
Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup with Bacon and Spinach
There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm, creamy bowl of soup, especially when it’s packed with hearty ingredients like tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, crispy bacon, and fresh spinach. This Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly evenings or whenever you need a little pick-me-up. The best part? It’s easy to make and comes together in just about 30 minutes. Let’s dive into the recipe!
Ingredients
- 6 strips bacon
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 pound uncooked potato gnocchi
- 2 cups cooked/rotisserie chicken, shredded or chopped
- 2 cups (packed) fresh baby spinach
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Bacon
Start by cutting the bacon into small pieces (kitchen shears make this quick and easy!). Add the bacon to a large soup pot over medium-high heat and cook until crispy, about 10 minutes. Once done, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Leave about 2 tablespoons of the bacon fat in the pot—this will add incredible flavor to the soup. - Sauté the Onion and Garlic
Add the chopped onion to the pot and sauté for 4-5 minutes, or until softened and lightly browned. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant. - Build the Soup Base
Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and Italian seasoning. Add the uncooked gnocchi and most of the cooked bacon (reserve some for garnish). Give everything a good stir, scraping up any delicious brown bits from the bottom of the pot. Increase the heat to high and bring the soup to a boil. - Simmer the Soup
Once boiling, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot with the lid slightly ajar and let it cook for about 15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the gnocchi from sticking to the bottom. The soup will thicken as it cooks, so let it simmer until it reaches your desired consistency. - Add the Chicken and Spinach
Stir in the cooked chicken and fresh spinach. Let the soup warm through for a few minutes until the spinach is wilted and the chicken is heated. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. - Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with the reserved crispy bacon. Serve immediately while it’s hot and creamy!
Tips for Success
- Gnocchi: If you’re using store-bought gnocchi, keep an eye on it while cooking, as it can become too soft if overcooked.
- Spinach: Feel free to substitute with kale or another leafy green if preferred.
- Make it Lighter: Swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version.
- Meal Prep: This soup reheats well, making it a great option for meal prep. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
This Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a crowd-pleaser that’s rich, flavorful, and oh-so-satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or just treating yourself, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Enjoy!