Chicken & Bacon Gnocchi Soup” is a rich, comforting dish that combines the heartiness of a traditional soup with the indulgence of creamy gnocchi. The soup starts with a base of diced onions, carrots, and celery, sautéed in a pot until they’re soft and fragrant. This classic mirepoix provides a sweet and savory foundation for the soup.

Next, chunks of chicken breast are added. The chicken is usually seasoned with salt, pepper, and perhaps some herbs like thyme or rosemary. It’s cooked until just done, ensuring it remains tender and juicy. Then, pieces of bacon are added to the mix. The bacon, with its smoky, salty flavor, not only complements the chicken but also adds a depth of flavor to the soup. It’s important to cook the bacon until it’s slightly crispy, which provides a nice texture contrast.

Once the meats are cooked, a few cloves of minced garlic are tossed in, cooked just until fragrant. This is quickly followed by the addition of chicken broth, which forms the liquid base of the soup. The broth is brought to a simmer, allowing the flavors to meld together.

The star of the dish, potato gnocchi, is added next. These small, Italian potato dumplings are soft and chewy, providing a delightful texture that soaks up the flavors of the soup. The gnocchi cooks directly in the soup, which not only thickens the broth slightly but also infuses the gnocchi with the savory flavors of the broth, chicken, and bacon.

For creaminess, heavy cream is stirred in, transforming the broth into a luxuriously rich and creamy base. Some versions of the recipe might also include a handful of spinach or kale, added towards the end of cooking, for a pop of color and a slight bitterness that balances the richness of the soup.

Finally, the soup is seasoned to taste with salt, pepper, and perhaps a pinch of nutmeg or a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors. It’s served hot, often garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of chopped parsley or chives for a fresh, herbaceous note.

Overall, Chicken & Bacon Gnocchi Soup is a comforting, hearty dish perfect for a cold day. Its combination of creamy broth, tender chicken, crispy bacon, and pillowy gnocchi makes it a satisfying meal that’s both familiar and indulgent.

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

Preparation:

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