Gnocchi Chicken Pesto Soup

Gnocchi Chicken Pesto Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish that brings together the heartiness of chicken, the pillowy softness of gnocchi, and the vibrant freshness of pesto. This soup is a delightful twist on classic chicken soup, offering a creamy and rich broth infused with the aromatic flavors of basil pesto. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a special lunch, this soup is both satisfying and easy to make, providing a warm, home-cooked meal that feels gourmet. The combination of tender chicken, fluffy gnocchi, and the herbaceous pesto makes each spoonful a burst of flavor, perfect for those who love a comforting yet refreshing soup.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream or coconut milk (for a lighter version)
• 1 package (16 ounces) potato gnocchi
• 1/2 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped for garnish
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

Instructions:

1. Sauté the Vegetables:
   • In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
   • Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
   • Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
2. Cook the Chicken:
   • Add the diced chicken to the pot and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Simmer the Soup:
   • Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
   • Reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
4. Add the Gnocchi and Cream:
   • Stir in the gnocchi and cook according to the package instructions, usually 3-5 minutes, until the gnocchi floats to the top.
   • Stir in the heavy cream or coconut milk and let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes.
5. Finish with Pesto:
   • Stir in the basil pesto until well combined.
   • Season the soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
6. Serve:
   • Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley.
   • Serve with grated Parmesan cheese on top, if desired.

Enjoy your hearty and flavorful Gnocchi Chicken Pesto Soup, a perfect blend of comforting ingredients with a fresh, herby twist!