Creamy Pierogi Chicken Soup with Rosemary Bacon Bits is a comforting and hearty dish that combines the flavors of classic pierogi with tender chicken and a creamy broth. Topped with crispy rosemary bacon bits, this soup is perfect for chilly evenings and is sure to warm your soul!

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups pierogi (frozen or fresh, potato and cheese variety works well)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 slices bacon, diced
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)

Timing

Making Creamy Pierogi Chicken Soup takes about 15 minutes for preparation and 30 minutes for cooking.

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Bacon

1. Cook Bacon: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the bacon drippings in the pot.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

1. Sauté Onion and Garlic: In the same pot, add the olive oil if needed. Sauté the diced onion for about 5 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and fresh rosemary, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

1. Add Chicken: Add the diced chicken to the pot, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the chicken is browned and cooked through.

Step 4: Add Broth and Pierogi

1. Add Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
2. Add Pierogi: Once simmering, add the pierogi to the pot and cook according to package instructions (usually about 5-7 minutes for frozen pierogi).

Step 5: Make it Creamy

1. Add Cream: Stir in the heavy cream and let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

Step 6: Serve

1. Plate the Soup: Ladle the creamy soup into bowls and top with the crispy rosemary bacon bits.
2. Garnish: Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of Creamy Pierogi Chicken Soup with Rosemary Bacon Bits (per serving, based on 6 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	400
Protein	25g
Fat	25g
Carbohydrates	25g
Sugar	2g

Tips for Customization

• Add Vegetables: Incorporate vegetables like carrots, celery, or spinach for added nutrition.
• Different Proteins: Substitute chicken with turkey or sausage for varied flavors.
• Herbs and Spices: Experiment with other herbs like thyme or dill for additional flavor.

Storage Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop before serving.

Conclusion

Creamy Pierogi Chicken Soup with Rosemary Bacon Bits is a delicious and hearty dish that combines the comforting flavors of pierogi with creamy chicken soup. Perfect for cold days, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household!