Chicken and Bacon Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Warm, hearty, and filled with rich flavors, Chicken and Bacon Gnocchi Soup is the ultimate comfort food. The combination of crispy bacon, tender chicken, and pillowy gnocchi, all in a creamy broth, makes this soup an irresistible dish for any occasion. Whether you’re looking to warm up on a chilly evening or searching for a cozy meal to share with friends and family, this soup will quickly become a favorite. The ingredients are simple, but the depth of flavor is truly satisfying, making it a perfect meal to enjoy any time of year. With a balance of savory bacon, seasoned chicken, and the creaminess of the broth, every spoonful is a delightful experience. This recipe is not only easy to make, but it’s also a one-pot wonder, making cleanup a breeze.

Adding the baby spinach and Parmesan cheese at the end gives the soup a vibrant color and a savory finish. The gnocchi, a classic Italian dumpling made from potato, absorbs the broth, making each bite soft and flavorful. It’s a comforting dish that’s hearty enough for dinner and indulgent enough to feel like a special treat. Let’s dive into how to create this delicious and satisfying Chicken and Bacon Gnocchi Soup from scratch.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Comfort in a Bowl

This soup combines rich, comforting flavors with creamy textures, making it a perfect meal for cozy evenings or special gatherings.

2. Quick and Easy to Prepare

Despite its gourmet taste, this soup comes together quickly in just under 45 minutes, making it a great option for weeknight dinners or last-minute meals.

3. Packed with Flavor

The crispy bacon, tender chicken, and blend of vegetables come together to create a savory, mouthwatering soup that’s packed with flavor in every bite.

4. One-Pot Meal

This recipe is easy to make and requires only one pot, making cleanup minimal and leaving you more time to enjoy your meal.

5. Customizable

While this soup is delicious as-is, you can easily customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or switching up the proteins, making it a versatile dish for any occasion.

this …

Ingredients

For the Soup:

• Olive oil
• Thick-cut bacon
• Onion
• Carrots
• Celery
• Garlic
• Cooked, shredded chicken breast
• Dried thyme
• Salt and pepper
• Chicken broth
• Heavy cream
• Potato gnocchi
• Baby spinach leaves
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• A dash of love and care

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Omit the bacon and chicken, and substitute vegetable broth for a lighter, vegetarian version of this soup.
• Different Greens: Swap baby spinach for kale or Swiss chard for a different texture and flavor.
• Add More Veggies: Include other vegetables like potatoes, corn, or peas to make the soup even heartier.
• Spicy Option: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to bring some heat to the soup.
• Dairy-Free Version: Use coconut milk or a non-dairy cream alternative to replace the heavy cream, and skip the Parmesan to make the soup dairy-free.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Bacon

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy, about 5 minutes. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the bacon fat in the pot.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pot, add the chopped onion, diced carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.

Step 3: Add the Chicken and Seasonings

Add the shredded chicken to the pot, along with the dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 4: Pour in the Broth and Cream

Add the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir in the heavy cream, then lower the heat and let the soup simmer gently for about 10 minutes.

Step 5: Add the Gnocchi

Stir in the potato gnocchi and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 2-3 minutes, until the gnocchi float to the surface.

Step 6: Add the Spinach and Parmesan

Add the baby spinach and stir until it wilts. Once the spinach is fully incorporated, stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until the soup becomes creamy and smooth.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Top the soup with the crispy bacon you set aside earlier. Serve hot, and enjoy your comforting, flavorful soup!

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Gnocchi Cooking Tip: Be sure to follow the package instructions for cooking the gnocchi. If you overcook them, they may become mushy.
• Adjust the Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter soup, use less cream or substitute some of the cream with more chicken broth.
• Use Leftover Chicken: If you have leftover rotisserie chicken, this soup is a great way to use it up.
• Watch the Salt: Bacon and broth can be salty, so be mindful when adding extra salt to the soup. Taste as you go and adjust accordingly.
• Make it Spicy: If you enjoy a little heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes when sautéing the vegetables.

How to Serve

This Chicken and Bacon Gnocchi Soup is hearty enough to be a complete meal on its own, but you can serve it with a side of crusty bread or a fresh green salad for a more balanced meal. For an extra indulgent touch, sprinkle a little more grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to let the soup cool completely before storing. When reheating, you may need to add a little more broth or cream as the soup may thicken.

Freezing

This soup can be frozen, but it’s best to freeze it without the gnocchi, as they may become mushy when reheated. Freeze the soup base (without the gnocchi, spinach, or cheese) in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To serve, reheat the soup, then add freshly cooked gnocchi, spinach, and cheese.

Reheating

Reheat the soup on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to ensure it heats evenly. Add a splash of broth or cream if the soup has thickened too much during storage.

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought gnocchi for this recipe?

Yes, store-bought gnocchi works perfectly well in this soup and saves time.

2. Can I use a rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! A rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut for this recipe.

3. Is there a way to make this soup dairy-free?

Yes, use coconut cream or a non-dairy cream alternative and skip the Parmesan to make this soup dairy-free.

4. Can I substitute the heavy cream with something lighter?

Yes, you can use half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version, but it may not be as creamy.

5. Can I add more vegetables?

Yes, you can easily add vegetables like peas, zucchini, or potatoes to make the soup even heartier.

6. Can I use turkey instead of chicken?

Turkey would work well in this soup, especially if you have leftovers from a holiday meal.

7. How do I prevent the gnocchi from becoming too soft?

Follow the cooking instructions for the gnocchi carefully and add them to the soup at the end of cooking.

8. Can I make this soup in advance?

Yes, the soup can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for a couple of days or frozen for later.

9. What can I substitute for baby spinach?

You can substitute with kale or Swiss chard if you prefer a heartier green.

10. Can I use bacon bits instead of strips of bacon?

While fresh bacon strips add more flavor and texture, bacon bits can be used in a pinch for convenience.

Conclusion

Chicken and Bacon Gnocchi Soup is a delicious, comforting, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any time of year. With its rich, creamy broth, crispy bacon, tender chicken, and soft gnocchi, it’s sure to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen. It’s easy to make, customizable to your taste, and will leave everyone at the table asking for seconds. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or preparing a meal in advance, this soup is guaranteed to deliver cozy, delicious satisfaction in every bite.

Print