Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch cubes)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
Vegetables
- 1 small yellow onion (diced)
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 rib celery (chopped)
- 1/3 cup shredded carrots
Broth and Herbs
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Other Ingredients
- 16 ounces potato gnocchi
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups baby spinach (roughly chopped)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Brown chicken: Season the chicken cubes with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides, about 4-5 minutes. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté vegetables: In the same pan, add the diced onion, minced garlic, chopped celery, and shredded carrots. Sauté, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Simmer gnocchi: Pour the chicken broth into the pan and stir in dried thyme and oregano. Return the browned chicken to the pan. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 5 minutes to let flavors meld. Add the potato gnocchi to the simmering broth and cook until tender, about 3-5 minutes.
- Finish soup: Stir in the heavy cream and roughly chopped baby spinach. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the spinach wilts and the soup is heated through. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve warm, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt content and enhance flavor.
- For a lighter alternative, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, but the soup may be less creamy.
- Fresh herbs can replace dried thyme and oregano for a more vibrant flavor.
- Ensure gnocchi is cooked just until tender to avoid a mushy texture.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on stovetop or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian