If you have ever craved a bowl of soul-warming comfort food that feels like a hug in a mug, then this Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe is going to become your new favorite. It’s an irresistible blend of tender chicken, pillowy potato gnocchi, and a velvety broth enriched with cream, fresh spinach, and gentle hints of Italian seasoning. Every spoonful offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors, whether you want a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive dish to share with friends and family. Trust me, once you try this creamy, dreamy soup, it will be on repeat!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple yet flavorful ingredients is the key to this dish’s magic. Each item plays an essential role, from building depth in the broth to adding bright color and texture that makes every bite satisfying.
- Salted butter: Provides a rich base to soften the carrots and build flavor from the start.
- Frozen sliced carrots: Quick to use and offer subtle sweetness plus a tender bite.
- Diced shallots: Adds a delicate onion flavor that elevates the soup’s aroma.
- Hot water: Forms the broth’s body when combined with condensed soup.
- Pre-cooked chicken: Convenient and hearty protein that makes the soup filling.
- Condensed cream of celery soup: The secret ingredient for a luscious and slightly savory creamy base.
- Italian seasoning: Brings in fragrant herbs like oregano and basil for that classic Italian touch.
- Potato gnocchi: Soft little pillows of dough that soak up the flavors beautifully.
- Fresh spinach (chopped): Adds vibrant green color and a subtle earthy note while boosting nutrition.
- Heavy cream: Gives the soup its signature smooth, rich texture and indulgent finish.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Step 1: Start with Butter and Carrots
In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the salted butter and add the frozen sliced carrots. This simple beginning lets the carrots gently soften, releasing their natural sweetness and setting the foundation for an aromatic base. It usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes, so patience here rewards you with tender bites.
Step 2: Sauté the Shallots
Once the carrots are softened, toss in the diced shallots and sauté for another 1 to 2 minutes. The shallots infuse the soup with a subtle hint of sweetness and fragrance that complements the broth’s creaminess perfectly. You’ll know they’re ready when they become translucent and smell heavenly.
Step 3: Combine Liquids, Chicken, and Seasoning
Pour in the hot water, then stir in the pre-cooked chicken, condensed cream of celery soup, and Italian seasoning. Bring everything to a boil, stirring often to blend the flavors and ensure the condensed soup dissolves smoothly. This rich, savory broth will be the heart of your Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe.
Step 4: Add Gnocchi and Spinach
Once boiling, add the potato gnocchi and chopped fresh spinach. Immediately reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and cover the saucepan. The gnocchi will soften and cook through in about 4 to 7 minutes, while the spinach wilts, adding a burst of bright green freshness. If the gnocchi floats to the top, it’s a sure sign they are cooked, but feel free to cut one in half to check for softness inside.
Step 5: Finish with Heavy Cream
Remove the soup from the heat and stir in the heavy cream. This final touch transforms the broth into a luscious, rich soup that’s comforting and indulgent without being overly heavy. Now your soup is ready to be ladled into bowls and savored.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can elevate your soup from delicious to memorable. Coarse ground black pepper adds a slight bite and aromatic flair, while a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a little grated Parmesan can offer an inviting pop of color and richness. These little touches invite you to personalize each bowl.
Side Dishes
Pair this hearty Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe with crusty bread or warm garlic rolls to soak up every last drop of that creamy broth. A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette can provide a crisp contrast, balancing the richness perfectly and turning the meal into a satisfying feast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy dinner party or family gathering, serve this soup in rustic bowls garnished with toasted pine nuts or crispy sage leaves for extra texture and aroma. You can also ladle it into mini bread bowls for a whimsical presentation that’s as fun as it is delicious. The visual appeal will have everyone eager for seconds.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This soup stores wonderfully in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen as it sits, making leftovers just as satisfying as the fresh batch. Just give it a good stir before reheating to reunite all those ingredients.
Freezing
While the soup can be frozen, it’s best to do so without the heavy cream for optimal texture. Freeze the soup base in portions and add the cream when reheating to keep the soup silky and smooth. Frozen soup can be kept up to 2 months, making it a convenient ready-made comfort meal for busy days.
Reheating
Gently reheat on low heat on the stove, stirring frequently to prevent sticking or scorching. Add a splash of milk or cream if it thickens too much. This slow reheating keeps the gnocchi tender and prevents the spinach from overcooking, preserving that fresh brightness you love.
FAQs
Can I use fresh chicken instead of pre-cooked chicken?
Absolutely! If using raw chicken, cook it thoroughly before adding it to the soup. You can poach, roast, or pan-fry it, then shred or dice for the recipe. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure the chicken is safely cooked and tender.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the butter with olive oil and use a dairy-free cream alternative like coconut cream or cashew cream. Opt for a dairy-free condensed soup or make your own vegetable broth to keep it entirely plant-based while retaining richness.
Can I swap gnocchi for something else?
Of course! While potato gnocchi gives this soup its signature pillowy texture, small pasta shapes like mini shells, ditalini, or even tortellini can be fun substitutes. Just keep in mind cooking times may vary and adjust accordingly.
How spicy is this soup? Can I add heat?
This Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe is mild and comforting by nature, but you can definitely spice it up! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes during the sautéing step or swirl in some hot sauce or chili oil when serving to make it your own.
What’s the best way to keep the gnocchi from getting mushy?
Adding gnocchi late in the cooking process and simmering just until heated through helps keep them tender yet intact. Avoid reheating the soup multiple times as that can break down the gnocchi. If freezing leftovers, consider adding gnocchi fresh when reheating.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe is pure comfort in a bowl, easy enough for a busy weeknight but special enough for sharing with loved ones. The combination of creamy broth, tender chicken, and soft gnocchi is a match made in heaven that brings warmth and happiness to any table. I can’t wait for you to make it your own and enjoy every cozy spoonful!
Print
Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a hearty, comforting dish that combines tender chicken, soft potato gnocchi, fresh spinach, and creamy broth made from condensed cream of celery soup and heavy cream. Perfect for a cozy meal, this soup is packed with flavor and can be prepared quickly on the stovetop.
Ingredients
Base
- 2 Tablespoons salted butter
- 12 ounce bag sliced frozen carrots
- 2 shallots, diced
Soup Mixture
- 3 cups hot water
- 3 cups pre-cooked chicken, diced or shredded
- 20 ounces condensed cream of celery soup
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Main
- 16 ounce package potato gnocchi
- 2 ½ cups fresh packed spinach, chopped
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
Instructions
- Heat Butter and Carrots: Add the salted butter and frozen carrots to a large saucepan over medium heat to begin softening the carrots.
- Cook Carrots: Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the carrots start to become tender.
- Sauté Shallots: Add the diced shallots to the saucepan and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until they become fragrant.
- Add Liquids and Chicken: Pour in the hot water, add the pre-cooked chicken, condensed cream of celery soup, and Italian seasoning. Stir frequently and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Add Gnocchi and Spinach: Once boiling, add the potato gnocchi and chopped spinach, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
- Simmer Soup: Cover and let the soup simmer for 4-7 minutes or until the gnocchi are heated through and spinach is wilted. The gnocchi may float to the top when fully cooked; otherwise, cut one gnocchi in half to check it is soft and hot inside.
- Finish with Cream: Remove the soup from heat and stir in the heavy cream to enrich the soup.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and optionally top with coarsely ground black pepper. Serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
- You can substitute fresh carrots if preferred, just dice them finely for even cooking.
- Cooked chicken can be replaced with turkey or leftover rotisserie chicken.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, though it will be less creamy.
- Adding a pinch of nutmeg enhances the flavor profile of creamy soups.
- This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
