Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Cozy Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe for Chilly Evenings

Comfort meets culinary magic in this delectable creamy chicken gnocchi soup that promises to warm your soul.

Pillowy potato dumplings dance alongside tender chicken pieces in a velvety broth.

Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a symphony of flavors that whispers home-cooked love.

Fragrant herbs and rich cream transform simple ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade with this restaurant-quality recipe.

Soft gnocchi absorb the luxurious sauce, making each spoonful an irresistible journey of taste.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this soul-satisfying creation.

What Sets Chicken Gnocchi Soup Apart

  • Packed with tender chicken, soft gnocchi, and nutritious vegetables, this soup appeals to both kids and adults, offering a balanced and satisfying meal that everyone will love.
  • Adapt the recipe by swapping ingredients like using kale instead of spinach or adding different herbs to customize the flavor profile, making it a flexible go-to recipe for various dietary preferences.
  • Combine protein from chicken, vitamins from vegetables, and comforting carbohydrates from gnocchi, creating a well-rounded soup that provides both nutrition and warmth in every spoonful.

Ingredients for That Chicken Gnocchi Soup Flavor

Base Ingredients:
  • Butter, Olive Oil: Provide rich flavor and help sauté vegetables with a golden touch.
  • Flour: Creates a smooth thickening base for the soup's creamy texture.
  • Chicken Broth, Half-and-Half: Form the liquid foundation, adding depth and creaminess to the soup.
Vegetables and Aromatics:
  • Onion, Celery, Garlic: Classic aromatic trio that builds a robust flavor foundation, with onions and celery offering sweet and earthy notes.
  • Carrots: Adds natural sweetness and vibrant color to the soup.
  • Spinach: Brings fresh green color and nutritional boost, wilting smoothly into the creamy base.
Protein and Seasonings:
  • Cooked Chicken: Provides hearty protein, best used shredded for even distribution.
  • Potato Gnocchi: Soft, pillowy potato dumplings that transform the soup into a substantial meal.
  • Dried Thyme, Parsley: Classic herb blend that adds subtle, aromatic undertones.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing overall flavor profile.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Optional garnish that adds sharp, salty finish.

Mastering Chicken Gnocchi Soup from Start to Finish

Step 1: Kickstart Vegetable Sauté

In a large cooking pot, melt butter and olive oil over medium heat. Toss in diced onions and celery, letting them soften and become translucent. Add minced garlic and cook until its aroma fills the kitchen, stirring occasionally.

Step 2: Develop Silky Roux Base

Dust flour over the sautéed vegetables, whisking continuously for two minutes to eliminate raw flour flavor and create a smooth foundation for the soup.

Step 3: Build Liquid Foundation

Slowly stream in chicken broth and half-and-half, stirring constantly to prevent lumpy texture. Sprinkle dried thyme and parsley, letting the mixture simmer gently and develop rich flavors.

Step 4: Introduce Protein and Vegetables

Fold in:
  • Shredded carrots
  • Cooked chicken pieces

Allow the mixture to simmer softly, melding flavors for about 5 minutes.

Step 5: Prepare Pillowy Gnocchi

Drop potato gnocchi into the simmering soup. Cook until they float and become tender, typically 3-5 minutes.

Step 6: Add Fresh Green Touches

Stir chopped spinach leaves into the soup, cooking until they wilt and turn vibrant green, approximately 2 minutes.

Step 7: Final Flavor Adjustment

Taste the soup and season with salt and black pepper. Optionally garnish with grated Parmesan cheese before serving piping hot.

Got Questions About Chicken Gnocchi Soup?

  • Can I use a different type of pasta instead of gnocchi?

You can substitute gnocchi with small pasta shapes like orzo or small shells, but they’ll change the soup’s texture and traditional character.

  • Is this soup good for meal prep?

Yes, the soup keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat gently to prevent gnocchi from becoming mushy, and add a splash of broth if it’s too thick.

  • Can I make this soup dairy-free?

Substitute half-and-half with coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk, and use olive oil instead of butter to create a dairy-free version.

  • What protein alternatives work in this recipe?

Swap chicken with cooked turkey, rotisserie chicken, or even white beans for a vegetarian option that maintains the soup’s creamy, hearty profile.

Clever Pointers for Chicken Gnocchi Soup Success

  • Prep Like a Pro: Dice vegetables uniformly for even cooking and better texture in every spoonful.
  • Thicken Wisely: Stir flour constantly when making the roux to prevent clumping and ensure a smooth, creamy base.
  • Gnocchi Timing: Add potato gnocchi near the end of cooking to avoid overcooking and maintain their delicate, soft texture.
  • Spinach Freshness: Fold spinach in just before serving to preserve its vibrant color and prevent wilting completely.
  • Customize Creatively: Swap chicken with rotisserie, plant-based protein, or add extra vegetables for personalized nutrition boost.

