Ricotta Dumpling Chicken Soup is a comforting and delicious twist on traditional chicken soup. Combining the heartwarming flavors of a classic chicken broth with the rich, creamy texture of ricotta dumplings, this soup offers a unique and satisfying culinary experience.
Perfect for cold days or whenever you need a comforting meal, the tender chicken pieces and fluffy ricotta dumplings create a hearty and nutritious dish that’s sure to please.
Whether served as a cozy dinner or a delightful starter, Ricotta Dumpling Chicken Soup brings together the best of home-cooked flavors with a gourmet touch.
Why Are My Chicken And Dumplings Not Fluffy?
Your chicken and dumplings might not be fluffy for a few reasons. Check the consistency of your dough; it should be soft but not sticky. Avoid over-mixing the dough, which can make it dense. Make sure your baking powder is fresh for proper leavening.
Also, don’t lift the lid while the dumplings cook; they need steam to rise. Lastly, use a gentle simmer, not a rolling boil, to cook them evenly.
How To Make Ricotta Dumpling Chicken Soup?
Recipe Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-American
Yield: 6 servings
Equipment Needed
- Large stockpot
- Medium mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Ladle
- Slotted spoon
- Whisk
Ingredients
For the Soup
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups baby spinachhttps://www.food.com/recipe/sauteed-baby-spinach-and-garlic-50428 (optional)
For the Ricotta Dumplings
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare The Soup Base
Heat the olive oil in a large stockpot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Saute until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 2: Simmer The Broth
Pour in the chicken broth and add the shredded chicken, bay leaf, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes. If you’re using baby spinach, stir it in during the last few minutes of simmering.
Step 3: Make The Ricotta Dumplings
While the soup is simmering, prepare the dumplings. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Gradually add the flour and baking powder, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the dough should be slightly sticky.
Step 4: Cook The Dumplings
Using a spoon or small cookie scoop, drop small balls of the dumpling dough into the simmering soup. The dumplings will expand as they cook, so space them out evenly. Cover the pot and let the dumplings cook for about 10 minutes, or until they are firm and cooked through.
Step 5: Serve The Soup
Remove the bay leaf and ladle the soup into bowls, making sure each serving gets a good amount of vegetables, chicken, and dumplings. Enjoy your homemade ricotta dumpling chicken soup with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition Facts Of Ricotta Dumpling Chicken Soup
- Calories: 310
- Protein: 25 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fat: 12 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
How Do You Thicken Chicken And Dumpling Soup?
To thicken chicken and dumpling soup, I start by making a slurry. I mix equal parts of cold water and flour or cornstarch until smooth. Then, I gradually stir the slurry into the simmering soup.
I keep stirring until the soup reaches my desired thickness. Sometimes, I use mashed potatoes or a bit of heavy cream instead. I also find that letting the soup simmer longer can naturally thicken it.
Tips And Variations Of Ricotta Dumpling Chicken Soup
Make It Gluten-Free
Replace the all-purpose flour in the dumplings with a gluten-free flour blend to accommodate dietary restrictions.
Use Leftover Chicken
This recipe is a great way to use up leftover rotisserie chicken or roasted chicken from another meal.
Add More Vegetables
Feel free to add other vegetables like peas, zucchini, or mushrooms to make the soup even heartier.
Spice It Up
For a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the soup base.
Special Note
This recipe is incredibly versatile and can be adapted to suit your personal preferences. Feel free to experiment with different herbs, spices, and vegetables to make it your own.
Conclusion
Ricotta dumpling chicken soup offers a delightful twist on the classic chicken soup, combining the comforting flavors of tender chicken and rich broth with the unique texture and taste of ricotta dumplings.
This hearty and wholesome dish not only warms the soul but also adds a gourmet touch to traditional comfort food. Perfect for cold days or whenever you need a nourishing meal, this soup brings together simplicity and sophistication in every spoonful.
Whether served as a starter or a main course, ricotta dumpling chicken soup is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire, impressing family and friends with its rich flavors and satisfying texture.
Ricotta Dumpling Chicken Soup
Equipment
- Large stockpot
- Medium mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Ladle
- Slotted spoon
- Whisk
Ingredients Â
For the Soup
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion diced
- 2 carrots peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks sliced
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked chicken shredded
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups baby spinachhttps://www.food.com/recipe/sauteed-baby-spinach-and-garlic-50428 optional
For the Ricotta Dumplings
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
InstructionsÂ
Step 1: Prepare The Soup Base
- Heat the olive oil in a large stockpot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Saute until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 2: Simmer The Broth
- Pour in the chicken broth and add the shredded chicken, bay leaf, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes. If you’re using baby spinach, stir it in during the last few minutes of simmering.
Step 3: Make The Ricotta Dumplings
- While the soup is simmering, prepare the dumplings. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Gradually add the flour and baking powder, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the dough should be slightly sticky.
Step 4: Cook The Dumplings
- Using a spoon or small cookie scoop, drop small balls of the dumpling dough into the simmering soup. The dumplings will expand as they cook, so space them out evenly. Cover the pot and let the dumplings cook for about 10 minutes, or until they are firm and cooked through.
Step 5: Serve The Soup
- Remove the bay leaf and ladle the soup into bowls, making sure each serving gets a good amount of vegetables, chicken, and dumplings. Enjoy your homemade ricotta dumpling chicken soup with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
Hello! I am Shikha, I am a soup recipe maker. I have a lot of passion for making soup. With a journey spanning over five years in the culinary industry, I have carved a niche for myself as a distinguished soup maker whose creations are not just meals but experiences that linger on the palate and nourish the soul. My specialization in soup-making is a testament to my creativity and relentless pursuit of perfection. Beyond my skills in the kitchen, I am an avid writer, passionately sharing my knowledge and insights into nutrition through my writing. My approach to soup-making is holistic, emphasizing each ingredient’s taste and health benefits. A well-made soup can be a cornerstone of a healthy diet, providing essential nutrients while pleasing the taste buds.