Description
A rich and comforting creamy chicken soup loaded with tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and gnocchi, enhanced with Parmesan and pesto for depth of flavor.
Ingredients
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 1/2 tsp kosher salt, divided
1 tsp dried oregano
1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
2 tbsp unsalted butter
1 medium sweet onion, diced
2 sticks celery, finely chopped
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
2 tbsp tomato paste
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
2 tbsp pesto, store-bought or homemade
1 Parmesan rind, optional
16 oz dried potato gnocchi (or small pasta such as orecchiette)
1/2 – 1 cup heavy cream
5 oz fresh baby spinach
1/2 cup Parmesan, grated
Instructions
1. Season the chicken by placing cut pieces in a bowl; add 1 tsp kosher salt, oregano, and black pepper, toss to coat.
2. Heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat in a large soup pot. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 4-5 minutes; remove with a slotted spoon.
3. Add onion and celery to the pot, season with 1/2 tsp kosher salt, cook until translucent about 3-5 minutes.
4. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and tomato paste until well combined.
5. Pour in chicken broth, add pesto and Parmesan rind if using; bring to boil, then simmer 10-15 minutes.
6. Return chicken and any juices to the pot, add gnocchi, cook 3-5 minutes until gnocchi float and are tender.
7. Stir in heavy cream starting with 1/2 cup, then add spinach and grated Parmesan; adjust seasoning to taste.
8. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan if desired.
Notes
Use store-bought pesto for convenience or homemade for fresh flavor.
Parmesan rind adds depth but is optional.
Adjust cream amount for richer or lighter soup.
Leftovers store well refrigerated for up to 3 days.
Spinach can be substituted with kale or Swiss chard.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop simmering
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 95mg