Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe: A Cozy Comfort in a Bowl

Whipping up a delectable creamy chicken gnocchi soup can transport you to a cozy Italian kitchen with minimal effort.

Soft potato dumplings nestle alongside tender chicken pieces in a velvety broth that hugs your taste buds.

Aromatic herbs and rich cream create a luxurious backdrop for this comforting dish.

Home cooks seeking a simple yet impressive meal will adore this recipe’s straightforward approach.

Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, promising warmth in every spoonful.

Memories of grandmother’s kitchen emerge with each creamy, satisfying bite.

You won’t believe how easily this restaurant-quality soup comes together in your own kitchen.

Ingredients for Chicken Gnocchi Soup Delight

Main Ingredients:
  • Chicken: Shredded protein that adds heartiness and flavor to the soup.
  • Gnocchi: Soft potato dumplings that provide a comforting texture and substance.
  • Heavy Cream: Creamy base that creates a rich and velvety soup consistency.
Vegetables and Aromatics:
  • Onion, Garlic, Carrot, Celery: Classic mirepoix blend that builds a deep, flavorful foundation for the soup.
  • Spinach: Fresh leafy green that adds nutrition and a pop of color.
Seasonings and Extras:
  • Chicken Broth: Liquid base that provides depth and savory background.
  • Thyme: Aromatic herb that enhances the overall flavor profile.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and highlight the soup's taste.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Optional garnish that adds a salty, nutty finish.
  • Butter: Helps sauté vegetables and contributes to the soup's richness.

How to Make Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Step 1: Sizzle Aromatic Vegetables

In a spacious pot, melt butter over medium heat.

Toss in finely chopped onions, minced garlic, diced carrots, and sliced celery.

Gently cook these veggies until they become soft and release their delightful fragrance, creating a flavorful base for your soup.

Step 2: Build the Broth Foundation

Pour chicken broth into the pot and bring it to a gentle simmer.

Add tender shredded chicken and sprinkle in dried thyme, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper.

Let the ingredients mingle and develop a rich, comforting flavor profile.

Step 3: Introduce Creamy Goodness

Slowly pour heavy cream into the simmering soup, stirring carefully to create a luxurious, silky texture.

Allow the mixture to return to a soft, bubbling simmer that promises pure comfort in every spoonful.

Step 4: Cook Pillowy Gnocchi

Drop the soft potato gnocchi into the soup and cook them following the package directions.

Watch for the moment when they become perfectly tender and float gracefully to the surface, signaling they’re ready to be devoured.

Step 5: Add Fresh Green Goodness

Toss in fresh spinach leaves and let them gently wilt into the soup.

Cook for an additional two minutes, allowing the spinach to release its vibrant green color and subtle earthy flavor throughout the dish.

Step 6: Serve with Final Flourish

Ladle the steaming soup into warm bowls.

For an extra touch of indulgence, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top, creating a golden, savory finish that elevates this comforting soup to new heights.

Best Tips for Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup

  • Chop vegetables finely and sauté them longer to enhance their natural sweetness and develop deeper flavors in the soup.
  • Add gnocchi gradually and stir gently to prevent sticking, ensuring each piece cooks evenly and maintains its soft texture.
  • Use homemade chicken stock or low-sodium broth for a more intense, authentic flavor profile that elevates the entire dish.
  • Replace heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free version, or use gluten-free gnocchi to accommodate different dietary needs.
  • Add spinach at the very end of cooking to maintain its bright green color and preserve maximum nutritional value.

Chicken Gnocchi Soup Mix-Up Ideas

  • Dairy-Free Delight: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or almond milk for a lactose-free version. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for added plant-based flavor.
  • Gluten-Free Gnocchi Goodness: Swap traditional gnocchi with gluten-free potato gnocchi or cauliflower gnocchi. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for celiac-friendly meal.
  • Vegetarian Veggie Version: Substitute chicken with white beans or roasted chickpeas. Add extra vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for protein and texture boost.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Replace gnocchi with cauliflower florets or zucchini noodles. Reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining creamy soup consistency and rich flavor profile.

Serving Chicken Gnocchi Soup Like a Pro

  • Cozy Dinner Companion: Pair this soup with a crisp green salad topped with homemade croutons for a balanced meal that feels like a warm hug.
  • Bread Dunking Delight: Serve alongside crusty sourdough or garlic bread to soak up the rich, creamy broth and add extra texture to your dining experience.
  • Hearty Side Kick: Complement the soup with a light white wine like Pinot Grigio or a refreshing sparkling water with lemon to cut through the soup's richness.
  • Winter Comfort Feast: Layer the soup in a bread bowl for an extra indulgent presentation that transforms your meal into a comforting culinary adventure.

