If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food, Chicken Gnocchi Soup is about to become your new favorite cozy meal. Imagine a bowlful of soft, pillowy gnocchi, tender shredded chicken, sweet carrots, fresh spinach, and a velvety broth, all coming together for a soul-warming experience. This creamy soup is not only delicious and filling but also surprisingly simple, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or casual family gatherings. Whether you’re craving something hearty on a chilly night or want to impress guests with a restaurant-style dish at home, this Chicken Gnocchi Soup will never let you down.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Chicken Gnocchi Soup really lies in just a handful of staple ingredients, each playing a delicious and vital role. These basics blend to create layers of flavor and texture, from chewy gnocchi to rich broth, making every bite packed with comfort.
- Olive oil or butter: Both add richness to the base of the soup; feel free to use whichever you love most.
- Onion: Provides a subtle sweetness and earthy flavor that’s the foundation of every great soup.
- Garlic: Infuses the broth with irresistible aroma and depth — don’t skip it!
- Carrots: Bring color, gentle sweetness, and a slight bite that contrasts perfectly with the soft gnocchi.
- Celery: Adds a fresh, herbal note that rounds out the classic soup flavor profile.
- Cooked shredded chicken: Rotisserie chicken is a huge time-saver and ensures juicy, tender bites throughout.
- Chicken broth: Forms the flavorful base that ties everything together; use low-sodium for more control over seasoning.
- Dried or fresh thyme: A must for that classic homestyle flavor and irresistible aroma.
- Italian seasoning: Delivers an extra layer of herby goodness and ties the soup to its Italian-American roots.
- Salt and pepper: Essential to bring out the flavors of all your ingredients.
- Potato gnocchi: The star of the show, these tender dumplings provide substance and that signature pillowy texture.
- Fresh spinach leaves: Stirred in at the end for vibrant color and a boost of nutrition without overpowering the flavor.
- Heavy cream (or half-and-half): Adds glorious creaminess; use half-and-half if you want something a bit lighter.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional): Melts into the broth for extra richness and a savory finish.
How to Make Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Start by heating your olive oil or butter in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery, and sauté them for about 5 minutes, until they’re softened and smelling absolutely amazing. This first step builds a flavorful foundation for the entire Chicken Gnocchi Soup.
Step 2: Build the Broth
Next, toss in the shredded chicken along with the chicken broth, thyme, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good stir, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This is where your kitchen starts to smell like a cozy Italian trattoria!
Step 3: Add the Gnocchi
Once your soup is simmering, stir in the potato gnocchi. Cook for about 3–4 minutes; you’ll know they’re ready when they float to the top. These tender dumplings finish cooking right in the broth, soaking up all those cozy flavors.
Step 4: Wilt in the Spinach
With the gnocchi cooked, add the fresh spinach to the pot. Stir until the leaves are just wilted and turned a beautiful bright green, adding both a pop of color and a hit of nutrients to your creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup.
Step 5: Finish with Cream and Parmesan
Turn the heat down to low and gently stir in the heavy cream (or half-and-half) and Parmesan cheese, if you’re using it. Let everything heat through, but avoid letting the soup come to a boil now. Give it a final taste, adjust seasoning as you like, and your soup is ready to ladle up.
How to Serve Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra grated Parmesan cheese and a dash of freshly ground black pepper on each bowl will elevate your Chicken Gnocchi Soup to restaurant-quality status. If you love fresh herbs, a scatter of chopped parsley or even a few thyme leaves adds a beautiful finish and fresh fragrance.
Side Dishes
If you want to make this comforting soup a full meal, serve it with warm, crusty bread or soft garlic breadsticks perfect for dunking. A crisp green salad with a zippy vinaigrette balances the creaminess of the soup and adds freshness to your table.
Creative Ways to Present
For a touch of fun, serve Chicken Gnocchi Soup in bread bowls, or ladle it into colorful mugs for a casual weeknight treat. If you’re entertaining, you can even offer small servings in espresso cups or shot glasses as an unexpected and memorable appetizer!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chicken Gnocchi Soup keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container, and you’ll find the flavors deepen overnight. The gnocchi may soak up some broth as it sits, which just means more delicious, thick soup tomorrow.
Freezing
You can freeze Chicken Gnocchi Soup, but for the best results, freeze it before adding the gnocchi, spinach, and cream. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then gently reheat and add the gnocchi, spinach, and cream just before serving to keep everything textured and fresh.
Reheating
To reheat, warm your soup on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until hot. If the soup has thickened, simply splash in more chicken broth or a bit of cream until you reach your perfect consistency. Avoid boiling once the cream is added to keep the broth silky.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked gnocchi or homemade?
Absolutely! Both store-bought shelf-stable gnocchi and homemade gnocchi work perfectly in Chicken Gnocchi Soup. If you make your own, just be gentle when stirring them in so they stay tender.
Is Chicken Gnocchi Soup gluten-free?
It can be! Simply swap the regular gnocchi for a gluten-free variety, which you can find in most major grocery stores. The rest of the soup is naturally gluten-free.
Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Yes, you can make it dairy-free by replacing the cream with full-fat coconut milk and omitting the Parmesan cheese. The finished soup will still be creamy with a slightly different, but equally delicious, flavor.
What other vegetables can I add?
Feel free to add spinach alternatives like kale or Swiss chard, or toss in diced zucchini, bell pepper, or peas for a colorful twist. Just remember, add heartier veggies earlier so they have time to soften.
How do I make it thicker?
For a heartier, stew-like consistency, simply mash a few gnocchi right in the pot or stir in a spoonful of instant potato flakes. This trick thickens the broth naturally while keeping all the lovely flavors intact.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving comfort in a bowl, Chicken Gnocchi Soup is guaranteed to hit the spot. Each spoonful is full of creamy goodness, savory chicken, and soft gnocchi, making it a meal everyone will remember. Give it a try—you’re going to fall in love with just how easy and soul-satisfying this classic soup can be!
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Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A rich and hearty soup made with tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, fresh vegetables, and a creamy broth. Perfect for cozy weeknights and family dinners!
Ingredients
Vegetables:
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
Proteins:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works great)
Broth and Seasonings:
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp dried thyme (or 2 tsp fresh thyme)
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Gnocchi and Dairy:
- 1 package (16 oz / 450 g) potato gnocchi
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for richness)
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Sauté onion, garlic, carrots, and celery until softened.
- Add shredded chicken, broth, thyme, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
- Stir in gnocchi and cook for 3–4 minutes, or until gnocchi float to the top.
- Add spinach and cook until wilted.
- Stir in cream and Parmesan (if using). Heat gently without boiling.
- Taste and adjust seasoning before serving hot.
Notes
- For a thicker soup, mash a few cooked gnocchi into the broth.
- Make it dairy-free by using coconut milk instead of cream and omitting Parmesan.
- Swap spinach for kale for a heartier green.
- Leftovers reheat well, but add extra broth if soup thickens.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup, Main Dish
- Method: Simmering, One-Pot
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 920mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