How to Store Chicken Gnocchi Soup and Warm It Up Again

  • Store leftover soup in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion, and freeze for up to 2 months.
  • Warm soup over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching and maintain creamy consistency. Add a splash of chicken broth if the soup seems too thick.
  • Reheat in short intervals, stirring between each, to prevent gnocchi from becoming tough or rubbery.

What to Serve with Chicken Gnocchi Soup

  • Select a crisp Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the soup's richness, complementing its creamy texture with bright, refreshing notes.
  • Choose a crusty sourdough or rosemary focaccia for dipping, absorbing the soup's velvety broth and adding delightful textural contrast.
  • Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, featuring peppery greens that balance the soup's creamy, hearty profile and provide a zesty, fresh counterpoint.
  • Bake thin bread slices topped with grated Parmesan cheese until golden, creating a crunchy accompaniment that echoes the soup's cheesy undertones.

Ways to Remix Chicken Gnocchi Soup

  • Gluten-Free Gnocchi Delight: Replace wheat flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend, using gluten-free gnocchi to create a celiac-friendly version of the soup.
  • Dairy-Free Comfort Bowl: Swap half-and-half with coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk, using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a lighter, plant-based alternative.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Substitute gnocchi with roasted cauliflower florets or cauliflower gnocchi to reduce carbohydrate content and add extra nutrition.
  • Vegetarian Protein Power: Replace chicken with white beans, tofu, or chickpeas to create a protein-packed meatless version of the creamy soup.
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Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe


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4.8 from 21 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Warm comfort flows through this hearty chicken gnocchi soup, blending rich Italian flavors with homestyle goodness. Pillowy potato dumplings nestle among tender chicken and velvety cream, inviting you to savor each spoonful of delightful comfort.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
  • 1 pound potato gnocchi
  • 2 cups fresh spinach leaves, chopped

Liquid and Base Ingredients:

  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 cups half-and-half
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Vegetables and Seasonings:

  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Ignite the culinary process by melting butter and olive oil in a spacious pot over medium heat, creating a golden base for flavor development.
  2. Introduce diced onion and celery, allowing them to soften and release their aromatic essence, gently stirring for approximately 5 minutes.
  3. Infuse the mixture with minced garlic, letting its fragrance permeate the vegetables for a brief moment.
  4. Dust flour across the sauteed foundation, whisking consistently to eliminate any raw flour undertones and create a smooth roux.
  5. Gradually cascade chicken broth and half-and-half into the pot, maintaining constant motion to prevent luminal formations.
  6. Sprinkle dried thyme and parsley, transforming the liquid into a gently bubbling symphony of herbs.
  7. Fold shredded carrots and precooked chicken into the simmering landscape, allowing flavors to intermingle and develop depth.
  8. Carefully introduce potato gnocchi, watching them dance and float to the surface, signaling their tender readiness.
  9. Cascade fresh spinach leaves into the soup, watching them gracefully wilt and integrate into the creamy environment.
  10. Calibrate the seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper, tasting and adjusting to personal preference.
  11. Ladle the luxurious soup into waiting bowls, optionally crowning with a delicate snowfall of grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

  • Use unsalted butter to control sodium levels, allowing precise seasoning throughout the cooking process.
  • Swap half-and-half with lighter alternatives like whole milk or coconut milk for reduced-calorie versions.
  • Ensure chicken is thoroughly cooked and shredded finely for even distribution and consistent texture in the soup.
  • Choose store-bought or homemade potato gnocchi based on time availability, ensuring they’re fresh and high-quality for best results.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 18 g
  • Cholesterol: 60 mg
Jamie Granger

Jamie Granger

Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

  • Fusion Cuisine Development
  • Recipe Development and Food Styling
  • Culinary Writing and Content Creation
  • Nutrition and Healthy Cooking​

Education

Culinary Institute of America

  • Degree: Associate in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Emphasis on flavor development, classic and contemporary culinary techniques, menu design, and global cuisine preparation; combined with food-service management, communication, and finance training; and immersive hands‑on restaurant operations through paid industry internships.

Jamie Granger turns ingredients into memories. With her recipes, she brings a fusion-forward flair to every creation. 

Her dishes reflect the places she’s explored, the chefs she’s learned from, and the deep connection she has to food as a form of expression. 

At Pass and Provision, Jamie develops recipes that balance flavor, health, and beauty, meals that don’t just satisfy your appetite but speak to your curiosity.

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