Chicken Bacon Gnocchi Soup Recipe

What is Chicken Bacon Gnocchi Soup?

Chicken Bacon Gnocchi Soup is a rich and hearty dish that combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, and soft gnocchi in a creamy broth.

Imagine a warm bowl of goodness with savory flavors of bacon and chicken, balanced by pillowy gnocchi that soaks up the creamy, garlicky broth. This soup feels like a hug in a bowl, perfect for chilly evenings or anytime you crave something comforting.

Why This Soup Will Become a Family Favorite

This soup is not only incredibly delicious but also quick and easy to make. With a combination of crispy bacon and tender chicken, all simmered in a creamy broth, it’s hard to resist. The soft gnocchi adds texture and heartiness, making it a complete meal. Plus, it’s customizable—add spinach, mushrooms, or Parmesan for extra depth. It’s comfort food at its finest, and once you try it, it’s bound to become a regular in your meal rotation.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Chicken and Bacon

1. Cook the Bacon: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, but leave the bacon grease in the pot for extra flavor.
2. Cook the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then add them to the same pot. Sear the chicken on both sides until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove and let it rest before shredding or dicing.

Sautéing the Aromatics

1. Sauté Onions and Garlic: In the same pot, using the bacon fat, sauté chopped onions until translucent, then add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Making the Creamy Base

1. Add Chicken Broth: Pour in chicken broth to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Bring to a simmer.
2. Stir in Cream: Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly to create a rich, creamy broth. Lower the heat and let it simmer gently.

Cooking the Gnocchi

1. Add Gnocchi to the Soup: Stir in the gnocchi and let them cook in the broth for about 3-5 minutes, or until they float to the surface and are tender.
2. Shred or Dice the Chicken: While the gnocchi cooks, shred or dice the cooked chicken and add it back into the soup.

Combining and Finishing the Soup

1. Combine Everything: Stir in the crispy bacon pieces and any additional ingredients like spinach or mushrooms if you’re using them. Let everything simmer together for another 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors.
2. Season to Taste: Add salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings like fresh thyme or red pepper flakes.

Tips for the Perfect Chicken Bacon Gnocchi Soup

Choosing the Right Gnocchi

For the best texture, use potato gnocchi, either store-bought or homemade. Fresh gnocchi will cook faster than shelf-stable varieties, so keep an eye on them while they simmer.

How to Get Crispy Bacon

To ensure crispy bacon, cook it slowly over medium heat. Remove the bacon before it gets too dark because it will continue to crisp up as it cools.

Balancing Creaminess and Flavor

If you prefer a thicker soup, you can whisk in a bit of cornstarch slurry (equal parts cornstarch and water) to thicken the broth. To lighten it up, replace some of the cream with whole milk.

Serving Suggestions

Garnishing the Soup

A sprinkle of fresh parsley, a handful of Parmesan cheese, or a drizzle of olive oil can elevate the presentation and flavor of the soup. You can even top it with extra crispy bacon bits for an extra crunch.

What to Serve Alongside

This hearty soup is a meal in itself, but it pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or a crusty loaf of garlic bread. For a more decadent meal, serve it with cheesy breadsticks or roasted vegetables.

Variations of Chicken Bacon Gnocchi Soup

Vegetarian Option

Omit the chicken and bacon, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can add extra veggies like carrots, zucchini, or kale to make it hearty and flavorful.

Dairy-Free Version

To make a dairy-free version, substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a non-dairy cream like almond or oat cream. You’ll still get a rich texture without the dairy.

Gluten-Free Alternative

If you need a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free gnocchi in the pasta aisle. Many stores now carry it, or you can make your own using gluten-free flour.

Nutritional Information

Calories per Serving

This rich and creamy soup contains around 450-550 calories per serving, depending on the ingredients and portion size.

Making a Lighter Version

To make a lighter version of this soup, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, and turkey bacon instead of regular bacon. You can also reduce the amount of gnocchi and add more vegetables like spinach or zucchini.

How to Store and Reheat

Storing the Soup

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The gnocchi may absorb some of the broth, so you might need to add a little more liquid when reheating.

Reheating Tips

Reheat the soup gently on the stove over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen it up if it’s too thick. Avoid boiling the soup, as this can cause the cream to separate.

Conclusion

Chicken Bacon Gnocchi Soup is the perfect combination of savory, creamy, and comforting. With tender chicken, crispy bacon, and soft gnocchi all swimming in a luscious broth, it’s a dish that’s sure to please the entire family. Whether you’re whipping it up for a cozy weeknight dinner or serving it as part of a special occasion, this soup is bound to become a household favorite.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking fresh chicken?

Yes, rotisserie chicken works wonderfully in this recipe! Simply shred the cooked chicken and add it to the soup when you combine everything.

Yield: 6

Chicken Bacon Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Print

Chicken Bacon Gnocchi Soup is a rich and hearty dish that combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, and soft gnocchi in a creamy broth. Imagine a warm bowl of goodness with savory flavors of bacon and chicken, balanced by pillowy gnocchi that soaks up the creamy, garlicky broth. This soup feels like a hug in a bowl, perfect for chilly evenings or anytime you crave something comforting.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Soup:
• 6 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), cut into small pieces
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large carrot, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 package (16 oz) potato gnocchi
• 2 cups fresh spinach (or kale), roughly chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• For Garnish:
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Cook the Bacon:
   In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 6-8 minutes.
   Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the bacon fat in the pot.
   
2. Cook the Chicken:
   In the same pot with the bacon fat, add the chicken pieces. Cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
   Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
   
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
   Add the diced onion, carrot, and celery to the pot. Sauté for about 4-5 minutes until softened.
   Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
   
4. Build the Soup Base:
   Pour in the chicken broth and stir in the Italian seasoning and crushed red pepper flakes (if using).
   Return the cooked chicken to the pot. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 10-12 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked through.
   
5. Add the Gnocchi:
   Stir in the potato gnocchi and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until they float to the top and are tender.
   
6. Finish with Cream and Spinach:
   Stir in the heavy cream and milk, cooking for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
   Add the fresh spinach and cook for another minute until wilted.
   
7. Serve:
   Ladle the soup into bowls and top with crispy bacon, grated Parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley.

Notes

Chicken Substitutes: You can use rotisserie chicken or pre-cooked chicken to save time. Simply shred the chicken and add it in step 4.

Gnocchi: If you prefer, you can use store-bought or homemade gnocchi. You could also substitute gnocchi with a small pasta shape like ditalini or mini shells.

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or milk if needed to adjust the consistency.

Freezing: This soup can be frozen before adding the gnocchi, cream, and spinach. When reheating, add the gnocchi and cream fresh to maintain the texture.