Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup

 Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup

Ingredients

• 8-10 slices Bacon
• 1 Tablespoon Butter or Olive Oil
• 1 large Onion (diced)
• 4 large Carrots (peeled and sliced into small pieces)
• 4 cups Chicken Broth
• 1 to 2 teaspoons Salt
• 1 teaspoon Pepper
• 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder (or 4 cloves minced garlic)
• 1/4 teaspoon Dried Thyme
• 1/2 to 1 teaspoon Red Chili Flakes
• 16 ounces Gnocchi
• 2 cups Heavy Cream or Half-n-Half
• 2 cups Cheddar Cheese
• Green onions

Instructions

1.                 Cook bacon. Once cooled, cut into small pieces.

2.     Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add the butter. Add onions and carrots in butter or olive oil and cook until until tender, about 10-15 minutes. Add chicken broth and let simmer.

3.     Once the vegetables are soft and tender, reduce heat to medium-low and add heavy cream of half-n-half and all of the spices. Let simmer until it starts to reduce slightly. DO NOT let it boil or it may clump when the cheese is added.

4.     Add the grated cheese in increments so that it doesn't clump. Let the cheese completely melt. Stir in gnocchi and cook for 2 minutes. Taste for seasonings and add more salt and pepper as needed.

5.     Add the bacon pieces. Serve with green onions, grated cheese, and bacon.