Name: 30-minute Homemade Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced; 1 lb gnocchi (store-bought or homemade); 3 cups chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 small onion, diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 1 cup spinach leaves, chopped; 1 cup carrots, shredded; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste

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There’s something so comforting about a warm bowl of Chicken Gnocchi Soup, especially on a chilly evening. Creamy, hearty, and loaded with tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and fresh vegetables, this soup feels like a hug in a bowl. Even better? You can have it ready in just 30 minutes!

I first discovered this recipe on a rushed weeknight when I needed something quick yet satisfying. Since then, it’s become my go-to comfort food, perfect for family dinners or cozy nights at home. Let’s dive in and explore what makes this soup so special!

Why You’ll Love This 30-Minute Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Get ready to fall head over heels for this cozy and satisfying soup. It’s everything you want in a one-pot meal—flavorful, filling, and fuss-free!

Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights, this soup comes together in just 30 minutes. No need for hours of simmering to achieve that homemade taste!
Comfort Food at Its Best: The creamy broth, tender chicken, and soft gnocchi create a symphony of textures and flavors that feel like pure comfort.
Nutritious Yet Indulgent: Packed with vegetables like spinach, carrots, and celery, this soup balances hearty indulgence with wholesome goodness.
Customizable: Whether you’re using rotisserie chicken, leftover turkey, or making it vegetarian, this recipe is endlessly adaptable to suit your tastes.

Once you’ve tried this recipe, you’ll see why it’s a crowd-pleaser. Let’s take a closer look at what goes into this delicious dish.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of Chicken Gnocchi Soup lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to create this comforting dish:

Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work beautifully here. For convenience, you can also use shredded rotisserie chicken.
Gnocchi: These soft, pillowy dumplings are the star of the show. Store-bought gnocchi works perfectly, but if you’re feeling ambitious, homemade gnocchi takes it to the next level.
Vegetables: A mix of diced onions, carrots, celery, and fresh spinach adds depth, color, and nutrition to the soup.
Creamy Base: A combination of heavy cream and chicken broth creates a rich, velvety texture without being overly heavy. For a lighter option, substitute half-and-half or coconut milk.
Seasonings: Simple additions like garlic, thyme, and black pepper bring the flavors together beautifully. Don’t forget a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a hint of heat!
Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan is the perfect finishing touch, adding a nutty, savory flavor.

Special Equipment: A large soup pot or Dutch oven is ideal for this recipe, ensuring even cooking and enough space for all the ingredients.

How to Make This 30-Minute Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Making this soup is easier than you might think! Here’s how to whip it up step by step:

Cook the Chicken:
Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then cook until golden brown on both sides and fully cooked through. Remove from the pot and set aside to rest before shredding or dicing into bite-sized pieces.
Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same pot, add a little more oil if needed, then sauté diced onions, carrots, and celery until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring frequently to release its aroma.
Build the Broth:
Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the cooked chicken, thyme, and seasonings, allowing the flavors to meld together for 5-7 minutes.
Add Gnocchi and Spinach:
Toss in the gnocchi, cooking until they float to the surface—this means they’re done! Add the fresh spinach, stirring until wilted.
Finish with Cream:
Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream, letting it gently heat through without boiling. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

This entire process takes just about 30 minutes, making it perfect for a quick, satisfying meal.

Storage Options

This soup stores beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep or leftovers.

Refrigerator: Store cooled soup in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The gnocchi will absorb some liquid over time, so you may need to add a splash of broth when reheating.
Freezer: While the broth and chicken freeze well, the gnocchi can become mushy after thawing. If you plan to freeze the soup, consider adding the gnocchi fresh when reheating.
Reheating Tips: Warm the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a bit of extra cream or broth to restore its creamy consistency.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is as versatile as it is delicious. Here are some ideas to make it your own:

Make It Vegetarian: Replace the chicken with white beans or chickpeas and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular gnocchi for a gluten-free version available at most grocery stores.
Dairy-Free Version: Use coconut milk or almond milk in place of the heavy cream. The flavor will change slightly but still be delightful.
Add Protein: If you want extra protein, consider adding crumbled sausage or bacon along with the chicken.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick!

Feel free to experiment with flavors and ingredients to make this recipe uniquely yours.

Warm, comforting, and irresistibly delicious, this 30-Minute Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a must-try for any soup lover. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or saving it for cozy weekend meals, it’s guaranteed to be a hit. So grab your pot, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy this crowd-pleasing favorite!