Name: Creamy Gnocchi Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 28 min
Total time: 38 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8–10 slices bacon; 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil; 1 large onion, diced; 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced into small pieces; 4 cups chicken broth; 1 to 2 teaspoons salt (to taste); 1 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon garlic powder (or 4 cloves garlic, minced); ¼ teaspoon dried thyme; ½ to 1 teaspoon red chili flakes (to taste); 16 ounces gnocchi; 2 cups heavy cream or half-and-half; 2 cups cheddar cheese, freshly grated; Optional: sliced green onions; Optional: extra crispy bacon pieces; Optional: extra grated cheddar cheese

Description

A rich, cozy soup with creamy broth, pillowy gnocchi, and crispy bacon, perfect for a weeknight meal.

Ingredients

8–10 slices bacon
1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
1 large onion, diced
2 large carrots, peeled and sliced into small pieces
4 cups chicken broth
1 to 2 teaspoons salt (to taste)
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder (or 4 cloves garlic, minced)
¼ teaspoon dried thyme
½ to 1 teaspoon red chili flakes (to taste)
16 ounces gnocchi
2 cups heavy cream or half-and-half
2 cups cheddar cheese, freshly grated
Optional: sliced green onions
Optional: extra crispy bacon pieces
Optional: extra grated cheddar cheese

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Instructions

Cook the bacon: Bake or pan-fry the bacon until crisp. Transfer to a paper towel–lined plate to drain, then chop into small pieces and set aside.
Sauté the vegetables: In a large pot over medium heat, add the butter (or a mix of butter and a little bacon fat). Stir in the diced onion and sliced carrots. Cook for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft and lightly golden.
Add the broth and simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Bring to a gentle simmer.
Add cream and seasonings: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half. Add salt, pepper, garlic powder (or minced garlic), dried thyme, and red chili flakes. Let the soup gently simmer for several minutes.
Melt in the cheddar: Turn the heat to low. Add the grated cheddar cheese a handful at a time, stirring until fully melted before adding more.
Cook the gnocchi: Stir the gnocchi into the hot soup and simmer for about 2 minutes, or according to package directions, until tender.
Finish with bacon and serve: Stir most of the chopped bacon into the pot, reserving a little for garnish. Taste and adjust seasoning. Ladle into bowls and top with green onions, extra cheddar, and reserved bacon pieces.

Notes

Use block cheddar for a creamier texture. For a lighter version, use half-and-half. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 4-5 days.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 28 minutes
Category: Soup
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American