If you’ve ever found yourself craving a bowl of warm, comforting goodness that hugs your soul from the inside out, this Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. Packed with tender shredded chicken, pillowy gnocchi, fresh spinach, and a rich, creamy broth, it’s a simple yet luxurious soup that transforms humble ingredients into a bowl of pure comfort. Whether you’re coming in from a chilly day or just need a satisfying meal that feels like a warm embrace, this recipe delivers it all with ease and flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe comes together with a handful of everyday ingredients that work together to create layers of flavor and texture. Each item plays an important role, from the aromatic vegetables building the soup’s savory base to the creamy broth that smooths everything out.
- Olive oil: For a light, fruity base that helps soften the veggies without overpowering them.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and a velvety finish to the soup’s broth.
- Small onion (diced): Brings a mild sweetness and fragrance to the mix.
- Garlic cloves (minced): Infuses the soup with that irresistible aromatic punch.
- Carrots (diced): Provide natural sweetness and a subtle crunch, enhancing the soup’s texture.
- Celery stalks (diced): Lend earthiness and balance, building depth in the base flavors.
- Dried thyme: Offers a herby note that perfectly complements both chicken and cream.
- Salt: Essential to bring out all the delicious flavors harmoniously.
- Black pepper: Adds a gentle warmth and slight bite.
- All-purpose flour: Thickens the soup into a creamy, luscious texture without heaviness.
- Chicken broth: The flavorful liquid foundation that ties everything together.
- Half-and-half or heavy cream: Gives that silky, creamy consistency that makes every spoonful so satisfying.
- Cooked shredded chicken: Provides hearty protein and comfort in every bite.
- Potato gnocchi: These tender, pillowy dumplings soak up the broth while adding wonderful texture.
- Fresh baby spinach: Adds vibrant color and a burst of earthiness to brighten the soup.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional): For a salty, nutty garnish that elevates each spoonful.
How to Make Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Begin by heating olive oil and butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion, minced garlic, carrots, and celery. Let them gently cook for about 5 to 6 minutes until they soften and become fragrant. This step is crucial because it builds the soup’s flavorful foundation. Sprinkle in the dried thyme, salt, and black pepper, stirring well so the herbs release their aroma, and the seasoning starts to blend beautifully.
Step 2: Make the Roux
Next, sprinkle the all-purpose flour evenly over the softened vegetables and stir to coat everything. Cooking the flour for 1 to 2 minutes gets rid of the raw taste and thickens the soup, so be patient and keep stirring. This golden roux will later give your Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe that irresistible creamy thickness without using heavy sauces.
Step 3: Add the Broth and Simmer
Now, slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking continuously to make sure the flour dissolves smoothly—no lumps allowed here! Bring the entire mixture to a gentle simmer, letting it cook for about 5 to 7 minutes. You’ll notice the soup starts to thicken and the flavors begin to meld together into a comforting, savory embrace.
Step 4: Incorporate Cream, Chicken, and Gnocchi
Stir in the half-and-half or heavy cream to create that silky, luscious broth that makes this Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe so special. Add the shredded chicken and potato gnocchi, stirring gently. Let everything simmer for another 4 to 5 minutes until the gnocchi float to the top and become tender—this signals they’re perfectly cooked and ready to enjoy.
Step 5: Finish with Spinach and Season
Finally, add the fresh baby spinach and stir just until it wilts, adding a vibrant pop of green and a subtle earthy flavor. Give your soup a quick taste to see if it needs any seasoning adjustments. And just like that, your bowl of wholesome, creamy, chicken gnocchi soup is ready to warm you from the inside out.
How to Serve Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Garnishes
The simplest garnishes can elevate your Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe from dinner to a special occasion in no time. A generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese gives a delightful salty, nutty touch, while a few twists of freshly ground black pepper adds warmth. For an herbal brightness, consider a sprinkle of chopped parsley or chives.
Side Dishes
This soup stands beautifully on its own, but pairing it with crusty bread or warm garlic knots makes every bite even more inviting. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette also provides a refreshing contrast, balancing the creamy texture of the soup.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe in rustic bowls to showcase its cozy charm. For a fun twist, ladle the soup into hollowed-out bread bowls, turning the meal into an experience that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat. Garnish with microgreens or a drizzle of chili oil to add an unexpected pop of color and flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to three days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve freshness, making it a perfect make-ahead meal that tastes just as comforting the next day.
Freezing
To freeze this soup, let it cool completely, then transfer portions into freezer-safe containers or bags. Keep in mind that gnocchi can become a bit softer after freezing and reheating, so you might want to omit or add them fresh when serving. Frozen soup lasts for up to three months without losing its deliciousness.
Reheating
Reheat your Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe gently on the stove over low to medium heat. Stir occasionally to ensure even warming and to prevent the cream from curdling. For thinner soup after chilling or freezing, add a splash of broth or cream to bring back the desired consistency.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is perfect for this Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe because it’s already cooked and packed with flavor, saving you time without sacrificing taste.
Is it possible to make this soup dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the half-and-half or heavy cream with coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative, but note the flavor and texture will be slightly different.
Can I add other vegetables to the soup?
Definitely. Mushrooms, kale, or even peas make great additions, adding more depth and nutrition to your Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe.
What can I do if I don’t have gnocchi on hand?
While gnocchi is the star here, you can substitute small pasta shapes like mini shells or even dumplings for a similar comforting effect.
How do I store leftovers without the gnocchi getting mushy?
For best results, store the soup and gnocchi separately. Add the gnocchi fresh when reheating so they maintain their pillowy texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s truly nothing like a warm bowl of Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe to make any day feel special. Easy to prepare, wonderfully creamy, and loaded with comforting ingredients, this soup will quickly become one of your go-to recipes when you want something nourishing and delicious. Take the time to make it for yourself or someone you love—you won’t regret it!
Print
Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This comforting Chicken Gnocchi Soup features tender shredded chicken, pillowy potato gnocchi, and fresh spinach in a creamy, flavorful broth. Perfect for a cozy meal, it’s rich yet easy to prepare on the stovetop.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Soup Thickener and Liquids
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup half-and-half or heavy cream
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked shredded chicken
- 1 pound potato gnocchi
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
Optional Garnish
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté vegetables: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, diced carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5 to 6 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant. Stir in dried thyme, salt, and black pepper to season.
- Add flour and create roux: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour evenly over the sautéed vegetables and stir well to coat them. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste and develop a light roux.
- Incorporate broth: Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, ensuring there are no lumps and the flour is fully dissolved. This creates the base for the creamy soup.
- Simmer soup base: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until the soup thickens slightly, stirring occasionally to avoid sticking.
- Add dairy, chicken, and gnocchi: Stir in the half-and-half or heavy cream, cooked shredded chicken, and potato gnocchi. Continue to simmer for an additional 4 to 5 minutes, or until the gnocchi float to the surface and become tender.
- Finish with spinach and seasoning: Add the fresh baby spinach and stir until wilted. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if desired.
- Serve and garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with grated Parmesan cheese if using. Serve warm for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time and add flavor.
- For a lighter version, substitute milk for cream and reduce the butter amount.
- Add mushrooms to deepen flavor and texture.
- Swap spinach for kale for a different leafy green twist.