Storing Chicken Gnocchi Soup for Later Enjoyment

  • Store leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Transfer soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing gnocchi as they may become mushy when thawed.
  • Warm soup over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth to restore original consistency if needed. Heat until steaming hot, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Place soup in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals. Stir between intervals to distribute heat evenly and prevent cold spots.

FAQs

  • Is gnocchi a pasta or something else?

Gnocchi is actually a soft potato-based dumpling originating from Italy. It’s made from potatoes, flour, and sometimes eggs, giving it a unique texture different from traditional pasta.

  • Can I use frozen gnocchi for this soup?

Yes, frozen gnocchi works perfectly in this recipe. Just add it directly from the freezer and cook according to package instructions, which typically takes 2-3 minutes.

  • What type of chicken works best for this soup?

Rotisserie chicken or leftover roasted chicken are excellent options. They’re already cooked, tender, and add great flavor to the soup. If you don’t have pre-cooked chicken, you can also quickly poach chicken breasts and shred them.

Chicken Gnocchi Soup Comfort in Every Spoonful

  • Simplify Cooking: Perfect for busy home cooks, the recipe requires basic ingredients and straightforward steps that even beginner chefs can master with confidence.
  • Customize Your Meal: Easily adaptable by swapping chicken for other proteins or adding different vegetables, making it a versatile dish for various taste preferences.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Magic: Guaranteed to satisfy both kids and adults with its delicious blend of tender gnocchi, soft chicken, and velvety broth that everyone will love.
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Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe


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4.8 from 23 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Comfort meets culinary magic in this luxurious Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup, blending tender potato dumplings with rich, velvety broth. Hearty ingredients and delicate seasoning promise a soul-warming experience you’ll savor with each spoonful.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  • 1 package (16 ounces/454 grams) potato gnocchi
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream

Vegetables and Aromatics:

  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 medium carrot, diced
  • 1 celery stalk, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped

Seasonings and Extras:

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat butter in a spacious pot over medium temperature, gently sautéing diced onions, minced garlic, chopped carrots, and sliced celery until vegetables become translucent and tender, approximately 5-6 minutes.
  2. Pour chicken broth into the pot, allowing the liquid to reach a gentle simmer. Incorporate shredded chicken and sprinkle with dried thyme, kosher salt, and cracked black pepper, creating a harmonious flavor profile.
  3. Slowly stream heavy cream into the simmering mixture, stirring consistently to maintain a smooth and creamy consistency without scorching.
  4. Carefully drop prepared gnocchi into the soup, cooking for 3-4 minutes until they float to the surface and achieve a pillowy texture, indicating they are fully cooked.
  5. Introduce fresh spinach leaves into the soup, allowing them to wilt and integrate seamlessly while releasing their vibrant green color and delicate flavor, which takes approximately 1-2 minutes.
  6. Ladle the steaming soup into serving bowls, optionally crowning each portion with a delicate sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of richness and depth.

Notes

  • Customize gnocchi thickness to control soup’s consistency, using store-bought or homemade varieties for personalized texture.
  • Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or milk alternatives for lighter, lower-calorie version that still maintains creamy richness.
  • Enhance protein content by adding white beans or extra shredded chicken for more substantial and filling meal.
  • Adapt recipe for gluten-free diets by selecting gluten-free gnocchi and verifying broth ingredients are wheat-free.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 360 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 1900 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 27 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 21 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg
Lucas Bennett

Lucas Bennett

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Developing single-serving recipes with a rustic, seasonal twist.
  • Crafting engaging food insights that connect with readers.
  • Developing content that educates readers on healthy baking alternatives.
  • Integrating local ingredients into accessible home cooking.​

Education

Blue Ridge Community College – Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focused on seasonal cooking, sustainable kitchen practices, and farm-to-table techniques.

Appalachian State University – B.A. in English
Built critical thinking and analysis through diverse texts. Guided by faculty, it prepares graduates for publishing and more.


Growing up in the rolling hills of North Carolina, Lucas learned early that some of life’s best memories start around a kitchen table. After studying English at Appalachian State University and honing his culinary skills at Blue Ridge Community College, he dreamed of blending storytelling with rustic, seasonal cooking, and The Scrumptious Pumpkin was born.
Lucas focuses on easy, single-serving recipes that turn fresh, local ingredients into something special. His style is simple, heartfelt, and rooted in the beauty of the seasons. When he’s not testing a new dish, you’ll probably find him hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains, browsing farmers’ markets, or scribbling food stories in a notebook.

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