Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken and Gnocchi Soup

Introduction

This creamy tomato basil soup gets upgraded with the addition of tender chicken and fluffy gnocchi. It starts with a base of fresh tomatoes simmered until soft and full of flavor. Heavy cream and parmesan lend it a lush creaminess, while fresh basil provides aromatic herbal notes. Bite-size pieces of chicken breast add hearty protein. Towards the end of cooking, dumplings of gnocchi are stirred in to cook until soft. The result is a comforting, luxurious soup that's still quick and easy to whip up on a weeknight. This recipe proves that cream-based soups can be nourishing as well as delicious!

Benefits of Tomatoes

Tomatoes provide the base for many soups and sauces, including:

• Potent source of lycopene, an antioxidant for heart health
• Vitamin C, vitamin K and potassium
• Reduced inflammation and blood pressure
• Lower cholesterol and improve blood flow
• Essential nutrients like folate, thiamine and niacin

Cooking tomatoes boosts their nutritional bioavailability.

Nutrition Facts

1 medium raw tomato has:

• 25 calories
• 5g carbs
• 1g protein
• 1g fiber
• 17% DV vitamin C
• 14% DV potassium

Ingredients

• Olive oil
• Yellow onion
• Garlic
• Fresh tomatoes
• Chicken breasts
• Fresh basil
• Heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese
• Gnocchi
• Chicken broth

Instructions

Saute the Aromatics

Heat olive oil and cook onion, garlic until softened. Add tomatoes and simmer 10 minutes.

Cook the Chicken

While tomatoes cook, season and sauté chicken breasts until cooked through. Dice or shred chicken.

Simmer the Broth

Add chicken broth and diced chicken to tomatoes. Also add heavy cream, Parmesan, basil and seasonings.

Cook the Gnocchi

Once simmering, add gnocchi and cook 3-5 minutes until soft.

Adjust and Serve

Adjust consistency if needed. Garnish bowls with basil leaves.

Tips

• Use fresh ripe tomatoes for best flavor.
• Simmer tomatoes just until soft, not mushy.
• Stir often so cream doesn't separate.
• Add gnocchi close to serving so it doesn't get mushy.
• Garnish with parmesan cheese for added richness.

Serving Suggestions

Round out the meal with:

• Crusty bread or rolls
• Garden salad
• Parmesan garlic knots
• Wine like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover soup in the fridge up to 3 days. Reheat over medium heat, adding extra broth if too thick.

It can also be frozen in batches for up to 3 months.

Conclusion

This creamy tomato basil chicken and gnocchi soup is comfort in a bowl. The medley of tender chicken, spinach and Parmesan blends perfectly with soft gnocchi dumplings. Fresh basil gives it an authentic flavor that balances the creaminess. Make the most of seasonal tomatoes and whip up this easy homemade soup recipe. This will quickly become a favorite cool weather lunch or dinner option!

FAQs

Can you use canned tomatoes?

Yes, canned crushed tomatoes work fine. Rinse and drain them first.

Is fresh basil essential?

It makes a big difference, but dried basil can be substituted if needed.

Can you substitute potatoes for gnocchi?

Yes, diced potatoes can be used instead. Add them earlier to fully cook.

What protein works besides chicken?

You can use diced Italian sausage, white beans, or chickpeas instead.

Can this soup be frozen?

Yes, allow it to cool completely before freezing in airtight containers.