If you’re craving a cozy bowl of something rich, creamy, and utterly comforting, look no further than this Marry Me Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe. It’s like a warm hug in soup form, combining tender shredded chicken, pillowy gnocchi, sun-dried tomatoes bursting with flavor, and fresh spinach all swimming in a luscious, cheesy broth. Every spoonful is packed with layers of taste and just the right amount of spice to keep things exciting. Whether you’re cooking for a casual weeknight or a special dinner, this soup is a surefire way to impress and satisfy everyone at your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but each plays an essential role in building the rich, creamy texture and the deep, savory flavor that makes this soup so memorable. Using quality chicken broth and fresh spinach ensures your soup not only tastes great but also feels wholesome and fresh.
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken: The hearty protein base that makes the soup filling and satisfying.
- 1 pound potato gnocchi: Soft, pillowy bites that soak up all the delicious broth.
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped: Gives a burst of tangy, sweet flavor to balance the creaminess.
- 2 cups fresh spinach: Adds vibrant color and a touch of earthiness.
- 1 small onion, finely diced: Builds the savory foundation with gentle sweetness when sautéed.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the soup with aromatic warmth and depth.
- 4 cups chicken broth: The flavorful liquid base that ties everything together.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates the rich, silky texture that feels indulgent yet comforting.
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese: Adds sharp, nutty cheesy notes that elevate the soup.
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs giving the soup its classic Italian flair.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Offers just a hint of heat to keep things lively.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste: To finish and balance all the flavors perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (for sautéing): The fat that helps bloom the onions and garlic beautifully.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
Start by warming olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the finely diced onions and minced garlic, cooking them gently until they’re soft and wonderfully fragrant. This step is crucial because it lays the aromatic foundation of the soup, making every bite bursting with flavor.
Step 2: Build the Broth
Next, pour in the chicken broth, then add chopped sun-dried tomatoes along with the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer and let it mingle for 5 to 7 minutes. This simmer allows the broth to deepen in flavor, letting the tang of tomatoes and warming spices shine through.
Step 3: Add Chicken and Gnocchi
Now it’s time for the soul of the soup—the shredded chicken and potato gnocchi. Stir them into the simmering broth and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes, or until the gnocchi become tender and almost pillowy in the delicious broth.
Step 4: Creamy Cheese Finish
Lower the heat slightly and swirl in the heavy cream and grated parmesan cheese. Let the soup gently cook for another 3 to 4 minutes so it thickens slightly and acquires that irresistible creamy richness. Don’t forget to season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste here—it makes all the difference.
Step 5: Wilt the Spinach
Finally, fold in the fresh spinach leaves. Stir them just until they wilt to maintain their vibrant green color and fresh flavor, which adds a beautiful balance to the creamy, savory soup.
Step 6: Ready to Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls while it’s still steaming hot. Add an extra sprinkle of parmesan and a dash of black pepper or fresh herbs if you like. This final touch makes your Marry Me Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe look as incredible as it tastes.
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your soup experience, consider garnishing with freshly grated parmesan, a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for a gentle heat kick, or even a few torn basil leaves for a fresh herbal note. These additions bring extra texture and layers of flavor that make each bowl feel special.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs beautifully with a crusty baguette or garlic bread to soak up every last drop of the luscious broth. A light side salad with a lemon vinaigrette also balances the richness wonderfully, bringing a bright contrast to the creamy base.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls for an eye-catching presentation that’s both rustic and inviting. Alternatively, use small ramekins for individual servings at a dinner party, allowing your guests to savor the soup with style and elegance.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Marry Me Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe keeps wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve its creamy texture and fresh flavors. Just give it a good stir before reheating.
Freezing
While gnocchi can get a little softer after freezing, you can still freeze the soup for up to 2 months if needed. For best results, freeze the soup without the spinach and add fresh spinach after reheating to keep that vibrant green color and texture.
Reheating
Reheat the soup gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking or curdling. Add a splash of broth or cream if it feels too thick, and toss in fresh spinach at the end to refresh the greens and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken for this soup?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a quick and convenient way to make the soup, and it adds plenty of flavor. Just shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces before adding it to the soup.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
Definitely. You can substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth and skip the chicken or replace it with hearty vegetables like mushrooms or white beans for added protein.
What type of gnocchi works best?
Potato gnocchi, either fresh or store-bought, works beautifully in this recipe because it softens nicely without falling apart, providing an indulgent, chewy texture.
Can I prepare this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the onions and garlic on the stove first, then add all ingredients except the cream, cheese, and spinach to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 3-4 hours, then stir in the cream, cheese, and spinach in the last 15 minutes.
How do I adjust the spice level?
You can control the heat by adjusting the amount of red pepper flakes. If you prefer a milder soup, reduce or omit the flakes entirely; for more kick, add a pinch or two extra when simmering the broth.
Final Thoughts
This Marry Me Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that feels like a special treat any day of the week. Its creamy, rich broth combined with tender chicken, melt-in-your-mouth gnocchi, and fresh spinach makes for an unforgettable meal that’s as comforting as it is delicious. If you haven’t tried this soup yet, it’s time to give it a go—you might just find your new favorite go-to comfort food!
Print
Marry Me Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Marry Me Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a creamy, comforting Italian-inspired soup featuring tender shredded chicken, pillowy potato gnocchi, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and a rich blend of parmesan and heavy cream. This easy-to-make stovetop soup is perfect for a quick dinner that delights with layers of flavor and satisfying textures.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 pound potato gnocchi
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (for sautéing)
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until they become soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. This step builds the flavor base for the soup.
- Simmer Broth and Seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth, then add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 5-7 minutes to marry the flavors together.
- Add Chicken and Gnocchi: Stir in the cooked shredded chicken along with the potato gnocchi. Let the soup simmer for 4-5 minutes until the gnocchi are tender and cooked through, infusing the soup with hearty texture.
- Incorporate Cream and Cheese: Mix in the heavy cream and grated parmesan cheese, stirring well. Allow the soup to cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly, creating a luscious creamy consistency. Adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Add Fresh Spinach: Fold in the fresh spinach leaves, stirring until just wilted. This adds freshness and a pop of color to the soup.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls, garnishing with extra parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of black pepper or fresh herbs for enhanced flavor and presentation. Enjoy warm for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- Use pre-cooked shredded chicken to reduce prep time; rotisserie chicken works well.
- If sun-dried tomatoes are packed in oil, drain before chopping to control oiliness.
- Adjust red pepper flakes based on your preferred spice level.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or milk for heavy cream, but expect a less thick texture.
- Fresh spinach can be replaced with kale or swiss chard for variation.
