This Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a warm and cozy dish filled with chicken, hearty gnocchi, and fresh spinach in a creamy broth. Perfect for chilly nights!
Trust me, when you serve this soup, people might just fall in love! And the best part? It’s quick to make, so you can enjoy more time with the ones you love. ❤️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this recipe, but you can substitute them with chicken thighs for more flavor and moisture. Pre-cooked shredded chicken also works if you’re short on time.
Gnocchi: The traditional choice, gnocchi, gives the soup a nice heartiness. If you can’t find it, use small pasta like orzo or ditalini instead. Just adjust cooking time accordingly.
Sun-dried tomatoes: These add a lovely tang and depth to the soup. If you’re out, try using fresh tomatoes or canned diced tomatoes. Add a dash of vinegar for that tangy flavor.
Heavy cream: This creates the soup’s creamy texture. If you need a lighter version, use half-and-half or coconut milk. For a dairy-free option, you can try cashew cream.
Spinach: Fresh spinach adds color and nutrients. You can swap it with kale or Swiss chard, but make sure to chop them finely and adjust cooking time since they may take longer to soften.
How Can I Cook Chicken to Keep It Tender and Juicy?
Cooking chicken properly is key to making this soup delicious. Start by seasoning your chicken breasts with salt and pepper before searing them in olive oil. Here’s how to get the best results:
- Heat the oil in your pot first before adding the chicken. This helps to get a nice brown crust.
- Do not overcrowd the pot. Cook in batches if needed; this ensures they sear and don’t steam.
- Sear on medium heat for about 4-5 minutes per side. If you notice them cooking too quickly, lower the heat slightly.
- Let the chicken rest before shredding to keep all the juices locked in. This makes it tender and flavorful.
How to Make Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 package (16 oz) gnocchi
- 4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh thyme or basil for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Tuscan chicken gnocchi soup requires about 15 minutes of prep time and 30 minutes of cooking time, totaling roughly 45 minutes. You’ll spend the first few minutes preparing the ingredients, then cook everything together to create this warm and comforting soup.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sear the Chicken:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken to the pot. Sear for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. After cooking, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.
2. Cook the Aromatics:
In the same pot, add the minced garlic and chopped onion. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture becomes fragrant and the onions are translucent. This will add great flavor to your soup!
3. Add Tomatoes and Spices:
Next, add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes along with red pepper flakes and Italian seasoning. Stir everything together and let it cook for another minute. The aromas will start to blend beautifully at this point.
4. Simmer the Broth:
Pour the chicken broth into the pot and bring everything to a simmer. After that, return the chicken breasts to the pot. Cover the pot and let it cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through.
5. Shred the Chicken:
Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the pot. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. This will make it easier to enjoy in the soup!
6. Cook the Gnocchi:
Add the gnocchi to the simmering broth. Cook according to the package instructions, usually 2-3 minutes, until the gnocchi float to the top. Floating means they’re perfectly cooked!
7. Make It Creamy:
Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until the cheese melts into the soup, creating a deliciously creamy texture.
8. Add Spinach and Finish:
Return the shredded chicken to the pot and add the chopped spinach. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts and everything is heated through. This adds freshness and color to your soup.
9. Taste and Adjust:
Before serving, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. The flavor should be delightful!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh thyme or basil. For an extra kick, sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top if desired. Enjoy your comforting bowl of Tuscan chicken gnocchi soup!
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Soup?
Absolutely! Leftover cooked chicken works perfectly in this recipe. Just shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces and add it during the last stages of cooking to heat through.
What If I Don’t Have Heavy Cream?
No worries! You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version or use coconut milk for a dairy-free option. Just keep in mind that the flavor will slightly change, but it will still be delicious!
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Yes! To make this soup vegetarian, omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add more vegetables like zucchini or carrots for added nutrition and flavor.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
