December 7, 2015

Chicken, gnocchi, and spinach soup


We aren't having a very cold December here in the Buffalo area, if you can believe it. In fact, we haven't even had a measurable snow fall yet! It's crazy and we've actually broken a record for the latest measurable snow fall. It's been in the 40s and 50s, which is unheard of in December if Buffalo. It doesn't feel like the holidays at all. But, that doesn't stop me from making and consuming cozy warming soups. It's high soup season in my kitchen

Now, as I'm sure I've mentioned before, my husband isn't always a huge soup fan. It's gotta be a really hearty soup for him to feel like it's a full meal. This soup definitely fits that bill because it's full of vegetables, chicken, and little gnocchi pillows - it's a complete meal with a thick and creamy broth. A hearty bread is never a bad idea to sop all the leftover broth at the end! This soup will serve about four people. It's perfect for a wintery evening or afternoon. 


Chicken, gnocchi, and spinach soup
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 medium carrots, diced
2 celery ribs, chopped
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 garlic cloves, minced
about 1-1/2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken thighs, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1-1/4 teaspoons Italian seasoning
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup half and half (or whole milk)
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 lb. package prepared gnocchi
1/4 lb. baby spinach 
freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving, optional

In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Add the carrots, celery, and onion along with a good pinch of salt and a couple grinds of pepper. Stir well and cook until the onions begin to turn translucent. Then stir in the garlic. 

Stir in the chicken, parsley, and Italian seasoning. Continue to cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes. Then stir in the chicken broth.

In a glass measuring cup or small bowl, whisk together the half and half (or milk) and flour until not lumps remain. Whisk into the soup. Let the soup come to a boil and reduce to a simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the soup thickens. 

Stir the gnocchi into the pot and bring the soup up to a low boil. Continue to cook until the gnocchi is floating and cooked through. Stir in the spinach until just wilted and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot topped with Parmesan cheese, if desired.


What was I cooking one year ago?: chocolate chip butternut squash oatmeal cookies
Two years ago?: Concord grape tart w/ cinnamon crumble
Three years ago?: clementine & anise seed cookies
Four?: Guinness gingerbread
5?: Swedish meatballs

19 comments:

  1. hearty soups are my favorite too! this soup sounds delicious! it hasn't been very cold here either...this weekend we had temps in the high 50s and next weekend the high is 72!

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  2. This soup looks so delicious and comforting to me! I love the idea of soft pillowy gnocchi with this creamy sauce! I'm making this, cold weather or not!

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  3. I'm loving the winter so far here in Rochester - no snow and not that cold at all! I could get used to this :) Although I miss snow at Christmas time! Love this soup so much!

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  4. Looks so creamy and delicious! I never thought of making a batch of soup with gnocchi but this looks mega tasty. Thanks.

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  5. This looks stick-to-your-ribs delicious! The perfect bowl of comfort food! It has all my favorite things in it - wish I had a big bowl right now.

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  6. I love adding gnocchi to soup. It makes it much more filling and really comforting too.

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  7. This sounds so comforting, perfect for a cold evening (I wouldn't mind taking some to work the next day!)

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  8. Ohhhh, Yummmm! I LOVE a good bowl of soup in the winter!!! Pinning this now!

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  9. All my favorite elements in one pot. Just need to grab a big spoon to polish it off ;)

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  10. Ohhhh....I love thick, creamy & hearty soups like this. A good loaf of bread to go with it and I'm golden :)

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  11. Other than maybe 3 fairly cold days in November, we've had really warm weather too for this time of the year. I'll take it, though! I'm sure the cold stuff will arrive eventually. Anyway, What a terrific soup. We eat soup at least once a week in the fall and winter, so your timing is perfect. Thanks!

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  12. what a great idea to use gnocchi in a soup! I am so going to try that next winter :)

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  13. I've finally learned to use a Dutch Oven to cook soup in and it's been wonderful! Your soup looks like the perfect winter soup and so filling, although my husband complains about soup not being a full meal, blah blah blah. It kind of reminds me of that soup from the Olive Garden, which we love, only it looks better and more colorful and filling.

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  14. This sounds like a delicious bowl of comfort! Love the ingredients list.

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  15. Amy, same here - the temperatures are way too high for this tome of year but thta does not stop us either from enjoying a hearty bowl of soup every once in a while - your suop certianly looks like comfort food, pure wintry goodness!
    Andrea

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  16. Oh My Lord! This soup looks out of this world, it's just perfect.

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