If you are craving a bowl of warmth and comfort that feels like a big, cozy hug, this Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. Creamy, hearty, and packed with tender shredded chicken, pillowy potato gnocchi, and fresh spinach, this soup delivers layers of flavor and texture with every spoonful. It’s a perfect meal for chilly evenings, family dinners, or anytime you want something deliciously satisfying yet simple to prepare. Once you try this recipe, it just might become your new go-to comfort food!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to nailing this Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe. Each element is straightforward but essential, working together to create a smooth, creamy base, vibrant veggies, and that signature pillowy texture from the gnocchi.
- Olive oil: Provides a subtle fruity base flavor and helps sauté the vegetables evenly.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps create a luscious soup base.
- Small onion (diced): Builds a sweet, savory foundation for the soup.
- Garlic cloves (minced): Infuses the dish with a gentle aromatic punch.
- Carrots (sliced): Bring natural sweetness and color contrast.
- Celery stalks (sliced): Adds subtle earthiness and crunch.
- Dried thyme: Contributes a warm herbal note that complements the chicken beautifully.
- Dried basil: Offers a touch of sweetness and depth to the broth.
- Black pepper: Provides mild heat and balances the creaminess.
- All-purpose flour: Helps thicken the soup for that perfect velvety texture.
- Chicken broth: The savory liquid foundation that carries all flavors.
- Whole milk: Adds creamy body without overpowering richness.
- Heavy cream: Brings a smooth, indulgent creaminess that makes this soup truly comforting.
- Cooked shredded chicken: Packed with protein and heartiness to make this more than just a starter.
- Potato gnocchi (16-ounce package): Soft, pillowy dumplings that soak up the broth and add wonderful texture.
- Fresh spinach (chopped): Adds a fresh pop of color and a subtle earthiness to round out the flavors.
- Salt: Essential for adjusting taste and enhancing all other flavors.
How to Make Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Start by heating olive oil and butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add diced onions, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and celery. Cook everything gently for about 5 to 6 minutes until the vegetables soften and the kitchen starts smelling incredible. This forms the aromatic base and builds layers of flavor essential for the ultimate soup experience.
Step 2: Add Herbs and Flour
Sprinkle in dried thyme, basil, and black pepper, stirring to distribute those delicious herbal hints throughout the softened vegetables. Then dust the pan with all-purpose flour, stirring well to coat every nugget of goodness. Cooking the flour for 1 to 2 minutes removes the raw taste and prepares it to thicken the broth perfectly.
Step 3: Incorporate the Broth and Cream
Slowly whisk in chicken broth to avoid any lumps, creating a silky smooth base. Add whole milk and heavy cream next, stirring continuously until everything is combined. Bring the soup gently to a simmer, allowing the flavors to meld and the soup to thicken beautifully without boiling over.
Step 4: Add Chicken and Gnocchi
Stir in the cooked shredded chicken and potato gnocchi. Let the soup simmer for 8 to 10 minutes until gnocchi float to the top and become tender, embracing all the creamy flavors. This step turns the soup into a hearty meal that’s both filling and comforting.
Step 5: Finish with Spinach and Seasoning
Finally, stir in chopped fresh spinach and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the greens wilt gently, adding a pop of vibrant color and a fresh taste. Adjust the soup’s seasoning with salt to make sure every bite is just right.
How to Serve Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of flavor and visual appeal, try garnishing each bowl with freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. A drizzle of olive oil or a crack of fresh black pepper can also elevate the soup’s presentation and taste, making every spoonful feel special.
Side Dishes
This comforting soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or warm garlic knots to sop up every last bit of creamy broth. A simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette can balance the richness and add a fresh, crisp side to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the soup in rustic bread bowls for a fun twist that’s perfect for cozy dinners or casual entertaining. For portion control and an elegant touch, you can also serve it in small, individual mugs or cups during brunches or as a starter for dinner parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe stores wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep it in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent the soup from absorbing other flavors in your fridge.
Freezing
If you want to freeze the soup, it’s best to store it before adding the gnocchi, since they can change texture when frozen. Freeze the soup base and cooked chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add fresh gnocchi and spinach while reheating if you froze the soup base separately, to keep that perfect soft texture and vibrant color.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken for this Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a convenient shortcut that saves time and adds delicious flavor, making this soup even easier to prepare without compromising taste.
Is it possible to make a lighter version of this soup?
Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or even milk for a lighter version. It won’t be quite as rich but will still have a creamy texture that’s very satisfying.
Can I use frozen gnocchi instead of fresh?
Frozen gnocchi can be used, just be sure to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time so they cook through completely and become tender in the soup.
How do I prevent the soup from becoming too thick?
If the soup thickens too much while cooking or upon cooling, simply stir in a bit more chicken broth or milk to loosen up the consistency to your preference.
Can this soup be made in a slow cooker?
While this recipe is designed for stovetop cooking, you can adapt it for the slow cooker by sautéing the vegetables separately first, then adding all ingredients except for gnocchi and spinach. Add gnocchi and spinach during the last 30 minutes of cooking to avoid overcooking them.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so comforting and satisfying about a warm bowl of Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe, with its creamy broth, tender chicken, and soft gnocchi that makes every meal feel special. Whether you need a quick dinner fix or want to impress family and friends with a homemade, cozy dish, this recipe is a sure winner. Give it a try, and you might just find yourself making it again and again!
Print
Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a creamy and comforting American classic featuring tender shredded chicken, soft potato gnocchi, and fresh spinach in a rich broth made with butter, olive oil, cream, and aromatic vegetables and herbs. This hearty soup is perfect for cozy dinners and easy to prepare on the stovetop.
Ingredients
Base and Aromatics
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Soup Thickening and Liquids
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 (16-ounce) package potato gnocchi
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5–6 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Add Herbs and Flour: Stir in the dried thyme, basil, and black pepper. Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the vegetables and stir well to coat everything evenly. Cook for 1–2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
- Add Liquids: Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, making sure to avoid lumps. Then add the whole milk and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently to combine well.
- Add Chicken and Gnocchi: Stir in the cooked shredded chicken and the potato gnocchi. Let the soup simmer gently for 8–10 minutes until the gnocchi are tender and begin to float to the top, indicating they are cooked through.
- Add Spinach and Season: Stir in the chopped fresh spinach and cook for another 2–3 minutes until the spinach is wilted. Taste the soup and add salt as needed to enhance the flavors.
- Serve: Ladle the warm chicken gnocchi soup into bowls and serve immediately for a comforting meal.
Notes
- You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience and to save time.
- For a lighter version of this soup, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop to preserve the texture of the gnocchi and chicken.
