This creamy Chicken Bacon Gnocchi Soup is the perfect dish for any occasion! It combines the rich flavors of crispy bacon, tender chicken, and fluffy gnocchi in a comforting broth. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a cozy weekend dinner, this soup checks all the boxes. It’s easy to make, irresistibly delicious, and sure to warm you up on chilly days.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe takes only 45 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Comforting and Hearty: The combination of gnocchi and cream makes this soup satisfying and filling.
- Versatile Ingredients: Use rotisserie chicken and store-bought gnocchi to save time without sacrificing flavor.
- Crowd-Pleaser: With its creamy texture and savory taste, this soup is likely to please both kids and adults alike.
- Customizable: Add your favorite vegetables or spices to make it your own!
Tools and Preparation
Gathering the right tools will make the cooking process smoother. Here are some essential tools you’ll need to create this delightful Chicken Bacon Gnocchi Soup.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large soup pot
- Cutting board
- Kitchen shears (optional)
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Large soup pot: Essential for cooking the ingredients evenly while providing enough space for simmering.
- Kitchen shears: Makes cutting bacon quick and easy, saving time when preparing ingredients.
Ingredients
This creamy chicken bacon gnocchi soup is easy, irresistible, and fast comfort food! It has simple ingredients like bacon, rotisserie chicken, store-bought gnocchi, and fresh spinach.
For the Soup Base
- 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
For the Gnocchi and Chicken
- 1 pound uncooked potato gnocchi
- 2 cups cooked/rotisserie chicken
- 2 cups (packed) fresh baby spinach
- Salt & pepper to taste
How to Make Chicken Bacon Gnocchi Soup
Step 1: Cook the Bacon
Cut the bacon into small pieces (I use my kitchen shears to make this job easy) and add it to a soup pot over medium-high heat. Cook until crispy (about 10 minutes).
Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic
Meanwhile, prep the other ingredients. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate and leave about 2 tablespoons of the bacon fat in the pot. Add the onion to the pot and sauté for 4-5 minutes or until softened and lightly browned. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Add the chicken broth, cream, Italian seasoning, gnocchi, and most of the cooked bacon to the pot (I reserve some bacon for garnishing). Give it a good stir and scrape up any brown bits from the bottom of the pot. Increase heat to high and bring it to a boil.
Step 4: Simmer the Soup
Once boiling, reduce heat so it’s gently simmering. Cover with lid slightly ajar. Cook for 15 minutes (stir occasionally just to ensure gnocchi isn’t sticking).
Step 5: Final Touches
Once the soup reaches your desired thickness (it continues to thicken as it cooks), add in the cooked chicken and spinach. Let it warm through for a few minutes. Season with salt & pepper as needed and serve immediately.
How to Serve Chicken Bacon Gnocchi Soup
Serving chicken bacon gnocchi soup is a delightful experience that can be enhanced with a few simple additions. Here are some enjoyable ways to serve this comforting dish.
Add Fresh Herbs
- Basil: Sprinkle some fresh basil on top for a pop of color and flavor.
- Parsley: Chopped parsley adds a fresh touch and enhances the presentation.
Pair with Bread
- Crusty Baguette: Serve alongside slices of warm, crusty baguette for dipping.
- Garlic Bread: A side of garlic bread complements the creamy soup perfectly.
Top It Off
- Extra Bacon: Add crispy bacon bits on top for an extra crunch.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grate fresh Parmesan cheese for a rich, salty finish.
Include a Salad
- Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad provides a crisp contrast to the creamy soup.
- Spinach Salad: A light spinach salad dressed with vinaigrette balances the meal nicely.
How to Perfect Chicken Bacon Gnocchi Soup
Perfecting your chicken bacon gnocchi soup can elevate it from good to great. Here are a few tips to ensure delicious results every time.
- Use Quality Ingredients: Fresh ingredients make all the difference in flavor and texture.
- Don’t Overcook Gnocchi: Keep an eye on the gnocchi; overcooking can lead to mushy pasta.
- Adjust Thickness: If you prefer a thicker soup, let it simmer longer without the lid.
- Add Veggies: Consider adding other vegetables like carrots or celery for added nutrition and texture.
Best Side Dishes for Chicken Bacon Gnocchi Soup
To round out your meal, consider serving these tasty side dishes alongside chicken bacon gnocchi soup. Each option complements the flavors of the soup beautifully.
- Garlic Knots: Soft and buttery, these knots are perfect for dipping into your soup.
- Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil create a refreshing contrast.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned roasted veggies add flavor and color to your table.
- Stuffed Mushrooms: These savory bites pair well with the creamy soup.
- Cornbread: Sweet cornbread offers a delightful balance to the savory flavors.
- Cheesy Quesadillas: Crispy quesadillas filled with cheese provide a fun twist alongside the soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Creating a delicious Chicken Bacon Gnocchi Soup can be simple, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for. Here are a few mistakes to avoid:
Skipping the bacon crisping step: Failing to cook the bacon until crispy can lead to a greasy soup. Always take the time to render the fat and achieve a nice crunch.
Overcooking the gnocchi: Cooking gnocchi for too long can make them mushy. Follow the cooking time closely for the best texture.
Neglecting seasoning adjustments: Not tasting and adjusting seasoning can result in bland soup. Always season to your preference before serving.
Using low-quality broth: A poor-quality chicken broth can affect the overall flavor. Opt for a good quality or homemade broth for the best results.
Adding spinach too early: Adding spinach too soon may cause it to wilt excessively. Stir it in just before serving for freshness and color.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Keep leftovers in an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing Chicken Bacon Gnocchi Soup
- Place in freezer-safe containers.
- Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.
Reheating Chicken Bacon Gnocchi Soup
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), transfer soup to an oven-safe dish, cover, and heat for about 20-25 minutes.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in intervals of 1-2 minutes, stirring in between.
- Stovetop: Heat over medium heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Chicken Bacon Gnocchi Soup:
Can I use frozen gnocchi in Chicken Bacon Gnocchi Soup?
Yes, frozen gnocchi works well! Just add them directly into the soup without thawing first.
How do I make Chicken Bacon Gnocchi Soup dairy-free?
Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or any preferred dairy-free alternative.
What can I add for extra flavor?
You can enhance flavor by adding fresh herbs like thyme or parsley, or even a splash of lemon juice before serving.
How long does Chicken Bacon Gnocchi Soup last in the fridge?
It lasts up to 3 days when stored properly in an airtight container.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Bacon Gnocchi Soup is not only comforting but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with additional vegetables or spices according to your taste preferences. Give this easy recipe a try; it’s sure to become a family favorite!
Chicken Bacon Gnocchi Soup
This Chicken Bacon Gnocchi Soup is a delightful blend of creamy broth, crispy bacon, tender chicken, and fluffy gnocchi. Perfect for cozy dinners or quick weeknight meals, this comforting soup is not only easy to make but also packed with flavor. The combination of savory ingredients creates a heartwarming dish that warms you up on chilly days, making it a favorite among families. With just 45 minutes from start to finish, this recipe is ideal for those seeking a satisfying and delicious meal that everyone will love.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 6 strips bacon
- 1/2 medium onion (chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 pound uncooked potato gnocchi
- 2 cups cooked rotisserie chicken
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large soup pot over medium-high heat, cook chopped bacon until crispy (about 10 minutes). Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
- Sauté onion in the same pot with reserved bacon fat for 4-5 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
- Add chicken broth, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, gnocchi, and most bacon to the pot. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for about 15 minutes until gnocchi are tender.
- Stir in cooked chicken and spinach; warm through. Season with salt and pepper before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
