Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Cozy Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe for Chilly Evenings

Comfort meets creativity in this delightful creamy chicken gnocchi soup that promises warmth in every spoonful.

Pillowy potato dumplings nestle among tender chicken pieces, creating a luxurious texture.

Fragrant herbs dance through rich broth, making each bite a culinary journey.

Hearty ingredients combine effortlessly to craft a soul-satisfying meal perfect for chilly evenings.

Mediterranean influences shine through delicate seasonings that elevate this classic comfort dish.

Soft gnocchi absorb the velvety soup’s flavors, delivering a harmonious blend of taste and texture.

You’ll find yourself falling in love with this simple yet spectacular recipe that transforms ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary.

Why Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Is Worth It

  • Quick Comfort: Whip up this soul-warming soup in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something delicious but don't have hours to cook.
  • Family-Friendly Feast: Packed with tender chicken, soft gnocchi, and colorful vegetables, this soup appeals to both kids and adults, making mealtime a stress-free experience.
  • Customizable Convenience: Easily swap ingredients like adding different vegetables or using store-bought rotisserie chicken to match your pantry and preferences, ensuring flexibility for home cooks.
  • Nutrition in a Bowl: Loaded with protein from chicken, vitamins from spinach and vegetables, this hearty soup provides a balanced meal that keeps you full and nourished without complicated preparation.

What Goes Into Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Base Ingredients:
  • Butter: Rich flavor enhancer for sautéing vegetables.
  • Onion: Aromatic foundational vegetable for soup's depth.
  • Garlic: Adds sharp, intense flavor base.
  • Carrot: Sweet vegetable that provides natural sweetness.
  • Celery: Contributes light, fresh vegetable background.
Liquid Components:
  • Chicken Broth: Primary liquid base for soup's structure.
  • Heavy Cream, Milk: Creates creamy, luxurious texture.
Protein and Starch:
  • Chicken: Tender, shredded protein providing substantial meal element.
  • Potato Gnocchi: Soft, pillowy Italian pasta adding comforting texture.
Seasoning and Garnish:
  • Italian Seasoning: Blend of herbs for traditional Mediterranean flavor.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing overall taste.
  • Spinach: Fresh green element adding color and light nutrition.

Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Instructions

Step 1: Sizzle Vegetable Base

In a spacious cooking pot, melt butter until it transforms into a golden liquid.

Add finely chopped onions, minced garlic, diced carrots, and chopped celery.

Gently cook these vegetables, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and release their delightful aromas.

Step 2: Build Flavorful Broth

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

Mix in shredded chicken meat and sprinkle Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to create a rich, comforting flavor profile.

Step 3: Introduce Creamy Texture

Pour in heavy cream and whole milk, stirring thoroughly to create a luxurious and smooth consistency.

Allow the soup to heat evenly, blending all the ingredients together.

Step 4: Cook Pillowy Gnocchi

Carefully add soft gnocchi to the simmering soup.

Cook the potato dumplings according to their package guidance, ensuring they become tender and absorb the surrounding flavors.

Step 5: Finish With Fresh Greens

Toss chopped spinach into the soup and let it gently simmer for 2-3 minutes.

Watch as the spinach wilts and integrates beautifully into the creamy mixture, adding a pop of vibrant color and nutritional boost.

Step 6: Serve and Savor

Ladle the steaming soup into bowls and serve immediately.

Enjoy the comforting warmth and rich flavors of this hearty chicken gnocchi soup.

Chicken Gnocchi Soup With Creamy Texture and Flavor Tips

  • Adjust carrot and celery amounts to suit your taste preferences or available ingredients in your kitchen.
  • Stir gently and frequently while cooking gnocchi to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking together.
  • Swap shredded chicken with rotisserie chicken, turkey, or plant-based protein for diverse dietary needs.
  • Add extra broth if soup becomes too thick, or simmer uncovered to reduce and concentrate flavors.
  • Replace heavy cream and milk with coconut milk or cashew cream for a lactose-free version.

Reheat Chicken Gnocchi Soup For Creamy Comfort

  • Store leftover soup in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days maximum.
  • Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space at top. Freeze up to 2 months. Avoid freezing gnocchi as they might become mushy.
  • Warm gently in microwave or stovetop, stirring occasionally. Add splash of chicken broth to restore creamy consistency. Heat until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  • If gnocchi breaks down during reheating, consider adding fresh gnocchi when warming leftovers for best texture.

