Creamy Lightened-up Chicken Gnocchi Soup (One Pot)
Ingredients
- 1 tbspolive oil
15g
- 1 ½ lb.boneless skinless chicken breast
cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tbspunsalted butter
15g
- 3 largecarrots
250g
- 3 largecelery stalks
140g
- 1 mediumyellow onion
172g
- 3 tbspcornstarch
24g
- 2low fat evaporated milk
708g
- 1 tbspitalian seasoning
- ¼ tspcelery salt
- ¼ tspblack pepper
- 3 clovesgarlic
minced
- 32 oz.fat free chicken broth
- 16 oz.potato gnocchi
- 4 oz.baby spinach
- 3 ½ cfrozen cauliflower florets
297g
- fresh parsley
for serving
- grated parmesan cheese
for serving
Directions
- 1
To a Dutch oven or large pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high. Add the chicken and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Sauté until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes. Remove to a plate and set aside.
- 2
Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. As soon as it is melted, add the carrots, celery, and onion. Sauté until the onion is softened, about 5 minutes, adjusting the heat as needed so that it turns translucent but does not brown.
- 3
Stir in the Italian seasoning, celery salt, pepper, and garlic until combined.
- 4
Splash two tablespoons of evaporated milk into a small bowl or cup. Add the cornstarch and whisk to form a cornstarch slurry.
- 5
Add the cornstarch slurry, remaining evaporated milk, and chicken broth. Bring the liquid to a boil for a brief second (necessary for thickening), then reduce heat, partially cover the pot, and let simmer for 10 minutes to thicken.
- 6
Stir in the gnocchi and cauliflower. Continue to simmer with the pot partially covered, until the gnocchi is tender and cooked through, about 8 to 10 minutes.
- 7
Remove the pot from heat and stir in the chicken and spinach.
- 8
Taste check and add additional salt, pepper, or seasonings as needed.
- 9
Serve hot with a sprinkle of parmesan, parsley, and a few cracks of black pepper.
Creamy Lightened-up Chicken Gnocchi Soup (One Pot)
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Ratings & Reviews
Based on 35 ratings
Rating Breakdown
About this Recipe
Craving that comforting, creamy chicken gnocchi soup from your favorite Italian restaurant, but wish it was a little lighter? This Creamy Lightened-up Chicken Gnocchi Soup (One Pot) is your answer, delivering an authentic Olive Garden copycat experience right in your kitchen.
Why This Soup Works
This recipe shines by achieving that signature creamy, hearty texture without the heavy feeling. The secret lies in cleverly incorporating lighter ingredients like evaporated milk and cauliflower florets, which contribute to the rich mouthfeel while keeping the calories sensible. Plus, it's a true one-pot wonder, meaning you'll spend less time cleaning and more time enjoying a delicious, comforting meal.
What to Expect
You're in for a truly satisfying bowl of soup. Expect tender pieces of chicken breast swimming alongside soft, pillowy potato gnocchi. Each spoonful offers a harmonious blend of savory flavors from the chicken broth and Italian seasoning, balanced by the sweetness of diced carrots and celery. The addition of fresh spinach wilts beautifully into the creamy broth, while the cauliflower florets subtly thicken the soup, making it wonderfully hearty and filling. This main course will leave you feeling nourished and delightfully content.
Customization & Variations
This versatile soup is easy to adapt to your pantry or preferences. While chicken breast is specified, you could easily swap it for boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a richer flavor. Feel free to add other quick-cooking vegetables like diced zucchini or green beans. If you're looking for an extra punch of flavor, a pinch of red pepper flakes can introduce a subtle warmth.
Serving & Context
Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a comforting weekend lunch, this lightened-up chicken gnocchi soup is a crowd-pleaser. Garnish each serving generously with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of flavor and a beautiful presentation.