There is nothing more comforting on a chilly day than a bowl of rich, velvety soup bursting with flavors and textures that satisfy every craving. This Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe is exactly that kind of dish—warm, hearty, and incredibly easy to make. Packed with tender shredded chicken, pillowy gnocchi, fresh spinach, and a luscious blend of cream and Parmesan, this soup quickly becomes a family favorite. It’s perfect whether you’re looking for a simple weeknight meal or something special to share with friends. Let me walk you through making this nourishing bowl of goodness that feels like a cozy hug in every spoonful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this soup is a breeze, and every single one brings something unique to the table—whether it’s flavor, creaminess, or a pop of color that brightens up the bowl. Let’s look at what you’ll need to make this happen:
- Butter: Adds a rich, silky base flavor and helps soften the aromatics to build depth.
- Small onion, diced: Provides a subtle sweetness and aromatic foundation for the soup.
- Garlic, minced: Infuses a savory punch that warms up each spoonful.
- Medium carrot, diced: Contributes a gentle natural sweetness and a pleasant bite.
- Celery stalk, diced: Brings a mild earthiness and crunch to balance the textures.
- Cooked, shredded chicken: The hearty protein that turns this soup into a fulfilling meal.
- Chicken broth: The flavorful liquid base that ties all the ingredients together.
- Heavy cream: Delivers that irresistible creamy texture and richness.
- Whole milk: Lightens the cream just enough while keeping the soup luxuriously smooth.
- Potato gnocchi: These tender dumplings soak up the flavors and provide satisfying chewiness.
- Fresh spinach, chopped: Adds vibrant color and a fresh, slightly earthy note.
- Dried thyme: Offers warm, woody undertones that complement the chicken beautifully.
- Dried basil: Enhances the herbal profile with a subtle sweetness.
- Salt: Essential for bringing all flavors to life.
- Black pepper: Adds a mild kick and balances the creaminess.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Finishes the soup with a nutty, savory edge and binds the flavors together.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
First things first, melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion, minced garlic, carrot, and celery. Let them cook, stirring occasionally, until they soften and fill your kitchen with a fragrant aroma—this usually takes about 5 to 6 minutes. These aromatics lay the soulful foundation for the soup’s flavor.
Step 2: Build the Broth
Next, add in the shredded chicken along with the chicken broth. Sprinkle in the dried thyme, basil, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good stir and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. This step melds the herbs with the broth and chicken, creating a savory, comforting base that’s almost irresistible.
Step 3: Cook the Gnocchi
Stir in the potato gnocchi and let them cook in the simmering broth. You’ll know they’re ready when they start floating to the surface, which usually takes 3 to 4 minutes. The gnocchi soak up all those rich flavors while maintaining a tender, pillowy texture that’s pure comfort food magic.
Step 4: Cream It Up
Turn the heat down to low and gently stir in the heavy cream and whole milk. Allow the soup to simmer softly for another 3 to 4 minutes, letting the cream thicken the broth to a dreamy, silky consistency that coats your spoon beautifully.
Step 5: Finish
Finally, stir in the chopped fresh spinach and the grated Parmesan cheese. Watch as the spinach wilts into the warm soup while the cheese melts in, adding a subtle nuttiness and extra creaminess. Give it a final taste and adjust seasoning if you feel it needs a bit more salt or pepper. Now your Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe is ready to shine!
Step 6: Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls straight from the pot while it’s still warm and inviting. This recipe is best enjoyed fresh and hot, capturing all the layers of flavor and creamy texture at their peak.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Garnishes
The right garnishes elevate this soup from simple to spectacular. Sprinkle some extra grated Parmesan cheese or freshly chopped herbs like parsley or basil right before serving for a burst of color and added aroma. A drizzle of olive oil or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes can also give it a lovely finishing touch if you want a bit of extra flair.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs perfectly with crusty bread or garlic breadsticks that are ideal for soaking up every creamy drop. For a lighter option, try serving with a crisp green salad dressed in a lemon vinaigrette to contrast the soup’s richness and provide refreshing crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
To impress your guests, serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls or individual mini Dutch ovens for an inviting, rustic look. You can also create a soup bar with various toppings like crispy bacon, sautéed mushrooms, or toasted pine nuts to personalize each bowl and add extra texture.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen over time, though the gnocchi will soak up some liquid, so the soup might thicken.
Freezing
Freezing this soup is possible but with some care. Because of the dairy and gnocchi, it’s best to freeze before adding cream and gnocchi. Freeze the broth and chicken mixture separately, then add cream, milk, and gnocchi fresh when you reheat for the best texture and taste.
Reheating
Reheat gently over medium-low heat on the stove, stirring frequently to prevent the cream from separating. If the soup seems too thick, simply add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it up. Avoid microwaving for prolonged periods to preserve the creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that adds amazing flavor and saves cooking time. Just shred the meat and toss it right into the soup.
Is it okay to substitute heavy cream with half-and-half?
You can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream to lighten up the dish, but the soup won’t be quite as rich or thick. If you do, keep an eye on simmering to avoid curdling.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, swap chicken and chicken broth for hearty mushrooms and vegetable broth. You can also add more gnocchi and spinach for plenty of substance.
What can I do if I don’t have gnocchi?
If gnocchi isn’t available, small pasta like mini shells or orzo can be good substitutes, though the texture will differ. Cook them separately and add just before serving to avoid mushiness.
How do I ensure the gnocchi stays tender and doesn’t get mushy?
Cook the gnocchi only until they float to the surface, then gently simmer without boiling too vigorously. Overcooking makes them soggy, so timing is key to keep that perfect soft bite.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe is truly a gift for any day you crave something warm, satisfying, and downright delicious. From the cozy textures to the comforting flavors, every spoonful feels like a celebration of simple ingredients done right. I encourage you to try it soon—you’ll find it’s not just a soup; it’s a hug from your kitchen that never gets old.
Print
Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a comforting and hearty dish featuring tender shredded chicken, pillowy potato gnocchi, fresh spinach, and a rich, creamy broth infused with aromatic herbs. Perfect for a cozy meal, this soup combines fresh vegetables and savory flavors for a satisfying bowl of warmth in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium carrot, diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Dairy and Gnocchi
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 16 oz potato gnocchi
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Vegetables and Garnishes
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced onion, minced garlic, diced carrot, and diced celery. Cook these aromatics until they become soft and fragrant, which takes about 5-6 minutes. This step builds the base flavor of the soup.
- Build the Broth: Add shredded cooked chicken and chicken broth to the pot with aromatics. Then season with dried thyme, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil to allow flavors to meld.
- Cook the Gnocchi: Stir in the potato gnocchi and cook them in the simmering broth until they float to the surface, approximately 3-4 minutes, indicating they are cooked through.
- Cream It Up: Lower the heat to a gentle simmer, then stir in the heavy cream and whole milk. Let the soup simmer gently for another 3-4 minutes to thicken slightly and blend the creamy flavors.
- Finish: Add the chopped fresh spinach and grated Parmesan cheese to the soup. Stir continuously until the spinach wilts and the soup reaches a creamy consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls. Serve warm and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs if desired for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Use cooked chicken leftover from a roast or rotisserie to save time.
- Potato gnocchi cooks quickly—do not overcook them to avoid mushiness.
- You can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream and milk for a lighter version.
- For a thicker soup, allow it to simmer a bit longer before adding spinach.
- This soup freezes well; thaw and reheat gently on the stovetop.
