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This copycat recipe lets you enjoy all the rich, comforting flavors you love while staying on track with your health goals. It’s easy to make with simple ingredients and perfect for a cozy night in. Plus, you’ll save money and points by preparing it at home—each serving is just 6 WW Points!
Chicken And Gnocchi Soup Ingredients
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For this comforting Chicken and Gnocchi Soup, you will need 1 chicken breast, approximately 300 g, seasoned with ½ teaspoon of salt (2.5 g) and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper (1 g). Start by mincing 2 cloves of garlic (6 g) and heating 2 teaspoons of olive oil (10 ml) in a pot. Add 1 medium diced onion (100 g), 1 cup of grated carrot (110 g), and 2 stalks of diced celery (100 g) to create a flavorful base. Stir in ½ package of gnocchi (260 g) and pour in 2 cups of chicken broth (1 L), along with 1 teaspoon of dried thyme (1 g). For creaminess, add 2 cups of skim milk (480 ml) and thicken with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch (16 g). Finally, fold in 2 cups of fresh spinach (60 g) until wilted. This recipe has a preparation time of 20 minutes and a cooking time of 30 minutes, yielding 4 servings, each serving size being 2 cups and totaling 6 WW Points per serving.
Prep the Chicken
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Start by cubing the chicken breast and seasoning it generously with salt and pepper.
Cook the Chicken
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In a large pot, heat 1 teaspoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken breast and cook until it’s nicely browned on both sides and fully cooked, which should take about 6-7 minutes per side.
Add the Veggies
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Once the chicken is cooked, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the pot. Incorporate the diced onion, grated carrot, spinach, and diced celery, sautéing until the vegetables are tender, approximately 5-7 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Simmer
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Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add the gnocchi and cook according to the package instructions, typically about 3-4 minutes, until the gnocchi floats to the surface. Reduce the heat to medium and mix in the dried thyme.
Make a Slurry
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In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch with a few tablespoons of cold water until smooth. Gradually stir this cornstarch mixture into the soup to help thicken it.
Thicken the Soup
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Add the skim milk while stirring constantly. Allow the soup to simmer for about 5-10 minutes, or until it reaches your desired thickness. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Ladle the soup into bowls and serve it hot.
Variations and Substitutions
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For variations and substitutions, consider adding vegetables like broccoli or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition. You can also include cubes of smoked turkey ham or turkey bacon for a delicious twist reminiscent of carbonara sauce. A sprinkle of Parmesan on top makes a great addition, and for a bolder variation, try adding a spoonful of pesto—it’s finger-licking good! If you’re looking to change up the texture and flavor, swap spinach with kale, and if you have dietary restrictions, gluten-free gnocchi is a perfect option.
Tips and Tricks for Making Chicken & Gnocchi Soup
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For making Chicken & Gnocchi Soup, use a one-pot method to save time by searing the chicken first, then sautéing onions, carrots, and other ingredients in the same pot, deglazing for added flavor. Utilize leftover roasted chicken for convenience, and to achieve extra creaminess, either add an extra tablespoon of cornstarch or let the gnocchi cook longer. Remember to dissolve cornstarch in water before adding it to the soup to prevent lumps. Finally, enhance the soup with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme at the end for a burst of freshness.
