacon Gnocchi Soup

• Drain excess bacon fat for a lighter soup, keeping just enough for flavor enhancement.
• Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk for a lower-calorie version.
• Select fresh or vacuum-sealed gnocchi for the best texture and quick cooking time.
• Chop vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent flavor distribution.
• Add fresh herbs like basil or parsley as a final garnish to brighten the soup's taste profile.

Chicken and Bacon Gnocchi Soup Recipe

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4.8 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 37-46 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy chicken and bacon gnocchi soup delivers comfort in a bowl, blending savory flavors and hearty ingredients. Rich Italian-inspired goodness warms souls with each spoonful, inviting you to savor every delicious bite.

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Ingredients

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Protein Base:

• 1 pound cooked, shredded chicken breast
• 4 strips thick-cut bacon, chopped

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cups baby spinach leaves

Liquid and Seasoning:

• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 (16-ounce/454 grams) package potato gnocchi
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Render bacon in a large pot over medium heat until golden and crisp, approximately 5 minutes. Transfer crispy bacon to a side plate, retaining the rendered fat.
2. Sauté diced onion, carrots, and celery in the bacon drippings until vegetables become tender and translucent, about 6 minutes.
3. Introduce minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, releasing aromatic flavors.
4. Incorporate shredded chicken breast with dried thyme, seasoning with salt and pepper. Briefly sauté to integrate ingredients.
5. Pour chicken broth into the pot, allowing the mixture to simmer gently for 10 minutes to develop depth of flavor.
6. Blend heavy cream into the simmering liquid, maintaining a soft, consistent temperature.
7. Carefully drop gnocchi into the soup, cooking until they rise to the surface, typically 2-3 minutes.
8. Fold baby spinach into the soup, allowing leaves to wilt and integrate smoothly.
9. Remove pot from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese until completely melted and the soup reaches a creamy consistency.
10. Garnish with reserved crispy bacon and optional extra Parmesan cheese before serving hot.

Notes

• Bacon Choice: Select thick-cut bacon for maximum flavor and crispiness, enhancing the soup’s overall richness.
• Chicken Prep: Use rotisserie chicken for faster cooking and more tender meat texture if pressed for time.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace traditional gnocchi with cauliflower gnocchi or gluten-free potato gnocchi to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Veggie Boost: Customize the soup by adding extra vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for increased nutrition and depth of flavor.

• Prep Time: 10-15 minutes
• Cook Time: 27-31 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 415 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 730 mg
• Fat: 26 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 23 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg