Gnocchi & Bacon Soup

Ingredients

• 16 ounces bacon, sliced
• 1/2 medium onion, diced
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 4-5 small carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 package (16 ounces) shelf-stable gnocchi
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 tablespoon flour
• 1-1/2 cups heavy cream
• 1/3 cup grated parmesan
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. In a large stock pot, cook the bacon pieces until crispy.
2. Remove the bacon pieces to a paper towel-lined plate or bowl, reserving about 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the pot.
3. To the bacon grease, add the onions, sautéing for about 5 minutes or until they are tender and translucent.
4. Stir in the garlic and cook for about a minute until fragrant.
5. Add in the carrots, celery and Italian seasoning, and cook for about 5 minutes.
6. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the soup to a boil.
7. Add in the gnocchi and return to a boil.
8. Turn the heat down to medium-low and allow the soup to simmer for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
9. In a small bowl, combine the flour and milk, whisking until smooth.
10. Add the heavy cream, along with the milk and flour mixture, to the soup and cook for about 3-5 minutes until thickened.
11. Add in the cooked bacon and parmesan cheese and stir until the cheese is melted and smooth.
12. Taste the soup and add salt, pepper or any other seasonings you desire.
13. Serve hot with sliced French bread or oyster crackers.

I came across the original recipe for this flavorful and creamy soup on TikTok; the video can be found here.