Name: Hearty Chicken Bacon Gnocchi Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 2 chicken breasts or thighs, diced; 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled; 1 package (16 oz) gnocchi; 1 small onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 carrots, diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 4 cups chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated; 2 cups fresh spinach; 2 tbsp butter; 2 tbsp flour; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/2 tsp dried thyme; 1/2 tsp dried basil; 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

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Short Description

Indulge in a bowl of Hearty Chicken Bacon Gnocchi Soup, a rich and creamy comfort food that brings together tender chicken, crispy bacon, pillowy gnocchi, and a flavorful broth. This soup is a perfect blend of textures and flavors, making it an ideal choice for chilly days or when you need a satisfying meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich and Creamy: A luscious, velvety broth that coats every bite.
Savory and Flavorful: The combination of smoky bacon, juicy chicken, and soft gnocchi creates a delicious harmony.
Easy to Make: Comes together quickly with simple ingredients and minimal effort.
Filling and Satisfying: A complete meal in a bowl with protein, carbs, and veggies.
Versatile: Can be adapted with different meats, vegetables, or dairy alternatives.

Ingredients

chicken breast or thighs
bacon
gnocchi
onion
garlic
carrots
celery
chicken broth
heavy cream
Parmesan cheese
spinach
butter
flour
salt
black pepper
dried thyme
dried basil
red pepper flakes (optional)

Directions

Prepare the Ingredients: Cook and crumble the bacon, dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces, and chop the vegetables.
Cook the Bacon: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving the bacon grease in the pot.
Sauté the Vegetables: Add butter to the bacon grease and sauté the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery until softened.
Cook the Chicken: Add the diced chicken to the pot, seasoning with salt, black pepper, thyme, and basil. Cook until the chicken is browned and no longer pink inside.
Make the Roux: Sprinkle flour over the mixture, stirring constantly to create a roux. Cook for about a minute to eliminate the raw flour taste.
Add the Broth: Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring to avoid lumps. Let it simmer for 10-15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Incorporate the Gnocchi: Add the gnocchi and cook until they float to the surface, indicating they are done.
Stir in Cream and Cheese: Reduce heat and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Mix until fully incorporated and creamy.
Add Spinach and Bacon: Stir in fresh spinach and cooked bacon, allowing the spinach to wilt.
Final Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if desired.
Serve and Enjoy: Ladle into bowls and serve warm, garnished with extra cheese or bacon if preferred.

Variations

Dairy-Free: Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream and omit Parmesan.
Vegetarian: Replace chicken with mushrooms or white beans and use vegetable broth.
Spicy Version: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or extra red pepper flakes.
Low-Carb: Swap gnocchi for cauliflower florets or zucchini noodles.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4-6 servings

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezing: This soup is best enjoyed fresh, as the gnocchi may become mushy when frozen.
Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to restore consistency.

FAQs

How do I make the soup thicker?

You can add a bit more flour while making the roux or let the soup simmer longer to reduce excess liquid.

Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?

Yes! Shredded rotisserie chicken works well and reduces cooking time.

What type of gnocchi should I use?

Both shelf-stable and fresh gnocchi work well, but fresh gnocchi cooks faster and has a softer texture.

Can I substitute the bacon?

Absolutely! Turkey bacon, pancetta, or even smoked sausage can be used.

How do I prevent the gnocchi from becoming mushy?

Avoid overcooking—once the gnocchi floats, it’s ready to serve.

Is there a way to lighten this recipe?

Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the amount of bacon and cheese.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, but add the gnocchi and spinach just before serving to maintain their texture.

What can I serve with this soup?

A side of crusty bread, a simple salad, or garlic bread pairs well.

Can I use frozen gnocchi?

Yes, but add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure they cook through.

How do I add more vegetables?

You can include mushrooms, bell peppers, or peas for extra nutrients and flavor.

Conclusion

Hearty Chicken Bacon Gnocchi Soup is the ultimate comfort dish, packed with creamy goodness, bold flavors, and satisfying textures. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion, this soup is sure to impress. Try it today and savor every spoonful!

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