What to Serve Alongside Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup

  • Elevate Wine Companion: Pair this creamy soup with a crisp Chardonnay that balances the rich, velvety texture and cuts through the soup's heaviness with bright, refreshing notes.
  • Bread Buddy Boost: Serve alongside crusty garlic bread or parmesan-dusted focaccia to provide a crunchy contrast and soak up the delicious creamy broth.
  • Herbal Side Kick: Garnish with fresh chopped basil or parsley to add a light, aromatic dimension that lifts the soup's hearty flavors and provides a fresh counterpoint.
  • Temperature Matcher: Warm the soup bowls before serving to maintain the ideal temperature and enhance the overall dining experience, keeping each spoonful deliciously hot.

Chicken Gnocchi Soup Creamy and Comforting

  • Gluten-Free Gnocchi Delight: Replace traditional wheat gnocchi with potato-based or gluten-free gnocchi varieties for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Vegetarian Comfort Bowl: Swap chicken with roasted cauliflower or white beans, using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to create a plant-based version.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute gnocchi with zucchini noodles or cauliflower florets to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining the creamy soup experience.
  • Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use coconut cream and almond milk in place of heavy cream and regular milk, ensuring a smooth texture for lactose-intolerant individuals.

FAQs

  • Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken for this soup?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saving option and adds delicious flavor to the soup. Simply shred the meat and add it during the cooking process.

  • Is this soup freezer-friendly?

Yes, you can freeze this soup, but the texture might slightly change. Store in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop.

  • How can I make this soup lighter or more nutritious?

Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk. You can also add more vegetables like zucchini or kale to increase the nutritional value. Using low-sodium chicken broth helps control salt intake.

  • What if I can't find gnocchi?

No worries! You can replace gnocchi with small pasta like ditalini, orzo, or even small shell pasta. The cooking time might vary slightly, so follow the package instructions for the best results.

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Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe


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4.5 from 40 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty Italian-style Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup delivers comfort in every spoonful, blending tender potato dumplings with rich, velvety broth. Homemade goodness welcomes you to savor each delightful bite of this soul-warming culinary experience.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 lb potato gnocchi
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  • 3 cups chicken broth

Vegetables and Aromatics:

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

Dairy and Seasonings:

  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) butter
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) Italian seasoning
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Warm a spacious cooking vessel and gently liquefy butter, creating a fragrant base for the aromatic vegetables. Introduce finely chopped onion, minced garlic, diced carrots, and delicate celery pieces, allowing them to soften and release their essential flavors.
  2. Stream chicken broth into the vegetable mixture, elevating the temperature until a gentle bubbling commences. Incorporate tender shredded chicken, complementing the liquid with a harmonious blend of Italian herbs, salt, and freshly ground pepper.
  3. Introduce a luxurious combination of heavy cream and milk, whisking carefully to ensure a smooth, velvety consistency. Allow the liquid to reach a consistent warmth, melding the ingredients together.
  4. Carefully fold gnocchi into the simmering soup, monitoring their transformation until they achieve a pillowy, tender texture according to the recommended preparation guidelines.
  5. Cascade fresh spinach leaves into the soup, watching them gracefully wilt and integrate into the creamy landscape. Let the greens shimmer briefly, releasing their vibrant color and nutritional essence.
  6. Transfer the steaming, aromatic soup into serving vessels, presenting a comforting dish ready to be savored immediately.

Notes

  • Customize the soup’s thickness by adjusting cream and milk ratios for your preferred consistency.
  • Opt for store-bought rotisserie chicken to save time and add instant flavor complexity.
  • Transform this recipe into a gluten-free version by selecting gluten-free gnocchi and verifying broth ingredients.
  • Boost nutrition by experimenting with additional vegetables like zucchini or kale for extra vitamins and texture.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 26g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 36g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 20g
  • Cholesterol: 100mg
James Walker

James Walker

Lead Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Southern Cuisine & Farm-to-Table Cooking, Recipe Development & Testing, Culinary Education & Instruction​

Education

School: Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts

Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts and Operations

Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern culinary techniques, kitchen operations, and farm-to-table practices. ​


James didn’t learn cooking from a TV show, he learned it from busy kitchens, family gatherings, and long afternoons spent testing recipes the hard way.
After training at the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, he brought his love for real, down-to-earth food to every dish he makes.
At Dining At Home, James loves building recipes that feel familiar but still have something special, like adding a twist to a classic or making a slow Sunday dinner feel brand new.
When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll probably find him swapping garden tips at the farmers’ market or teaching his daughter how to flip pancakes without a mess (almost).

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