Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup a hearty and comforting Italian-inspired soup loaded with tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, fresh spinach, and a creamy broth that’s perfect for chilly days. This rich and velvety soup is packed with flavor and comes together in just 40 minutes, making it a great choice for a cozy weeknight dinner.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love this Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup because it’s a one-pot meal that brings warmth and comfort with every spoonful. The soft, pillowy gnocchi make it extra satisfying, while the creamy broth gives it a luxurious texture. It’s also a fantastic way to use up leftover chicken and can easily be customized with different vegetables or seasonings. Whether served with crusty bread or enjoyed on its own, this soup is always a hit.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 medium carrots, diced
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 celery stalks, diced
1 cup heavy cream
4 cups chicken broth
1 pound cooked chicken breast, shredded
1 pound potato gnocchi
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried basil
Salt and pepper, to taste
Parmesan cheese, for garnish (optional)
Directions
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir to coat evenly. Cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
Gradually pour in the chicken broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Bring to a simmer.
Stir in the heavy cream, shredded chicken, thyme, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
Add the gnocchi to the pot and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until they float to the top.
Stir in the fresh spinach and let it wilt for 1-2 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Serve warm, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Servings and Timing
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 350 kcal per serving
Variations
Make it dairy-free – Swap the heavy cream for coconut milk or a dairy-free alternative.
Add more veggies – Mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini would be great additions.
Use turkey instead of chicken – Leftover turkey works just as well in this recipe.
Spice it up – A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a little heat to the creamy broth.
Gluten-free option – Use a gluten-free flour blend for thickening and gluten-free gnocchi.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: This soup can be frozen, but the texture of the gnocchi may change slightly. If freezing, consider adding fresh gnocchi when reheating.
Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of broth or cream to loosen it up.
Related Recipes:
- Air Fryer Gnocchi
- Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
- 30-Minute Ricotta Gnocchi with Herbs and Tomatoes
FAQs
How do I make this soup thicker?
If I want a thicker consistency, I add an extra tablespoon of flour when cooking the vegetables or let the soup simmer a bit longer before adding the spinach.
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes, rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut and adds extra flavor to the soup. I simply shred it and stir it in with the cream and seasonings.
What kind of gnocchi works best?
I prefer using store-bought potato gnocchi, but homemade gnocchi would make this soup even more special. Gluten-free gnocchi also works well if needed.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes! I sauté the vegetables first, then transfer everything except the gnocchi and spinach to the slow cooker. I cook on low for 4-6 hours, then stir in the gnocchi and spinach in the last 30 minutes.
What should I serve with this soup?
A side of garlic bread, a fresh green salad, or even a simple grilled cheese sandwich pairs beautifully with this creamy soup.
Conclusion
This Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup is the perfect comfort food, loaded with tender chicken, soft gnocchi, and a rich, flavorful broth. It’s an easy, satisfying meal that comes together quickly and is sure to be a family favorite. Whether it’s a chilly evening or just a craving for something cozy, this soup never disappoints.
📖 Recipe:
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Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
A hearty and comforting Italian-inspired soup loaded with tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, fresh spinach, and a creamy broth that’s perfect for chilly days. This rich and velvety soup is packed with flavor and comes together in just 40 minutes, making it a great choice for a cozy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 medium carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 pound cooked chicken breast, shredded
1 pound potato gnocchi
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried basil
Salt and pepper, to taste
Parmesan cheese, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened.
- Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir well. Cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
- Gradually pour in chicken broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Bring to a simmer.
- Stir in heavy cream, shredded chicken, thyme, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add gnocchi and cook for 3-5 minutes until they float to the top.
- Stir in fresh spinach and let it wilt for 1-2 minutes. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve warm, garnished with Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
Dairy-Free Option: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free alternative.
More Vegetables: Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini.
Use Turkey: Leftover turkey works well as a substitute for chicken.
Make it Spicy: Add red pepper flakes for heat.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour for thickening and gluten-free gnocchi.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 servings
- Calories: 350 kcal
