This creamy and hearty soup is filled with delicious gnocchi, tender chicken, and fresh vegetables. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for any day!
I love how easy it is to whip up this comforting meal. Every spoonful is so tasty, you’ll want to share it with someone special—just like the name suggests! 💕
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: This is essential for sautéing the chicken and vegetables. If you’re out of olive oil, feel free to use avocado oil, which has a similar flavor profile. I sometimes blend oils for extra depth!
Chicken: While boneless, skinless chicken breasts work great, you can substitute thighs for more flavor and juiciness. Shredded rotisserie chicken could also save time.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These add nice tang and sweetness. If you can’t find them, chopped fresh tomatoes or roasted red peppers work well, though the flavor will change a bit.
Gnocchi: Store-bought gnocchi is super convenient. If you want a healthier option, use cauliflower gnocchi, which is available in many frozen sections. It’s a tasty twist!
Heavy Cream: For a lighter soup, substitute half-and-half or coconut milk. Dairy-free options like cashew cream can also work well for a creamy texture.
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Sauté for Chicken and Vegetables?
Sautéing is key to building flavors in this soup. It’s all about achieving that balance of cooking without burning. Start by making sure your pot is properly heated before adding ingredients.
- Heat olive oil in your pot until it shimmers.
- Season the chicken pieces lightly with salt and pepper for added flavor before adding them to the pot.
- Cook the chicken in a single layer; don’t overcrowd the pot. This helps it brown nicely!
- Once cooked, scraping the pot to loosen browned bits adds depth to your broth—don’t skip this part!
How to Make Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of oregano, basil, thyme)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 (16-ounce) package gnocchi
- 3 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh thyme sprigs
- Fresh basil or oregano leaves (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This soup takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 20 minutes to cook, making it an easy dish to whip up in about 35 minutes. Perfect for a cozy dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Chicken:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces. Sauté them until they are browned and cooked through, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside for later.
2. Cook the Aromatics:
In the same pot, add the minced garlic and chopped onion. Sauté them together until they are fragrant and translucent, which will take about 2-3 minutes. You want to really bring out those delicious flavors!
3. Add Seasoning:
Next, stir in the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes (if you like a touch of heat). Cook for another minute to help release those lovely flavors fully.
4. Pour in the Broth:
Now, pour in the chicken broth while scraping the bottom of the pot to loosen any browned bits—this adds extra flavor to your soup! Bring everything to a simmer.
5. Add Gnocchi and Tomatoes:
Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and gnocchi to the pot. Allow it to simmer for about 3-5 minutes. You’ll know the gnocchi is cooked when they begin to float to the surface.
6. Combine with Cream and Spinach:
Lower the heat and gently stir in the heavy cream, along with the cooked chicken pieces and the chopped spinach. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the spinach is wilted and everything is heated through.
7. Finish with Cheese:
Finally, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and combines well into the soup. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste—don’t be shy with it!
8. Serve It Up:
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh thyme sprigs and, if desired, basil or oregano leaves. It’s beautiful and ready to enjoy!
9. Enjoy with Bread:
Serve the soup hot with some crusty bread on the side for dipping. You’ll love the creamy flavors of this delightful, Tuscan-inspired soup!
Enjoy this rich, creamy, and flavorful Tuscan-inspired chicken gnocchi soup!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Soup?
Yes, you can! Just be sure to fully thaw the chicken first. The easiest way is to leave it in the refrigerator overnight, or you can place it in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in cold water for quicker thawing. Pat dry before cooking for best results!
Can I Make This Soup Vegan?
Absolutely! Substitute the chicken with chickpeas or tofu for protein, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative to keep it creamy!
How Long Does Leftover Soup Last?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing it! Just make sure to leave out the spinach and gnocchi if you plan to freeze, as they don’t hold up well once thawed.
What Pairs Well with This Soup?
This soup is excellent on its own, but you can enhance your meal by serving it with crusty bread or a fresh salad. A sprinkle of additional Parmesan cheese on top can add a nice finishing touch!