Italian Chicken & Duplings Soup ~ A DELICIOUS Comfort Food❣

The flavors and textures in this soup
are wonderfully delicious and comforting.

 Ingredients:

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 large yellow onion, chopped (about 2 1/2 cups)

1 cup peeled and chopped carrots (about 2 large carrots)

2 stalks celery, chopped (about 1/3 cup)

1 yellow bell pepper, chopped (about 1 1/3 cups)

4 cloves garlic, minced (4 to 5 teaspoons jarred minced garlic)

1/4 cup flour

6 cups chicken broth

5 1/2 cups cooked shredded chicken (about 1 1/4 pounds)

1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning*

1 teaspoon sea salt

1 teaspoon ground black pepper

24 ounces refrigerated Italian gnocchi dumplings***

5 ounces baby spinach, stems removed and coarsely chopped or torn (about 6 cups)

1 cup half & half

grated parmesan, romano or asiago cheese, optional garnish

Method:

Heat the olive oil in a dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots and celery to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened. (about 10 minutes) Add the garlic and continue to cook for another 2 minutes or until the garlic becomes fragrant.

Add the flour and stir, for one minute, to combine and coat all of the vegetables. While stirring to mix, gradually add the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil. (about 10 minutes) Add the chicken and spices. Return to a simmer again. Reduce the heat to medium low and simmer for 5 minutes.**

Stir in the gnocchi. Cover the pot and cook for another 5 minutes. Stir in the spinach and half & half. Cook and stir for another 5 minutes. 

Ladle into serving bowls. If desired, garnish with grated cheese and serve with toasted cibaata or bread of choice. Makes 6 to 7 servings.

*I make my own Italian herb blend and keep it on hand in an airtight container. Here is the link to that simple recipe: 

Homemade Italian Blend Seasoning ~ Gluten & Chemical Free https://carriekitchencreations.blogspot.com/2019/09/homemade-italian-blend-seasoning-gluten.html

**If you would like the soup to simmer longer, lower the heat to low/simmer and cook, covered, for an hour or longer. Increase the heat to medium and continue to follow the next steps in the recipe.

***I used this brand of gnocchi that can be found in the refrigerated section at the supermarket. (Two 12 ounce bags)

Note: One of my favorite meals is southern chicken and dumplings. The first time that I tried that dish was after the birth of my third son, when one of the ladies from church delivered a meal to our home. I immediately fell in love with this delicious comfort food. This Italian version warms both my heart and stomach. ❤❤❤