Marry Me Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Short Description

Marry Me Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a rich, creamy, and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a luscious, parmesan-infused broth. This recipe is inspired by the famous “Marry Me Chicken,” known for its irresistible flavor that’s said to be proposal-worthy. Packed with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Italian herbs, this comforting soup is perfect for cozy nights or impressing a loved one.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and Creamy: A decadent broth infused with heavy cream and parmesan cheese makes this soup exceptionally indulgent.
• Easy to Make: This one-pot recipe is simple yet delivers restaurant-quality results.
• Hearty and Satisfying: With tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a creamy broth, this soup is a complete meal in itself.
• Customizable: Easily tweak the ingredients to fit different diets or preferences.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family dinners, date nights, or meal prepping for the week.

Ingredients

chicken breasts or thighs
sun-dried tomatoes
butter
garlic
onion
chicken broth
heavy cream
parmesan cheese
gnocchi
Italian seasoning
red pepper flakes
spinach
salt and pepper
olive oil

Directions

1. Cook the Chicken: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until golden brown and fully cooked, then remove from the pot and set aside.
2. Sauté Aromatics: Melt butter in the same pot, then add chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until fragrant and softened.
3. Build the Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and add sun-dried tomatoes. Bring to a simmer and let the flavors meld for a few minutes.
4. Add the Cream and Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and stir in heavy cream and grated parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and the broth becomes creamy.
5. Cook the Gnocchi: Add the gnocchi directly into the pot, letting them cook according to package instructions until they float to the top.
6. Shred the Chicken and Add Spinach: Shred the cooked chicken and return it to the pot. Stir in fresh spinach and let it wilt.
7. Final Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.
8. Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve warm, optionally garnished with extra parmesan and fresh herbs.

Variations

• Dairy-Free Version: Swap out heavy cream for coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Replace gnocchi with cauliflower florets or zucchini noodles.
• Extra Veggies: Add mushrooms, carrots, or bell peppers for more nutrition.
• Spicier Kick: Increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
• Protein Swap: Try using shrimp, turkey, or even plant-based protein instead of chicken.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 4-6

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: This soup can be frozen for up to 2 months, but the texture of the gnocchi may change slightly upon thawing.
• Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to maintain its consistency.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking fresh chicken?

Yes! Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut that saves time and still delivers great flavor.

What type of gnocchi should I use?

Shelf-stable, refrigerated, or homemade gnocchi all work well. Just adjust cooking time accordingly.

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes! Cook the chicken separately or add it whole to the slow cooker with the broth. Shred it before serving.

How do I make it thicker?

If you want a thicker soup, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little water and stir it in.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried?

Sun-dried tomatoes add a deep, concentrated flavor, but you can use fresh tomatoes for a lighter taste.

What’s the best way to reheat without curdling the cream?

Reheat over low heat and avoid boiling to prevent the dairy from separating.

Is this soup gluten-free?

Gnocchi often contains gluten, but you can use a gluten-free version or substitute with another carb.

Can I add wine to enhance the flavor?

A splash of white wine added before the broth can deepen the flavors beautifully.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare it a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just reheat gently before serving.

How can I lighten up this soup?

Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the amount of cheese for a lighter version.

Conclusion

Marry Me Chicken Gnocchi Soup is the perfect blend of rich flavors, creamy texture, and hearty ingredients. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or a cozy meal at home, this recipe is sure to impress. Try it today and see why it’s love at first bite!

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