This classic chicken gnocchi soup is like a warm hug in a bowl. Packed with tender chicken, fluffy gnocchi, and a rich, creamy broth, it’s the kind of comfort food that feels like home. Whether you’re curling up on a chilly evening or looking for an easy weeknight dinner, this soup is a guaranteed hit.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
There’s something irresistible about the creamy texture of this soup, combined with the hearty flavors of chicken, gnocchi, and fresh vegetables. It’s one of those meals that tastes like it took all day, but it’s surprisingly simple to make. Plus, it’s a one-pot wonder, which means fewer dishes to wash!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a sneak peek at what goes into this delightful soup. You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.
- Chicken breasts or thighs
- Potato gnocchi
- Fresh spinach leaves
- Carrots, celery, and onion
- Cream and chicken broth
- A touch of garlic for extra flavor
Directions to Make Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Veggies
In a large pot, heat a little oil and sauté the diced onion, carrots, and celery until they’re soft and fragrant. Toss in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Add the chicken to the pot and pour in the chicken broth. Let it simmer gently until the chicken is tender and fully cooked, about 15–20 minutes. Remove the chicken, shred it, and return it to the pot.
Step 3: Add the Creamy Goodness
Stir in the cream and bring the soup back to a simmer. Let the flavors meld together for a few minutes while you prepare the gnocchi.
Step 4: Cook the Gnocchi
Add the gnocchi directly to the soup and cook until they float to the top—this only takes a couple of minutes.
Step 5: Stir in the Spinach
Finally, add the spinach and stir until it wilts. Taste and season the soup with salt, pepper, and any other herbs you love.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- If you’re short on time, use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking it from scratch.
- For an extra creamy soup, add a spoonful of cream cheese or a sprinkle of Parmesan.
- Don’t skip the fresh spinach—it adds color and a fresh pop of flavor.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Make it dairy-free: Swap the cream for coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative.
- Add extra veggies: Mushrooms, zucchini, or even diced sweet potatoes work wonderfully here.
- Switch up the protein: Try turkey or Italian sausage for a twist.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
This soup pairs beautifully with a slice of crusty bread or a warm dinner roll. For a lighter side, a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette makes a perfect match.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or cream if it gets too thick. Avoid freezing this soup, as the gnocchi and cream don’t hold up well to freezing and thawing.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen gnocchi?
A: Absolutely! Just add it straight to the soup without thawing, and cook until it floats.
Q: What can I use instead of spinach?
A: Kale or Swiss chard are great substitutes and hold up well in the soup.
Q: How can I thicken the soup?
A: If you’d like a thicker consistency, whisk a teaspoon of cornstarch with water and stir it into the soup while it’s simmering.
Q: Can I make this soup in advance?
A: Yes, but for the best texture, cook the gnocchi right before serving so it doesn’t become too soft.
Conclusion
There’s nothing like a bowl of classic chicken gnocchi soup to brighten your day. It’s creamy, satisfying, and easy to make—what more could you want? Whether you’re serving it to guests or enjoying a quiet dinner at home, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
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Creamy Homestyle Chicken Gnocchi Bliss
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4–8 servings
- Category: Soups & Stews
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A creamy and comforting chicken gnocchi soup loaded with tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and hearty vegetables. Perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a warm bowl of goodness.
Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Potato gnocchi
- Fresh spinach
- Carrots, celery, and onion (the classic trio)
- Chicken broth
- Heavy cream
- Garlic
- Olive oil or butter
- Seasonings: Thyme, basil, salt, and pepper
Instructions
- Cook the chicken: In a large pot, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Sear the chicken on both sides until cooked through. Remove, shred, and set aside.
- Sauté vegetables: Add diced onions, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook until softened, then add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Build the soup base: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in thyme, basil, salt, and pepper for flavor.
- Add the gnocchi: Drop the gnocchi into the simmering broth and cook until they float to the top (about 3–4 minutes).
- Finish with cream and spinach: Stir in the heavy cream and shredded chicken. Add fresh spinach and simmer until wilted. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve and enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy warm with crusty bread
Notes
- Make it lighter: Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version.
- Extra veggies: Add mushrooms, zucchini, or diced tomatoes for variety.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Gnocchi may absorb liquid, so add extra broth when reheating.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 70mg