Hello, darlings! Let’s gather around the stove for a heartwarming tale and a soup that’s as comforting as a grandmother’s embrace on a crisp autumn day. I’m delighted to share with you a special recipe: Chicken Bacon Gnocchi Soup. This dish blends the heartiness of Midwestern meals with a touch of Italian flair, thanks to those tender gnocchi that will make your heart soar. It’s the perfect meal for when the leaves turn golden, or when you have a house full of loved ones to nourish. This soup is a throwback to simpler times, combining the smoky richness of bacon, the wholesomeness of chicken, and delightful dumplings.
Why this soup, you ask? Picture a day so chilly it sends shivers down your spine, with skies heavy with snow. This is when this soup becomes a savior, filling your kitchen with aromas that promise comfort and warmth.
Pairings and Dessert Suggestions:
To fully savor this soup, pair it with a crusty piece of bread for soaking up the creamy broth, or opt for a light side salad. For dessert, indulge in a slice of warm apple pie for a quintessential Midwestern experience.
Chicken & Bacon Gnocchi Soup Recipe:
Servings: Enough for 6 generous bowls, or 8 if you’re less hungry.
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 strips thick-cut bacon, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
2 carrots, peeled and diced
2 celery stalks, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound cooked, shredded chicken breast
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 (16-ounce) package potato gnocchi
3 cups baby spinach leaves
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
A dash of love and good old-fashioned care
Directions:
Begin by heating olive oil in a large pot. Cook the bacon until crispy.
Remove the bacon, leaving the drippings in the pot.
Sauté onion, carrots, and celery in the bacon drippings for about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Add the chicken, thyme, salt, and pepper, stirring to mix well.
Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil, then simmer.
Add the gnocchi and cook until they float to the top.
Stir in the heavy cream, followed by the spinach, until wilted.
Top with bacon and Parmesan cheese, then serve.
Variations & Tips:
Use leftover roasted chicken for added flavor.
Replace spinach with kale or add white beans for heartiness.
For a lighter soup, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half.
The key to great soup is patience – let the flavors blend and cook with heart