4cupschicken stock or broth(use low sodium and season to taste to control salt content)
2cupshalf and half, warmed
1-2teaspoonschopped fresh thyme leaves
½teaspoondried Italian seasoning/"Italian Herbs"
1poundpotato gnocchi(refrigerated or shelf-stable)
½ to ¾cupgrated Parmigiano Reggiano
2cupsrotisserie chicken breast, shredded or cubed
2cupsspinach leaves, roughly torn
⅛teaspoongrated nutmeg(optional)
kosher salt and freshly-ground black pepper
Instructions
Heat butter and olive oil in a large, heavy bottomed pot until foaming subsides. Sauté onion, carrots, and celery with ¼ teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper until softened and just starting to brown. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.⠀
Deglaze the pan with the wine and simmer until almost all of the liquid is evaporated, 2-3 minutes. Stir in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes.⠀
Gradually whisk in chicken stock and simmer to thicken slightly. Whisk in half and half, thyme, and Italian seasoning. Bring to a simmer (not a rolling boil), stirring or whisking.
Add gnocchi and simmer for 3-5 minutes until tender and cooked through (they'll start to float). Stir in parmesan, shredded chicken, and spinach leaves. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, until chicken is hot and spinach is wilted.⠀
Season to taste with nutmeg (if using), salt, and pepper. The soup will thicken as it sits. For a thinner-textured soup, serve right away. For a thicker soup, let stand 5-10 mins, keeping the soup warm or gently reheating, if needed.
Serve, topped with additional freshly-grated Parmigiano Reggiano and cracked black pepper, with crusty Italian bread on the side for dipping.
Video
Notes
*I've indicated a range of quantities for the fresh thyme and Parmigiano Reggiano. Dried Italian seasoning blends can vary in potency. (I use one that's a mixture of thyme, rosemary, oregano, marjoram, and basil.) You may need to adjust the amount of fresh thyme, to taste, based on how much dried thyme is in your blend.The amount of Parmigiano Reggiano you'll need will depend on the sodium content of your stock and your personal preferences. Start with ½ cup and add additional, to taste.