Discover the heartwarming comfort of Marry Me Chicken and Gnocchi Soup, where tender chicken and pillowy gnocchi combine in a luscious, creamy broth. This soup, infused with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh baby spinach, offers a satisfying and flavorful experience perfect for chilly nights or special dinners with loved ones.
With easy-to-follow steps and wholesome ingredients, this soup captures authentic Italian flavors that will delight your senses and impress your guests. Cozy up with a bowl of this rich, savory creation that feels like a warm embrace in every spoonful.
- Creamy, comforting texture perfect for warming up on cold days.
- Combines tender chicken and soft gnocchi for satisfying heartiness.
- Sun-dried tomatoes and spinach add layers of fresh, savory flavor.
- Easy to make with common pantry staples and minimal prep time.
- Versatile for casual dinners or elegant gatherings alike.
Ingredients
- Butter: Adds rich, creamy depth while sautéing the aromatic vegetables to create the soup’s flavorful base.
- Yellow Onion, diced: Provides a subtle sweetness and foundational aroma that enhances the overall flavor.
- Carrots, diced: Contribute natural sweetness and texture, perfectly balancing the savory elements.
- Celery, diced: Offers a mild bitterness and crispness that enrich the soup’s complexity.
- Garlic Cloves, minced: Infuse bold, aromatic notes essential to Italian-inspired dishes.
- Tomato Paste: Concentrates deep, umami-rich tomato flavor that brightens the creamy broth.
- Shelf-Stable Gnocchi: Soft, pillowy Italian dumplings that provide comforting body to the soup.
- Cooked, Shredded Chicken: Tender protein that makes this soup hearty and filling.
- Heavy Cream: Creates a luscious, velvety texture that carries all the flavors beautifully.
- Cream Cheese: Adds smooth richness and slight tang, making the broth decadently creamy.
- Baby Spinach: Delicate greens that wilt into the soup, adding freshness and vibrant color.
- Chicken Bouillon or Broth: Forms the savory liquid base, enhancing overall depth of flavor.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Impart sweet, intense tomato notes and a chewy texture contrast.
Instructions
- Melt Butter and Sauté Vegetables
Begin by melting butter in a large pot over medium heat, then add diced onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté until the vegetables are softened and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. This foundational step develops the soup’s rich, aromatic base by caramelizing the natural sugars in the vegetables.
- Add Garlic, Tomato Paste, and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until aromatic, then mix in the tomato paste and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. This step intensifies the tomato flavor and adds a robust, slightly tangy depth that complements the creamy broth perfectly.
- Pour in Broth and Heavy Cream, Then Bring to Boil
Add chicken bouillon or broth along with the heavy cream to the pot, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, which allows the flavors to meld and prepares the broth for cooking the gnocchi and chicken thoroughly.
- Cook Gnocchi and Add Shredded Chicken
Once boiling, add the shelf-stable gnocchi and shredded chicken to the pot. Cook until the gnocchi float to the surface, approximately 3-4 minutes, signaling they are perfectly tender. This method ensures the gnocchi are cooked through without becoming mushy.
- Incorporate Cream Cheese and Baby Spinach
Turn off the heat and stir in the cream cheese until it melts smoothly into the soup, creating a rich, velvety texture. Then add the baby spinach and stir gently until the leaves wilt, which adds a fresh, vibrant contrast both in color and flavor.
- Use cooked, shredded rotisserie chicken for convenience without sacrificing flavor.
- Gnocchi cooks quickly; watch carefully to avoid overcooking, which can cause them to become mushy.
- For a lighter option, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream, but expect a less rich texture.
Storage Tips
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat to preserve the creamy texture and avoid curdling.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this soup with warm crusty bread or a crisp green salad for a balanced meal. A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top enhances the savory flavors beautifully.
- For enhanced flavor, toast the gnocchi lightly in a pan before adding to the soup for a subtle golden crust.
- If preferred, substitute fresh gnocchi but adjust cooking time accordingly. Fresh gnocchi cook faster and require gentle handling.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing to introduce a gentle heat that elevates the flavor profile.
FAQs
- Can I use fresh chicken instead of cooked chicken?
Yes, but you’ll need to cook the chicken first by poaching or baking it before shredding and adding to the soup to ensure it’s fully cooked and tender.
- What type of gnocchi works best in this soup?
Shelf-stable gnocchi is convenient and cooks evenly in the soup. Fresh gnocchi can be used but will require shorter cooking times to avoid overcooking.
- Is there a dairy-free alternative for the cream and cream cheese?
You can substitute coconut milk or cashew cream for heavy cream and cream cheese, but the flavor and texture will differ slightly from the original recipe.
- Can I prepare this soup in advance?
Yes, you can make the soup up to 24 hours ahead. Reheat gently and add fresh spinach right before serving for the best texture.
- How to make the soup spicier?
Incorporate red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce during the garlic sauté step for a mild to medium heat level.
- What can I serve this soup with?
It’s delicious with garlic bread, a fresh baguette, or paired with a light salad for a complete meal.
Marry Me Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Equipment
- 1 large pot
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 yellow onion diced
- 2 carrots diced
- 2 ribs celery diced
- 6 garlic cloves minced
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- Sun-dried tomatoes amount unspecified
- 1 pound shelf-stable gnocchi
- 3 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- 2 cups baby spinach
Instructions
- Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat, then sauté onion, carrots, and celery until tender.
- Add minced garlic and cook briefly before stirring in tomato paste and sun-dried tomatoes.
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, then bring the mixture to a boil.
- Add gnocchi and shredded chicken, boiling until the gnocchi float, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Turn off heat, stir in cream cheese until melted, then mix in baby spinach until wilted.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen spinach as an alternative.
- Store leftovers refrigerated up to 3 days.
- Serve with crusty bread for a full meal.
