Ingredients
Liquids & Dairy
- 2 cups half-and-half (warmed to prevent curdling)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup shredded Parmesan (Parmigiano Reggiano preferred)
Vegetables & Herbs
- 2 cups fresh spinach (roughly chopped)
- 1/2 cup sliced celery (finely chopped)
- 3/4 cup grated carrots
- 1 cup diced yellow onion
- 2 large garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 to 2 tsp fresh thyme (chopped)
- 1/2 tsp dried Italian herbs
- 1/8 tsp fresh nutmeg (optional)
- Salt and fresh ground black pepper, to taste
Proteins & Others
- 2 cups cooked rotisserie chicken (shredded or cubed)
- 1 lb gnocchi
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Sauté the Vegetables: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat until the foaming subsides. Add the diced onion, grated carrots, and sliced celery along with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Sauté the vegetables until they are soft and starting to brown, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the white wine to deglaze the pan, stirring well to release any browned bits stuck to the pot’s bottom. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until most of the wine evaporates. Stir in the flour, cooking it with the vegetables and wine for 1-2 minutes to form a roux base.
- Create the Soup Base: Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Allow the mixture to gently simmer until it thickens slightly, about 5 minutes. Then whisk in the warmed half-and-half, fresh thyme, and dried Italian herbs. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer, taking care to avoid boiling, and continue whisking until combined.
- Cook the Gnocchi and Incorporate Ingredients: Add the gnocchi to the pot and simmer for 3-5 minutes until they float to the surface, indicating they are cooked. Stir in the shredded rotisserie chicken, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped fresh spinach. Continue simmering for 2-3 minutes, until the chicken is warmed through and the spinach has wilted.
- Final Seasoning and Serving: Season the soup with the optional pinch of fresh nutmeg and adjust salt and pepper to taste. The soup will thicken as it stands; serve immediately for a thinner texture or let it rest for 5-10 minutes for a thicker consistency, reheating gently if needed. Serve topped with extra grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of cracked black pepper, paired with crusty Italian bread for dipping.
Notes
- Warming the half-and-half before adding prevents it from curdling in the soup.
- Use freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano for best flavor impact.
- Adjust the thickness by letting the soup stand or serving immediately.
- Deglazing with white wine adds depth and complexity to the soup base.
- Feel free to substitute fresh thyme with dried if necessary; use about half the amount.
- This recipe works great with leftover rotisserie chicken, making it quick and convenient.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American