Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

There’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of Chicken Gnocchi Soup to turn an ordinary evening into a cozy, comforting occasion. This luscious soup is brimming with tender chicken, fluffy potato gnocchi, vibrant vegetables, and a creamy, flavor-packed broth that feels like a warm hug in every bite. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly weeknight meal or a hearty dish to impress guests, Chicken Gnocchi Soup delivers in both taste and comfort, making it a staple that deserves a spot in everyone’s home-cooked repertoire.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Chicken Gnocchi Soup is in its simplicity: each ingredient plays a crucial role in building the layers of flavor and texture that make this dish irresistible. Every item adds its own special magic, from earthy aromatics to rich creaminess and pops of fresh color.

• Olive oil or butter: Sautéing with either one helps coax out the sweetness and depth of your vegetables right from the start.
• Onion: Diced onion brings savory notes and a gentle sweetness as your flavor base.
• Garlic: Minced garlic perfumes the soup with a delicious aroma and depth.
• Carrots: Diced carrots give the soup a subtle sweetness and a pop of color.
• Celery: Celery adds an essential herbaceous crunch and rounds out the classic mirepoix trio.
• Cooked shredded chicken: You can use rotisserie chicken to save time and amp up the flavor with perfectly tender meat.
• Chicken broth: The backbone of your soup, enriching each spoonful with savory warmth.
• Dried or fresh thyme: Thyme offers an earthy, aromatic depth that pairs perfectly with chicken.
• Italian seasoning: A quick shortcut to those robust, mixed herbal flavors we love in Italian-American cooking.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for bringing all the flavors into perfect balance—season to your taste!
• Potato gnocchi: The star ingredient; these soft dumplings soak up the rich broth and make the soup irresistibly satisfying.
• Fresh spinach leaves: Just enough to add color and a touch of earthy freshness without overpowering the rest of the soup.
• Heavy cream (or half-and-half): Cream envelopes everything in decadent silkiness; use half-and-half to lighten things up, if you prefer.
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional): For an extra layer of richness and a hint of umami, a sprinkle of Parmesan does wonders.

How to Make Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Start by heating your olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in your diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery, and let them cook gently until they’re fragrant and softened. This simple step is where your Chicken Gnocchi Soup begins to build its foundation of flavor—so don’t rush it! The vegetables should become slightly tender and your kitchen will be filled with the most inviting aroma.

Step 2: Add Chicken and Broth

Once the veggies are softened, stir in your shredded chicken, pour in the chicken broth, and sprinkle in the thyme, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring everything up to a gentle simmer. This is where the soup starts looking and smelling like comfort itself, with the chicken and herbs melding beautifully together.

Step 3: Cook the Gnocchi

Now, stir in your package of potato gnocchi. Give it a good stir and let the gnocchi cook for 3 to 4 minutes, until they float happily to the surface. That’s your sign they’re cooked and ready—no timer required! The gnocchi will soak up some of that delicious broth and turn each bite into pillowy perfection.

Step 4: Add the Greens

Once the gnocchi are ready, add the fresh spinach leaves. It only takes a minute or so for the vibrant greens to wilt into the soup, adding lovely color and a gentle earthy flavor that makes the soup shine.

Step 5: Creamy Finishing Touches

Finally, pour in your cream (or half-and-half) and stir until fully incorporated. If you’re using Parmesan, now’s the time to sprinkle it in for that signature Italian richness. Heat everything gently, making sure it never reaches a boil—this keeps the soup luxuriously creamy without separating. Taste and adjust the seasoning before serving hot, and get ready for compliments all around!

How to Serve Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Garnishes

The right garnish can take Chicken Gnocchi Soup from homey to restaurant-level stunning. A shower of extra Parmesan cheese, a sprinkle of fresh cracked pepper, and maybe a handful of chopped fresh parsley or thyme instantly brighten each bowl and add irresistible aroma. If you love a little zip, a swirl of chili oil or a dash of lemon zest is beautiful too.

Side Dishes

This hearty soup is practically a meal on its own, but it pairs perfectly with rustic bread for dunking—think a warm baguette, garlic bread, or even some fluffy focaccia. For a lighter touch, a crisp side salad with a citrusy vinaigrette will cut through the richness and leave everyone happily satisfied. If you’re feeling indulgent, whip up some cheesy breadsticks to serve alongside!

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy family dinner, serve Chicken Gnocchi Soup in big bowls right at the table for a shared, comforting experience. For a dinner party or special lunch, ladle the soup into individual soup crocks and top with extra cheese for a bit of tableside flair. Mini portions in espresso cups or small mugs make a fun appetizer for gatherings—just perfect for dipping!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Chicken Gnocchi Soup tastes just as wonderful the next day! Cool any leftovers promptly and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The gnocchi will continue to soak up some of the broth, so the soup may thicken a little overnight, but the flavors only get better with time.

Freezing

While the creamy base and gnocchi can sometimes change texture after freezing, it’s totally doable in a pinch. Let the soup cool completely, then freeze it in well-sealed containers for up to 2 months. For best results, freeze without the gnocchi and add fresh, cooked gnocchi when reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of extra broth or cream if it’s thickened more than you’d like. Avoid boiling—keep it just below a simmer for the creamiest results. Individual portions also warm up well in the microwave for quick lunches or cozy dinners.

FAQs

Can I make Chicken Gnocchi Soup gluten-free?

Yes, simply use gluten-free gnocchi, which are widely available in most grocery stores. Double-check your chicken broth for hidden gluten just to be safe, and you’re all set for a totally satisfying gluten-free meal!

What’s the best substitute for heavy cream?

If you want to lighten things up, swap in half-and-half or even whole milk, keeping in mind the soup will be less rich (but still delicious). For dairy-free needs, coconut milk is a solid alternative—you’ll end up with a hint of coconut flavor and lovely creaminess.

How do you thicken the soup if it’s too thin?

One easy trick is to simply mash a few cooked gnocchi into the broth—they’ll dissolve and thicken things up quickly. Alternatively, a small slurry of cornstarch and water, stirred into the simmering soup, works beautifully for extra body.

Can I use leftover turkey instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Turkey makes a tasty alternative and is a great way to use up holiday leftovers. It pairs just as nicely with the herbs, gnocchi, and veggies, so use it ounce for ounce instead of chicken.

How long can Chicken Gnocchi Soup be kept in the fridge?

Properly stored, Chicken Gnocchi Soup keeps well in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. If you plan to stretch it out longer, freezing is your best route. As always, be sure to reheat gently for the best texture and flavor!

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a new comfort-food favorite, Chicken Gnocchi Soup is simply irresistible—creamy, cozy, and full of flavor in every spoonful. I hope you’ll try it soon and let this dish become a beloved staple in your own kitchen. Happy cooking and even happier eating!

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