If you’ve ever wished for a soup that feels like a warm, comforting hug in a bowl, this Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. Creamy, hearty, and brimming with tender chicken, fluffy gnocchi, and fresh veggies, it’s a perfect blend of flavors and textures that come together effortlessly. Whether you’re new to cooking soups or a seasoned kitchen adventurer, this recipe promises a satisfying, soul-soothing meal without any fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients, each playing a crucial part in creating a luscious, comforting bowl of goodness. From the aromatic veggies to the creamy half and half, every element adds its own unique flavor, color, and texture to make this soup truly special.
- 1 ½ tablespoon olive oil: The base fat that beautifully softens the vegetables and adds a subtle richness.
- 1 medium onion, diced (white or yellow): Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed.
- 2 celery stalks, diced: Brings a slight crunch and freshness to balance the creaminess.
- ½ cup shredded carrots: A hint of natural sweetness plus a lovely pop of color.
- Kosher salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing every flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Boosts the savory aroma and warmth of the soup.
- 1 teaspoon thyme (dried or fresh): Provides a subtle herbal note that complements the chicken beautifully.
- 2-3 boneless skinless chicken breasts (cooked and diced): The protein star, tender and juicy throughout the soup.
- 3 cups chicken broth: Builds the flavorful, savory liquid heart of the soup.
- 16 ounces potato gnocchi (1 store-bought package): Adds a pillowy texture that absorbs all the soup’s delicious flavors.
- 1 ½ cups half and half: Makes the broth luxuriously creamy without overpowering the other ingredients.
- 1 cup fresh spinach: A vibrant, nutritious green that also brightens up the bowl.
How to Make Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating the olive oil in a dutch oven over medium-high heat. Toss in the diced onions, celery, and shredded carrots. Season generously with kosher salt and freshly cracked pepper, then sauté until the onions become translucent and the veggies soften just right, about 3 to 4 minutes. This step lays down the flavorful foundation of your soup’s base.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Thyme
Next, stir in the minced garlic and thyme, cooking just until their delightful fragrance fills your kitchen — usually about a minute. This quick sauté releases the herbal and garlicky notes that complement the savory chicken and creamy broth perfectly.
Step 3: Combine Chicken and Broth
Now it’s time to introduce the star ingredients: the cooked, diced chicken breasts and the chicken broth. Pour these in and bring everything to a lively boil. This is when your soup starts coming together, with the broth soaking up all those rich, sautéed flavors.
Step 4: Cook the Gnocchi
Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Stir in the potato gnocchi, giving them space to soften and plump up in the flavorful broth. Let everything cook together for about 10 minutes — the gnocchi will become tender and soak in all the tasty goodness.
Step 5: Stir in Cream and Spinach
The final touch is adding the half and half and fresh spinach to the pot. Let the soup cook for just 2 more minutes — enough time for the cream to swirl into the broth and the spinach to wilt slightly, adding freshness and a pop of vibrant green to your bowl.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once everything is combined and heated through, your Chicken Gnocchi Soup is ready to serve. Ladle it into bowls and get ready to dive into a comforting, creamy bowl of pure happiness.
How to Serve Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your soup by adding a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese or a few pinches of red pepper flakes if you like a little kick. Freshly chopped parsley or basil lends a pop of herbal brightness and color that makes every spoonful taste even better. A light drizzle of olive oil can add a beautiful sheen and extra depth, too.
Side Dishes
This soup shines alongside a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon vinaigrette or some warm, crusty bread perfect for dipping and soaking up that creamy broth. Garlic knots or a buttery baguette are also incredible companions to your Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe, rounding out the meal into a hearty, satisfying feast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in bread bowls for an impressive presentation that’s sure to delight guests or family alike. Garnishing with toasted pine nuts or a swirl of pesto can bring new flavors and a sophisticated look. Don’t shy away from layering texture with a sprinkle of crispy bacon or roasted chickpeas on top to make your bowl unforgettable.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer leftover soup to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making your second-day soup even more delicious. Just give it a good stir before reheating.
Freezing
This Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe is freezer-friendly but with a slight caution: the gnocchi may soften considerably after freezing and thawing. If you plan to freeze, consider cooking the gnocchi fresh when reheating, or freeze the soup without the gnocchi and add them later. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat the soup gently over medium-low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add extra broth or half and half if it thickens too much. If frozen without gnocchi, boil fresh gnocchi separately and add just before serving to keep that perfect tender bite.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this soup?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds wonderful flavor to your Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe. Just shred or dice it before adding.
Is it possible to make this soup dairy-free?
Yes, swap out the half and half for a dairy-free alternative like coconut milk or almond milk, but keep in mind the flavor and texture will be a bit different but still delicious.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
You can make a vegetarian version by replacing chicken broth with vegetable broth and omitting the chicken. Consider adding mushrooms or beans for extra heartiness.
What type of gnocchi works best?
Potato gnocchi works best due to its pillowy texture and ability to soak up the soup’s flavors perfectly. Store-bought gnocchi saves time and works great here.
How thick is this soup supposed to be?
The Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe is creamy but not overly thick — it should have a silky, broth-like consistency with tender chunks of chicken and soft gnocchi floating throughout for that perfect balance.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like it was made with love and a touch of magic. Every spoonful brings warmth and comfort, perfect for chilly evenings or whenever you need a bit of cozy delight. I truly hope you’ll try making this recipe and share it with those you care about — it’s a delicious way to bring people together and create new favorite memories.
Print
Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A creamy and comforting Chicken Gnocchi Soup featuring tender chicken, soft potato gnocchi, fresh vegetables, and spinach, simmered in a flavorful broth enriched with half and half. Perfect for a hearty weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 1 ½ tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced (white or yellow)
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- ½ cup shredded carrots
- Kosher salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon thyme (dried or fresh, discard stems if using fresh)
Main Ingredients
- 2–3 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cooked and diced
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 16 ounces potato gnocchi (1 store-bought package)
- 1 ½ cups half and half
- 1 cup fresh spinach
Instructions
- Prepare Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add diced onions, celery, and shredded carrots. Season with kosher salt and freshly cracked pepper. Sauté until the onions are translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Aromatics: Stir in minced garlic and thyme. Sauté for another minute or until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add Chicken and Broth: Add the cooked diced chicken breasts and chicken broth to the pot. Increase heat to bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer with Gnocchi: Reduce heat to a simmer. Stir in the potato gnocchi and cook for 10 minutes until the gnocchi are tender and cooked through.
- Finish with Cream and Spinach: Stir in the half and half and fresh spinach. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the spinach to wilt and the soup to heat through.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy warm.
Notes
- For best flavor, use homemade or high-quality store-bought chicken broth.
- Cook chicken breasts beforehand by boiling, grilling, or pan-searing.
- You can substitute half and half with heavy cream for a richer soup or with milk for a lighter version.
- Fresh spinach can be replaced with kale or Swiss chard if preferred.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently to avoid curdling the cream.
