This Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a cozy hug in a bowl! It features tender chicken, fluffy gnocchi, and fresh spinach all swimming in a creamy, flavorful broth.
You might want to keep this recipe handy because it could win some hearts! ❤️ I love how quickly it comes together, making it perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special date night at home.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: This adds a lovely richness to the soup. You can use vegetable oil or avocado oil if you’re out of olive oil, but I prefer the flavor that olive oil brings.
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts keep it lean and tender. You can swap them for chicken thighs for more flavor or even use rotisserie chicken for convenience!
Heavy Cream: It makes the soup creamy and luxurious. If you want a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or a mixture of milk and softened cream cheese for a similar texture.
Gnocchi: The potato variety gives the best texture. If you’re looking for gluten-free options, there are great gluten-free gnocchi available. You can also substitute pasta if gnocchi isn’t available.
Spinach: Fresh spinach adds vibrant color and nutrients. If you don’t have fresh, you can use frozen spinach—just make sure to thaw and drain it before adding.
How Do I Perfectly Sauté Aromatics Like Onion and Garlic?
Getting the aromatics just right enhances the flavors of your soup. Sautéing perfectly is crucial, and here’s how to do it:
- Heat olive oil in the pot over medium heat.
- Add chopped onions and diced carrots first—these take longer to soften (about 5 minutes).
- Once they’re softened, add minced garlic and cook for just 1 minute. Garlic cooks quickly and can burn easily, so keep an eye on it!
- After these steps, your base will be flavorful and ready for the other ingredients!
How to Make Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 (16 oz) package potato gnocchi
- 3 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This comforting soup takes about 10 minutes to prep and approximately 30 minutes to cook. In total, you’re looking at around 40 minutes from start to finish—perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Chicken:
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Season your chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then add them to the pot. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side until the chicken is golden and fully cooked. Once done, remove the chicken and set it aside to cool.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same pot, add the chopped onion and diced carrots. Sauté these for about 5 minutes until they’re softened. Then, toss in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it becomes fragrant—this is where the magic happens!
3. Add the Broth and Seasonings:
Pour in the chicken broth, drained diced tomatoes, dried Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat. Give everything a good stir to combine.
4. Simmer to Blend Flavors:
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes to allow all those delicious flavors to meld together.
5. Shred the Chicken:
While the soup simmers, take your cooked chicken and shred it into bite-sized pieces. This will make it easier to mix into the soup later.
6. Cook the Gnocchi:
Add the gnocchi to the pot and cook according to the package instructions, which usually takes about 2–3 minutes. They’re done when they float to the top!
7. Stir in Chicken and Spinach:
Now, stir in the shredded chicken, fresh spinach, and the heavy cream. Cook everything together for another 3–5 minutes, just until the spinach wilts and the soup is nicely heated through.
8. Add the Finishing Touch:
Remove the pot from heat, then stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and becomes creamy. This makes the soup rich and delicious!
9. Taste and Adjust:
Give your soup a taste and add extra salt and pepper if needed. It’s always good to check—everyone’s taste is different!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your soup hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Enjoy your cozy bowl of Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Gnocchi Soup!
This creamy and comforting soup is perfect for dinner, combining tender chicken, gnocchi, fresh spinach, and a luxurious broth. Happy cooking!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw the chicken completely before cooking. You can thaw it overnight in the fridge or use the quick method of placing it in a sealed plastic bag and submerging it in cold water for about an hour.
How Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply substitute the chicken with diced mushrooms or canned chickpeas and replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth. You can still use all the other ingredients for flavor!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
To store leftovers, place them in airtight containers and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to throw in other vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or peas. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly so everything cooks evenly.
