Well, darlings, gather 'round the stove for a hearty tale and an even heartier soup. I've got something special to share with you today – a recipe that's as comforting as a hug from grandma on a brisk autumn day. This Chicken Bacon Gnocchi Soup is a dish steeped in the tradition of heartwarming Midwestern meals but with a little twist of Italian charm with those tender gnocchi that'll make your heart sing. It's the sort of meal you whip up when the leaves start to turn, or when you've got a table full of loved ones to feed. It's a reminder of simpler times, combining the smoky goodness of bacon, the wholesomeness of chicken, and those delightful little dumplings that bring it all together.
Now, why might someone want to make this, you ask? Imagine the kind of day where the chill nips at your bones, and the clouds hang heavy with the promise of snow – those are the days this soup is made for. It fills your kitchen with the kind of aromas that tell every soul within a country mile that they're about to be fawned over with a bowl of pure comfort.
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Now, to fully enjoy this soup, I like to pair it with a nice, crusty piece of bread – something to soak up that rich, creamy broth – or a simple side salad if you're looking for something lighter. And for those with a sweet tooth, follow it up with a slice of warm apple pie for a true Midwestern feast.
Chicken & Bacon Gnocchi Soup
Servings: Serves 6 generous bowls, or 8 for those with smaller appetites.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 strips of thick-cut bacon, chopped
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 stalks of celery, diced
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 pound of chicken breast, cooked and shredded
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 (16-ounce) package of potato gnocchi
- 3 cups of baby spinach leaves
- 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- A sprinkle of love and a handful of good old-fashioned care
Directions:
1. Let's start with the heart of any good soup – the base. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Toss in that chopped bacon and cook it until it's nice and crispy, just like how we enjoy the simple pleasures in life.
2. Using a slotted spoon, transfer your bacon pieces to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain. But leave all those flavorful drippings right there in the pot – that's where the magic begins.
3. Now, sauté your onion, carrots, and celery in the bacon drippings until they're soft and whispering tales of the past, about 5 minutes should do it. Stir in the fragrant garlic and let it mingle for just a minute more.
4. It’s time to add the shredded chicken, sprinkle in the thyme, and season with salt and pepper. This is where memories dance in the steam – each stir a gentle reminder of loved ones and cherished times.
5. Pour in the chicken broth and bring your soup to a low, rolling boil. Then reduce the heat to let it simmer, allowing the flavors to marry each other like sweethearts at a barn dance.
6. As love stories unfold, add the gnocchi to the pot and let them cook until they float to the top like happy thoughts, about 3 to 4 minutes.
7. To bring it all home, stir in the heavy cream, then add the spinach leaves, wilting them just enough to tell a story of summer turning into fall.
8. Sprinkle the cooked bacon and freshly grated Parmesan on top, stir, and serve your soup hot, with a generous additional sprinkling of cheese and bacon, if desired.
Variations & Tips:
- Feel free to use leftover roasted chicken from last night’s dinner; it adds a deeper flavor.
- Swap out the spinach for kale if you're feeling bold, or add a can of drained white beans for some extra heartiness.
- If you want a lighter soup, go ahead and use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Remember, darlings, the key to a good soup is patience. Let it simmer, let the flavors blend, and whatever you do, put a bit of your heart in every spoonful. That's what turns a recipe into a memory.
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And with that, you've got a bowl of soup that'll warm you from the inside out, much like the company of an old friend. Enjoy, my dears!
