Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
If there’s a soup that embodies pure comfort in a bowl, it’s Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup. This beloved classic wraps you in a velvety embrace with pillowy potato gnocchi, tender pieces of chicken, and a medley of fresh vegetables steeped in a delicately seasoned creamy broth. It’s the kind of recipe that makes your kitchen smell irresistible and brings the family together for seconds (and thirds!). Whether it’s a chilly night or you’re craving something soul-soothing, this Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup will deliver hearty satisfaction with every spoonful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup lies in how a handful of everyday ingredients weave together to create something extraordinary. Each one brings its own magic to the table—color, freshness, depth of flavor, or that crave-worthy creamy finish.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Adds a subtle, fruity base and helps soften the vegetables as they cook.
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons): Gives the soup a rich, delicate flavor while supporting a silky texture.
- Yellow onion, diced (1 small): Delivers a gentle sweetness that harmonizes with the savory notes of the soup.
- Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Infuses the broth with bold, aromatic depth—don’t skip this essential step!
- Carrots, diced (1 cup): Bring color, natural sweetness, and a tender bite as they simmer.
- Celery, chopped (1 cup): Lends a fresh, earthy undertone and classic soup crunch.
- Dried thyme (1 teaspoon): Adds warming, herby notes that make Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup so inviting.
- All-purpose flour (1/4 cup): Helps create a roux, thickening the soup for that luscious, creamy consistency.
- Low-sodium chicken broth (4 cups): Lays the foundation for the soup’s flavor—choose a good-quality broth!
- Cooked shredded chicken (2 cups): Makes the soup extra hearty; rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver.
- Potato gnocchi, 16 oz package: These little dumplings turn the dish into a substantial, comforting meal.
- Fresh spinach, chopped (2 cups): Stirred in at the end for freshness, color, and a touch of greenery.
- Half-and-half or heavy cream (1 cup): The star ingredient for making the soup exceptionally creamy.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for enhancing every flavor in the pot.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a gentle kick for balance.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional): A finishing flourish that brings a savory, nutty note to each serving.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatic Vegetables
In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Once the butter melts and starts to foam, add the diced onion, minced garlic, carrots, and celery. Stir occasionally and let everything cook together for about 5–6 minutes, just until the veggies soften and the kitchen fills with an irresistible aroma.
Step 2: Build the Flavor Base
Sprinkle the dried thyme over the vegetables, letting the herby fragrance bloom. Next, dust the flour evenly across the mix and stir constantly for about 1 minute—this step creates a roux, which will thicken the soup and give it that signature creamy body.
Step 3: Add Broth and Simmer
Gradually pour in the chicken broth while whisking or stirring, ensuring the mixture stays smooth and lump-free. Raise the heat and bring the soup up to a gentle boil. Once you see small bubbles, reduce the heat to medium-low so everything can simmer softly and the flavors can gently meld together.
Step 4: Incorporate Chicken and Gnocchi
Add your cooked, shredded chicken and potato gnocchi to the bubbling soup. Let them gently simmer for 8–10 minutes. You’ll know the gnocchi are done once they float to the top and become fork-tender—get ready for some serious comfort!
Step 5: Stir in Spinach and Cream
Fold in the chopped fresh spinach, and pour in the half-and-half (or heavy cream if you’re feeling extra indulgent). Season the soup with salt and black pepper. Let everything cook together for another 2–3 minutes so the spinach wilts and the soup turns irresistibly creamy.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle creamy, steaming bowls of Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup. Top with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese for that golden finish. Gather everyone around—soup like this deserves to be savored as soon as it’s ready!
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Garnishes
The finishing touch makes all the difference! A swirl of extra cream, a handful of chopped fresh parsley, or an extra dusting of Parmesan cheese turn the soup irresistible in both taste and appearance. A crack of black pepper or pinch of red pepper flakes offers a hint of warmth for those who love a slight kick.
Side Dishes
This soup plays well with plenty of sides. Try it with a rustic hunk of crusty bread—perfect for mopping up every last drop. A crisp green salad balances the richness of the Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup, while garlic bread or warm focaccia make for dreamy pairings. If you’re in the mood for a lighter touch, roasted vegetables are a lovely match.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to add a wow-factor to Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup, serve it in hollowed-out bread bowls for an edible vessel that’s as fun as it is filling. For dinner parties, ladle the soup into small mugs or shooters for an elegant appetizer. Individual soup crocks topped with a little broiled cheese are another cozy, comfort-forward way to impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Storing this soup is a breeze. Allow leftover Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup to cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making tomorrow’s bowl even tastier!
Freezing
You can freeze Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup, but keep in mind that the texture of gnocchi and cream may change slightly once thawed. For best results, freeze the soup before you add spinach and half-and-half—then stir those in after reheating. Freeze in a tightly sealed container for up to 2 months.
Reheating
For the best experience, reheat the soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until it’s steaming hot but not boiling. If the soup thickens after storing, add a splash of broth or cream to loosen it up. Microwaving works in a pinch, just do it in short bursts to avoid overheating the dairy.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a brilliant timesaver and adds wonderful flavor. Simply shred or chop it before adding during Step 4 of the Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup recipe.
Can I swap kale or other greens for spinach?
Definitely. While spinach melts tenderly into the soup, kale or Swiss chard are delicious alternatives. Just chop them finely and add a few minutes earlier to soften, as they’re a bit heartier.
Is it possible to make Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute gluten-free all-purpose flour for the roux, and check that your gnocchi are also gluten-free (many brands offer this option). You’ll get all the creamy satisfaction without a hint of gluten.
What can I use instead of half-and-half?
If you want it lighter, whole milk works well (though the soup will be slightly less rich), or go all-out with heavy cream for an ultra-indulgent batch. Plant-based milk alternatives like oat or soy cream also work surprisingly well here.
Can I cook Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup in a slow cooker?
You sure can, with a few adjustments! Sauté the aromatics first, then add everything except the gnocchi, spinach, and cream to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 4–6 hours, then add gnocchi, spinach, and cream for the last 30 minutes.
Final Thoughts
You simply can’t go wrong with a pot of Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup. It’s the ultimate comfort dish—filling, flavorful, and guaranteed to warm both hands and heart. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just getting started, this recipe always delivers a bowl full of cozy, homemade joy. Give it a try the next time you’re in need of a hearty pick-me-up—you may just find yourself with a new favorite on repeat.
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Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a comforting bowl of Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup, a hearty and satisfying dish perfect for any day of the week. This soup combines tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and fresh spinach in a rich and creamy broth that is sure to warm you up.
Ingredients
Main Soup:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small yellow onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
Gnocchi & Finish:
- 1 package (16 oz) potato gnocchi
- 2 cups fresh spinach (chopped)
- 1 cup half-and-half (or heavy cream)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- grated Parmesan cheese (optional for serving)
Instructions
- Saute Vegetables: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5–6 minutes until softened.
- Add Flavor: Stir in thyme and flour to form a roux. Slowly whisk in chicken broth, ensuring no lumps.
- Cook Gnocchi: Bring soup to a gentle boil, then add chicken and gnocchi. Simmer for 8–10 minutes until gnocchi are tender.
- Finish Soup: Stir in spinach, half-and-half, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2–3 minutes until hot and creamy.
- Serve: Ladle into bowls, top with Parmesan if desired, and enjoy!
Notes
- To save time, use rotisserie chicken.
- For a lighter version, use whole milk instead of half-and-half.
- You can also add mushrooms or swap spinach for kale.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
