A creamy, comforting soup made with tender potato gnocchi, savory rotisserie chicken, aromatic vegetables, fresh spinach, Parmesan cheese, and a delicately seasoned broth enriched with half-and-half.
2cupscooked rotisserie chickenshredded or cut into small pieces
4cupschicken broth
2cupshalf-and-halfgently warmed to help prevent curdling
3tablespoonsunsalted butter
1tablespoonolive oil
1cupyellow oniondiced
3/4cupcarrotsgrated
1/2cupceleryfinely sliced or finely chopped
2large garlic clovesminced
1/2cupdry white wine
1/4cupall-purpose flour
1/2 to 3/4cupshredded Parmesan cheesepreferably Parmigiano Reggiano
2cupsfresh spinachroughly chopped
1 to 2teaspoonsfresh thymefinely chopped
1/2teaspoondried Italian herbs
1/8teaspoonfreshly grated nutmegoptional
Saltadded to taste
Freshly ground black pepperadded to taste
Instructions
In a large heavy-bottomed pot, warm the butter and olive oil together over medium heat until the butter melts and the bubbling begins to settle.
Add the diced onion, grated carrots, and chopped celery to the pot. Sprinkle in 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, then cook until the vegetables soften and begin to take on a light golden color.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, just until its aroma becomes noticeable.
Pour the dry white wine into the pot, scraping the bottom to loosen any browned bits. Allow the wine to simmer until nearly evaporated, about 2 to 3 minutes.
Sprinkle the flour over the vegetable mixture and stir well so it blends evenly with the reduced wine and softened vegetables. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes.
Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, adding it gradually to keep the soup base smooth. Let the mixture come to a gentle simmer and thicken slightly.
Whisk in the warmed half-and-half, then add the fresh thyme and dried Italian herbs. Keep the soup at a soft simmer rather than a full boil, stirring occasionally until the base is fully combined.
Add the gnocchi and simmer for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the gnocchi becomes tender and rises to the surface.
Stir in the Parmesan cheese, rotisserie chicken, and chopped spinach. Continue cooking for 2 to 3 minutes, until the chicken is warmed through and the spinach has softened.
Finish the soup with the optional nutmeg, then adjust the salt and black pepper to taste.
Serve while warm, garnished with extra freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano and cracked black pepper, with crusty Italian bread on the side.
The soup will continue to thicken as it rests. Serve immediately for a lighter consistency, or let it stand for 5 to 10 minutes for a thicker texture. Keep warm or reheat gently as needed.