Introduction
Some dishes are so comforting and satisfying that they feel like a warm hug in a bowl. Marry Me Chicken Soup with Gnocchi is, without a doubt, one of those must-try recipes. By seamlessly adding tender, pillowy gnocchi to the creamy, tangy goodness of the classic Marry Me Chicken Soup, this dish not only becomes more indulgent but also transforms into the ultimate comfort food with a gourmet touch.
The rich flavors of sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and a creamy broth perfectly complement the soft texture of gnocchi, making every spoonful irresistible. Whether you’re preparing a cozy family dinner or hosting a special occasion, this recipe will quickly become a go-to favorite.
For those who love exploring comforting recipes, don’t miss our classic Marry Me Chicken Soup: A Recipe for Comfort and Romance, which inspired this delightful twist.
In this article, we’ll cover why this version is special, the ingredients you’ll need, a step-by-step guide to making it, and expert tips to elevate your cooking. Let’s dive in!
What Makes Marry Me Chicken Soup with Gnocchi Unique?
The addition of gnocchi takes the classic Marry Me Chicken Soup to a new level, blending indulgence and heartiness in every bite. Here’s what makes this version so special:
The Perfect Combination of Creamy Broth and Tender Gnocchi
Gnocchi, with its soft and pillowy texture, effortlessly pairs with the creamy broth of this soup. Furthermore, as the gnocchi cooks, it gradually absorbs the rich flavors of the sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and chicken broth, ultimately creating a dish that’s both comforting and refined. As a result, each spoonful offers a delightful contrast of textures and flavors, which makes this soup absolutely irresistible.
How Sun-Dried Tomatoes Elevate the Flavor
The tangy sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes provides the perfect counterpoint to the richness of the creamy base. This balance of flavors ensures the soup isn’t overly heavy, making it both satisfying and flavorful. Combined with the umami of Parmesan and the tender chicken, the sun-dried tomatoes add depth and sophistication to the dish.
A Meal That Feels Both Gourmet and Cozy
Adding gnocchi transforms Marry Me Chicken Soup into a meal that feels luxurious enough for a dinner party but is still easy and comforting for weeknight dinners. The hearty gnocchi makes the soup more filling, ensuring it can be served as a standalone main dish.
Ingredients for Marry Me Chicken Soup with Gnocchi
Creating the perfect Marry Me Chicken Soup with Gnocchi begins with high-quality ingredients that balance flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need:
Core Ingredients for a Creamy Chicken Soup
- Chicken Thighs or Breasts: Use boneless, skinless chicken for ease of preparation. Thighs are juicier, while breasts are leaner—choose based on your preference.
- Chicken Broth: The foundation of the soup, providing depth and richness to the base.
- Heavy Cream: Adds a velvety, indulgent texture to the broth.
- Gnocchi: Soft and pillowy potato gnocchi, which soaks up the flavors of the broth beautifully.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Chopped into bite-sized pieces, they bring a tangy sweetness that balances the creaminess of the soup.
- Garlic and Onion: Essential aromatics that form the flavor base.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds nutty, umami-rich notes and helps thicken the broth slightly.
Choosing the Right Gnocchi for Soup
- Store-Bought Gnocchi: Convenient and easy to use, most pre-packaged gnocchi work well for soups.
- Homemade Gnocchi: For a more indulgent touch, you can make gnocchi from scratch, though this requires additional time and effort.
- Shelf-Stable vs. Fresh Gnocchi: Fresh gnocchi has a softer texture, while shelf-stable gnocchi holds up better during cooking. Choose based on your preference for texture.
Optional Additions for Extra Flavor
- Spinach or Kale: Add fresh spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking for a burst of color and nutrients.
- Herbs (Basil or Parsley): Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a bright and aromatic finish.
- Red Pepper Flakes: For those who enjoy a touch of heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes to taste.
Step-by-Step Recipe for Marry Me Chicken Soup with Gnocchi
Making Marry Me Chicken Soup with Gnocchi is straightforward and rewarding. Follow these steps to create a creamy, flavorful dish:
Preparing the Chicken and Gnocchi for the Soup
- Season the Chicken: Sprinkle salt, pepper, and a pinch of Italian seasoning on both sides of the chicken.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat with a drizzle of olive oil. Sear the chicken for 4–5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- Prepare the Gnocchi: If using fresh or shelf-stable gnocchi, set it aside. You don’t need to pre-cook the gnocchi, as it will cook in the soup later, absorbing the flavorful broth.
Building the Creamy Broth for Your Chicken Gnocchi Soup
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, add diced onions and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about 2–3 minutes.
- Deglaze the Pot: Pour a splash of chicken broth into the pot and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. These bits add depth to the soup’s flavor.
- Incorporate Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1–2 minutes to release their flavor.
Bringing It All Together for a Perfect Soup
- Add Chicken and Broth: Return the seared chicken to the pot and pour in the remaining chicken broth. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 20 minutes until the chicken is tender.
- Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
- Cook the Gnocchi: Stir in the gnocchi and let it simmer for 3–5 minutes, or until the gnocchi is tender and floats to the top.
- Add Heavy Cream and Parmesan: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Cook for another 2–3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Optional Step: Garnishing and Serving
- Add Fresh Greens: Stir in spinach or kale during the last minute of cooking, just until wilted.
- Garnish and Serve: Top each bowl with fresh basil, parsley, or a sprinkle of Parmesan for a beautiful and delicious presentation. Serve hot with garlic bread or a crisp salad on the side.
Tips for Making the Best Chicken and Gnocchi Soup
Perfecting Marry Me Chicken Soup with Gnocchi requires a few simple techniques to enhance flavor, texture, and presentation. Here are some expert tips:
How to Cook Gnocchi for Soup Without Overcooking
- Add Gnocchi at the End: Gnocchi cooks quickly, typically in 3–5 minutes. Add it during the last step of the recipe to prevent it from becoming mushy.
- Monitor Doneness: Once the gnocchi floats to the top of the soup, it’s fully cooked. Remove the soup from heat promptly to preserve its texture.
Adjusting the Soup’s Thickness and Creaminess
- Control Broth-to-Cream Ratio: For a thicker soup, reduce the chicken broth slightly or add an extra splash of heavy cream. If you prefer a lighter consistency, add more chicken broth.
- Thicken Naturally: Mash a few cooked pieces of gnocchi in the pot to release their starch and naturally thicken the broth.
- Avoid Boiling After Adding Cream: Keep the soup at a low simmer after adding cream to prevent curdling.
Garnishing Tips for a Beautiful Presentation
- Herbs and Cheese: Garnish each bowl with fresh basil, parsley, or grated Parmesan for added flavor and a polished look.
- Add a Pop of Color: Stir in spinach or kale for a burst of vibrant green, making the soup both nutritious and visually appealing.
- Serve with Style: Pair the soup with garlic bread, crusty rolls, or a green salad to create an inviting meal presentation.
Pairing Suggestions for Marry Me Chicken Soup with Gnocchi
The creamy and hearty Marry Me Chicken Soup with Gnocchi pairs beautifully with various side dishes and beverages, creating a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
Side Dishes That Pair Well with Creamy Soups
- Garlic Bread: Perfect for dipping into the rich, creamy broth, garlic bread adds a savory crunch to the meal.
- Crusty Rolls or Baguette: A simple loaf of crusty bread complements the flavors and texture of the soup.
- Caprese Salad: A refreshing salad of tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil balances the richness of the soup with its light and tangy flavors.
- Roasted Vegetables: Serve with a side of roasted carrots, asparagus, or zucchini for added texture and nutrients.
- Pasta Salad: A chilled pasta salad with a tangy vinaigrette can contrast the warm creaminess of the soup.
Drinks to Complement Chicken and Gnocchi Soup
- White Wine: A glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio pairs well with the creamy and tangy elements of the soup.
- Iced Tea with Lemon: A non-alcoholic option that refreshes the palate while enhancing the overall meal.
- Sparkling Water with Lime: A simple yet elegant choice to cleanse the palate between bites.
- Light Rosé: A light rosé wine complements the sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan beautifully.
- Hot Herbal Tea: A soothing cup of herbal tea, like chamomile or mint, pairs wonderfully with the comforting nature of the soup.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, you don’t need to cook gnocchi before adding it to the soup. Gnocchi cooks quickly and will absorb the rich flavors of the broth as it simmers. Simply add the gnocchi during the last 3–5 minutes of cooking, and it will cook to perfection directly in the soup.
For this soup, boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts work best. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning before searing it to lock in flavor. After simmering the chicken in the broth, shred it with two forks and return it to the soup for a tender and flavorful result.
The liquid in chicken soup is typically referred to as broth or stock. Chicken broth serves as the base, infusing the soup with a savory depth that enhances the overall flavor.
At Olive Garden, the typical serving size for their chicken and gnocchi soup is about 1 1/2 cups per serving. This recipe can be portioned similarly, making it ideal for hearty individual servings or scaled up for family-style meals.
Conclusion
Marry Me Chicken Soup with Gnocchi is the ultimate comfort food, blending creamy, rich flavors with the soft, pillowy texture of gnocchi. This dish elevates the beloved Marry Me Chicken Soup to new heights, offering a hearty and indulgent twist that’s perfect for any occasion.
Whether you’re preparing a cozy meal for your family or looking to impress guests with a gourmet touch, this recipe delivers on all fronts. The tender chicken, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and creamy broth perfectly complement the gnocchi, creating a dish that’s satisfying, flavorful, and easy to love.
If you’re a fan of comforting recipes like this, be sure to try the classic Marry Me Chicken Soup: A Recipe for Comfort and Romance. Its simplicity and creamy goodness make it a timeless favorite.
Treat yourself and your loved ones to this incredible soup. With its rich flavors and cozy vibes, Marry Me Chicken Soup with Gnocchi is bound to become a new staple in your kitchen.