If you are looking for ultimate comfort food that warms you from the inside out, the Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe is a must-try. This luscious soup combines tender shredded chicken, pillowy potato gnocchi, and fresh spinach all simmered in a rich, velvety broth with a perfect balance of herbs and cream. It’s incredibly satisfying, yet surprisingly simple to make, and every spoonful feels like a cozy hug on a chilly day. Whether you’re craving a hearty weeknight meal or a crowd-pleaser for guests, this recipe delivers on flavor and comfort without any fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is a straightforward process, but each one plays a vital role. From the base of aromatic vegetables to the creamy broth and savory herbs, every component adds depth, texture, or freshness to this irresistible soup.
- Olive oil: Helps sauté vegetables and adds a subtle fruitiness.
- Small onion: Brings a mild sweetness and foundational flavor.
- Garlic cloves: Infuse the soup with a warm, inviting aroma.
- Carrots: Provide a touch of natural sweetness and color.
- Celery stalks: Add a gentle crunch and earthiness.
- All-purpose flour: Thickens the soup to a creamy consistency.
- Chicken broth: Forms the flavorful liquid base.
- Heavy cream: Makes the soup rich and luxuriously smooth.
- Cooked chicken breast: Offers tender protein for heartiness.
- Potato gnocchi: Delivers soft, pillowy bites everyone will love.
- Fresh spinach: Adds vibrant color and a boost of nutrition.
- Dried thyme: Gives an herbal note that rounds out the flavor.
- Dried basil: Complements the thyme with a subtle sweetness.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all flavors.
- Parmesan cheese (optional): A savory topping that adds richness and depth.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, then add finely chopped onion, minced garlic, diced carrots, and celery. Sauté these ingredients for about 5 to 7 minutes until they soften and become fragrant, which sets the flavorful foundation for your soup.
Step 2: Incorporate the Flour
Sprinkle the all-purpose flour evenly over the tender vegetables in the pot. Stir well and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes; this step helps to remove the raw flour taste and prepares the mixture to thicken the soup beautifully later on.
Step 3: Add Chicken Broth and Simmer
Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer, creating a smooth, savory base that’s full of warmth and comfort.
Step 4: Mix in Cream, Chicken, and Herbs
Pour in the heavy cream followed by the shredded cooked chicken, dried thyme, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 5 minutes to meld all those delicious flavors into a creamy, hearty broth.
Step 5: Cook the Gnocchi
Add the potato gnocchi to the pot and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, or until they float to the top. This is your clue that they’re perfectly cooked and wonderfully tender, ready to soak up all that creamy goodness.
Step 6: Wilt the Spinach
Finally, stir in the fresh chopped spinach and let it wilt gently in the hot soup for 1 to 2 minutes. This adds a beautiful pop of green and a touch of freshness, helping to balance the richness of the cream.
Step 7: Final Seasoning and Serve
Give your soup a final taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve it warm, and if you like, sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top for an extra layer of savory flavor that’s simply irresistible.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes can elevate the Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe to restaurant-worthy status. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, a sprinkle of cracked black pepper, or some chopped fresh parsley brighten the bowl and bring bursts of flavor and color that invite you to dig right in.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs perfectly with crusty bread or garlic knots for dipping into the creamy broth. A fresh, crisp side salad with a light vinaigrette offers a pleasant contrast in texture and cleanses the palate between spoonfuls.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in mini bread bowls or in ramekins topped with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of chili flakes for a touch of heat. You can also add a swirl of pesto or a dollop of sour cream for extra flair and personalization.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftover Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe into an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to give it a good stir before reheating, as the cream and gnocchi tend to settle while chilled.
Freezing
Because of the cream and gnocchi, freezing is a bit tricky but still possible. Freeze the soup in a tightly sealed container without the gnocchi for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and cook fresh gnocchi separately, adding it to the reheated soup just before serving.
Reheating
Reheat the soup gently over medium-low heat on the stove, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even warmth. Add a splash of broth or cream if it feels too thick, and cook freshly prepared gnocchi right in the pot for best texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen gnocchi in this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen gnocchi works just fine; simply add an extra minute or two to the cooking time until they float to the top and are fully cooked.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and omit the chicken; you can add extra vegetables or beans to keep it hearty and satisfying.
Can I substitute heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version, but the soup won’t be quite as rich or creamy. Adding a bit of cream cheese can boost creaminess if you prefer.
How spicy is this soup?
It’s very mild and family-friendly, but you can always add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes if you want a little kick.
What can I do if my soup is too thick?
Simply stir in more chicken broth or a splash of water while reheating until you reach your desired consistency.
Final Thoughts
Making the Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe is such a rewarding experience — from the simple, wholesome ingredients to the incredible aroma that fills your kitchen. It’s a beautiful way to bring warmth and comfort to your table with minimal effort and maximum flavor. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and share it with everyone you love because everyone deserves a bowl of this cozy, creamy goodness.
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Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a rich and hearty soup combining tender shredded chicken, pillowy potato gnocchi, and fresh spinach in a creamy, herb-infused broth. Perfect for a comforting meal, it’s packed with flavors from sautéed veggies, garlic, and a touch of Parmesan. Ready in just 40 minutes and serving six, it makes a satisfying dish that warms you from the inside out.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 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
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1 pound potato gnocchi
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
Seasonings and Garnish
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Parmesan cheese, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, diced carrots, and diced celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables soften and become aromatic.
- Make the roux: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the cooked vegetables and stir well to combine. Continue cooking for 1-2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
- Add the broth: Gradually pour in the chicken broth while whisking constantly to prevent any lumps from forming. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Add cream and chicken: Stir in the heavy cream, shredded chicken breast, dried thyme, dried basil, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the soup simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Cook the gnocchi: Add the potato gnocchi to the simmering soup. Cook for 3-5 minutes until the gnocchi float to the top, indicating they are cooked through.
- Add spinach: Stir in the chopped fresh spinach and cook for 1-2 minutes until the spinach wilts. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve warm for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Use cooked chicken breast leftover or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, increase the flour to 1/3 cup slightly.
- Fresh herbs can be used instead of dried; use about 1 tablespoon fresh thyme and basil each.
- Gnocchi should be fresh or refrigerated; frozen gnocchi may extend the cooking time slightly.
- To make the soup lighter, substitute half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream.
- Parmesan garnish is optional but adds a nice savory note.
