Name: Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded; 1 pound potato gnocchi; 4 cups chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup milk; 2 tablespoons butter; 1 small onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup carrots, shredded; 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped; 2 celery stalks, diced; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste

There's nothing quite like a warm, comforting bowl of Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup on a chilly evening. This rich and hearty dish features tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a velvety, flavorful broth infused with aromatic herbs. It's the perfect way to cozy up with your family and enjoy a homemade meal that feels like a restaurant-quality treat.

I first discovered this soup on a trip to my favorite Italian restaurant, where one spoonful had me hooked. Determined to recreate it at home, I experimented with different variations until I landed on this simple yet irresistible version. Now, it's a staple in our household, especially when we need something comforting and satisfying.

Why You'll Love This Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Get ready to fall in love with your new go-to comfort food. This Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup checks all the boxes for a perfect meal.

First off, it's quick and easy to make. You can have a steaming pot of this delicious soup on the table in under 40 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.

It's also incredibly satisfying. Thanks to the combination of shredded chicken, soft gnocchi, and a rich, creamy broth, this soup is hearty enough to be a full meal on its own.

This recipe is budget-friendly too! Using simple pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients, you can feed your family without breaking the bank.

Finally, it’s versatile and customizable. Whether you want to add extra veggies, swap the protein, or lighten up the creaminess, this soup can be easily adjusted to fit your preferences.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup comes from its simple, high-quality ingredients. Let’s break them down:

Chicken is the star of this dish. I recommend using cooked, shredded chicken—either from a rotisserie chicken for convenience or leftover roasted chicken for added flavor. If you're short on time, canned chicken works in a pinch.

Gnocchi brings a soft, pillowy texture that makes this soup unique. You can find fresh, shelf-stable, or frozen gnocchi at most grocery stores. Fresh gnocchi cooks the quickest, while frozen may need an extra minute or two.

Heavy cream gives the soup its signature richness. For a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or whole milk, though the result will be slightly less creamy.

Vegetables like carrots, celery, and spinach add both nutrition and texture. The spinach wilts beautifully into the broth, while the carrots and celery provide a slight crunch.

Chicken broth serves as the base of the soup. Using a high-quality broth or homemade stock will enhance the depth of flavor. If you prefer a thicker soup, a cornstarch slurry can be added towards the end.

How To Make This Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Making this comforting soup is easier than you think! Here’s how to bring it all together:

Start by heating a large pot over medium heat and adding a drizzle of olive oil. Sauté diced onions, carrots, and celery until they’re soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes. This forms the aromatic base of the soup.

Next, add minced garlic and let it cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it, as garlic can turn bitter quickly.

Pour in chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir in the cooked, shredded chicken and season with salt, pepper, and dried Italian herbs. Let everything simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Gently drop in the gnocchi and let them cook according to the package instructions, usually about 3-4 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they start floating to the surface.

Reduce the heat and stir in the heavy cream and fresh spinach. Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes, just until the spinach wilts and everything is heated through.

Give it a final taste, adjust the seasoning if needed, and serve warm with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Storage Options

Leftovers? No problem! This soup stores beautifully for later enjoyment.

For refrigeration, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm it gently over low heat, adding a splash of broth or milk if needed to loosen the consistency.

To freeze, transfer cooled soup to a freezer-safe container, leaving a little room for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Keep in mind that the texture of the gnocchi may change slightly upon thawing.

When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop over low heat.

Variations and Substitutions

This Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup is highly adaptable! Here are some ways to customize it:

If you want a lighter version, swap the heavy cream for whole milk or a dairy-free alternative like coconut milk.

Looking for more protein? Try using Italian sausage instead of chicken for a heartier, spicier variation.

For extra veggies, add mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers to increase the nutritional value and flavor complexity.

If you don’t have gnocchi on hand, small pasta like orzo or tortellini makes a great substitute.

Want to make it gluten-free? Just use gluten-free gnocchi and ensure your broth is certified gluten-free.

No matter how you customize it, this soup is sure to become a household favorite. So grab your spoon and enjoy a warm, comforting bowl today!