Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a comforting, creamy dish that combines tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a rich, velvety broth made with cream, garlic, and herbs. The gnocchi, which are soft potato dumplings, soak up the flavors of the soup while adding a satisfying, chewy texture. Fresh spinach is often added for a burst of color and nutrition, and the entire soup is seasoned with a mix of thyme, rosemary, and a hint of Parmesan cheese for depth of flavor. It’s the perfect balance of creamy, savory, and hearty, making it a go-to dish for cozy nights.

I first made Chicken Gnocchi Soup when I wanted something filling and comforting but still light enough to enjoy as a meal. The combination of creamy broth and tender chicken with gnocchi created such a satisfying dish. It’s rich but not heavy, and the spinach adds a refreshing note to balance out the creamy base.

What I love most about this soup is how easy it is to make, especially with the use of store-bought gnocchi. You can customize it with other vegetables like carrots, celery, or onions, and adjust the seasoning to suit your taste. If you want to make it heartier, you can add more chicken or even top it with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan. This soup is perfect for a family dinner, meal prep, or a comforting bowl on a chilly day.

Perfect for:

Cold weather
Family dinners
Cozy nights in
A comforting weeknight meal
Chicken and soup lovers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are 10 reasons why Chicken Gnocchi Soup will quickly become your go-to comfort food:

Creamy and Velvety: The soup’s rich, creamy base is perfectly balanced with the tender gnocchi and chicken.
Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples and fresh ingredients, this soup is both accessible and delicious.
Hearty and Filling: The gnocchi and chicken make this soup a complete meal that will keep you full and satisfied.
Customizable: You can easily add vegetables or adjust the seasonings to suit your taste.
Quick and Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy nights when you want a comforting meal.
Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The chicken and creamy broth work together to create a flavorful and comforting dish.
Make-Ahead Meal: This soup can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for leftovers the next day.
Kid-Friendly: With its mild flavor and fun gnocchi, it’s a great meal for children.
Healthy and Wholesome: Packed with protein and nutrients from the chicken and vegetables.
Versatile: It can be served with a variety of sides, like bread or a simple salad.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 30 minutes
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 calories
Key Nutrients: Protein: 25g, Carbs: 30g, Fat: 20g

Ingredients

For the Soup:

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cooked and shredded
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 package gnocchi (about 16 oz)
2 cups baby spinach
½ teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon dried rosemary
Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Garnish:

Grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley

Ingredient Highlights

Gnocchi: Soft and pillowy, gnocchi is the perfect addition to make this soup extra filling.
Chicken: Lean and protein-packed, chicken makes the soup hearty and satisfying.
Spinach: Adds a pop of color and a healthy dose of vitamins to the dish.
Heavy Cream: Gives the soup its rich, velvety texture and depth of flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Soup:

Cook the Chicken: If not already cooked, season chicken breasts or thighs with salt and pepper and cook in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked (about 7-8 minutes per side). Shred the chicken and set aside.
Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and garlic, cooking until softened (about 3-4 minutes).
Add Broth and Cream: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in the heavy cream and bring the soup back to a gentle simmer.
Cook the Gnocchi: Add the gnocchi to the soup and cook according to package instructions (usually about 3-4 minutes or until they float to the top).
Add Chicken and Spinach: Stir in the shredded chicken and spinach, cooking until the spinach wilts.
Season: Add thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper to taste.
Simmer: Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Serve:

Garnish and Enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with grated Parmesan and fresh parsley. Serve warm and enjoy!

How to Serve

Here are 10 serving suggestions for Chicken Gnocchi Soup:

With Fresh Bread: Serve alongside crusty bread or garlic bread for a complete meal.
For a Cozy Dinner: Pair with a light salad for a satisfying evening meal.
With a Side Salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette pairs perfectly with this creamy soup.
As a Light Lunch: Serve in smaller portions for a delightful midday meal.
With a Sprinkle of Cheese: Add extra Parmesan on top for a cheesy finish.
For Family Dinners: Make a big batch for a family-friendly dinner that everyone will enjoy.
With Crusty Baguette: Dip slices of fresh baguette into the soup for a French twist.
With Roasted Vegetables: Serve with roasted carrots or broccoli for a more filling side.
For Meal Prep: Make a large batch to store in the fridge for a few days of quick lunches.
As a Make-Ahead Meal: This soup stores well in the fridge and tastes even better the next day!

Additional Tips

Add More Veggies: You can toss in carrots, celery, or potatoes for more texture and flavor.
Adjust Creaminess: For a lighter soup, substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or milk.
Flavor Boost: Add a squeeze of lemon juice or a dash of hot sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
Chill and Reheat: This soup stores well in the fridge for 3-4 days, and it’s easy to reheat.
Don’t Overcook the Gnocchi: Once the gnocchi float to the top, they’re done. Overcooking can make them mushy.

Recipe Variations

Vegetarian Gnocchi Soup: Skip the chicken and add extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or potatoes.
Spicy Chicken Gnocchi Soup: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Soup: Stir in lemon zest and juice for a bright, citrusy twist.
Low-Carb Gnocchi Soup: Use cauliflower gnocchi for a lower-carb alternative.
Dairy-Free Option: Swap the heavy cream for coconut milk and omit the cheese for a dairy-free version.
Cheesy Gnocchi Soup: Stir in a cup of shredded cheese like mozzarella or cheddar for a cheesy soup base.
With Beef Bacon: Add crumbled beef bacon for a smoky, savory touch.
With Herbs: Experiment with fresh herbs like basil or oregano for added flavor.
Tomato Chicken Gnocchi Soup: Add diced tomatoes or tomato paste for a tangy variation.

Special Equipment

Large Pot: For simmering the soup and combining all ingredients.
Skillet or Grill Pan: To cook the chicken before shredding.
Soup Ladle: For serving the soup into bowls.
Grater: For freshly grating Parmesan cheese.

FAQ Section

Can I use frozen gnocchi?
Yes, you can use frozen gnocchi. Just add them directly to the soup without thawing first.
Can I make this soup in advance?
Yes, this soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, you can freeze the soup (without the gnocchi) for up to 2 months. Reheat and add fresh gnocchi when ready to serve.
What can I substitute for chicken?
You can substitute chicken with turkey, sausage, or even tofu for a different twist.
How do I keep the gnocchi from getting too soft?
Make sure to cook the gnocchi just until they float to the surface of the soup.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can cook the soup on low for 4-6 hours and add the gnocchi in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
What’s the best way to reheat this soup?
Reheat in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the cream from separating.
Can I skip the cream for a lighter version?
Yes, you can use milk or half-and-half for a lighter soup.
What’s the best way to serve this soup?
Serve the soup hot with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and a side of crusty bread.

Conclusion

This Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a creamy, comforting dish that’s perfect for chilly evenings. With tender chicken, soft pillowy gnocchi, and a rich, velvety broth filled with spinach and aromatic herbs, this soup feels like a warm hug in a bowl. It’s hearty yet light, and full of flavor, making it the ideal meal for when you’re craving something cozy but satisfying.

The magic of this recipe lies in the soft gnocchi that soaks up the delicious broth, the tender chicken that adds heartiness, and the fresh spinach that provides a vibrant touch. The creamy base, made with chicken broth, cream, and garlic, brings everything together in a smooth, velvety texture that coats the gnocchi and chicken perfectly.

I’d love to see your Chicken Gnocchi Soup creations! Share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I can’t wait to see your comforting bowls of soup. Don’t forget to leave a comment and share any fun twists or extra toppings that made your soup uniquely yours!