Creamy chicken gnocchi soup is a hearty and comforting dish that’s perfect for cozy evenings. This rich soup is packed with tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, fresh vegetables, and a creamy broth, making it a satisfying meal on its own. It’s easy to prepare and sure to become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A rich, creamy soup that’s both hearty and comforting.
- Loaded with vegetables, tender chicken, and soft gnocchi.
- Easy to make in one pot, with minimal cleanup.
- Customizable with different vegetables or proteins.
- Perfect for a cozy dinner or as a meal prep option.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Olive oil or butter
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cooked and shredded)
- Gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
- Onion (diced)
- Garlic (minced)
- Carrots (sliced or diced)
- Celery (sliced)
- Spinach (fresh or frozen)
- Chicken broth
- Heavy cream
- Milk (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
- Flour or cornstarch (for thickening)
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh thyme or dried Italian seasoning
Optional Toppings:
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Chopped parsley
- Crusty bread or crackers for serving
Directions
- Sauté Vegetables:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 4-5 minutes, until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Add Broth and Chicken:
- Pour in the chicken broth and stir in shredded chicken. Add thyme or Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle boil.
- Cook Gnocchi:
- Add the gnocchi to the pot and cook according to package instructions (usually 2-3 minutes) until they float to the surface.
- Add Spinach:
- Stir in the fresh spinach and cook for 1-2 minutes, until wilted.
- Make it Creamy:
- Reduce heat to low. Stir in heavy cream and milk. To thicken, whisk flour or cornstarch with a small amount of water to form a slurry, then stir it into the soup. Simmer for 3-5 minutes, until the soup thickens slightly.
- Taste and Adjust:
- Taste the soup and adjust seasonings as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or herbs if desired.
- Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and top with grated Parmesan cheese or parsley if desired. Serve with crusty bread or crackers for dipping.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes 6 servings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes.
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes.
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes.
Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Omit the chicken and use vegetable broth. Add white beans or chickpeas for protein.
- Low-Carb: Replace gnocchi with cauliflower florets or zucchini noodles.
- Spicy Twist: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for some heat.
- Herby Upgrade: Stir in fresh basil or parsley for a burst of freshness.
- Dairy-Free: Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream and milk for a creamy, dairy-free version.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the soup (without the gnocchi) for up to 3 months. Add freshly cooked gnocchi when reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or milk if the soup has thickened.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes, rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. Simply shred it and add it to the soup.
Can I make this soup gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free gnocchi and thicken the soup with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend.
What type of gnocchi works best?
Both potato and cauliflower gnocchi work well. Shelf-stable, refrigerated, or frozen gnocchi can be used.
How do I prevent the soup from becoming too thick?
Add extra chicken broth or milk as needed to adjust the consistency.
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Mushrooms, bell peppers, or peas are great additions.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
Half-and-half or whole milk can be used for a lighter soup. For a dairy-free option, use coconut milk.
Why is my soup not thickening?
Ensure your slurry is well-mixed before adding it to the soup. Let it simmer to activate the thickening agent.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, cook the chicken, broth, and vegetables on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Stir in cream, spinach, and gnocchi during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Is this soup kid-friendly?
Yes, the mild flavors and soft gnocchi make it a hit with kids.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Double the ingredients and use a large pot to make a bigger batch.
Conclusion
Creamy chicken gnocchi soup is the perfect comfort food, offering a rich and hearty bowl of flavor that’s easy to prepare. With its creamy broth, tender chicken, and pillowy gnocchi, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation. Serve it with your favorite bread, and enjoy a warm, satisfying meal!
Print
Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
A rich and creamy soup featuring tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and fresh vegetables, delivering a comforting and satisfying dish reminiscent of Olive Garden’s classic.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups half-and-half
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
- 1 pound potato gnocchi
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves, chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and celery, cooking until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Create Roux:
- Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed vegetables, stirring constantly for 2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings:
- Gradually pour in the chicken broth and half-and-half, stirring continuously to prevent lumps.
- Add the dried thyme and parsley, bringing the mixture to a simmer.
- Incorporate Carrots and Chicken:
- Stir in the shredded carrots and cooked chicken, allowing the soup to simmer gently for 5 minutes.
- Cook Gnocchi:
- Add the potato gnocchi to the pot, cooking according to package instructions, typically 3-5 minutes, until they float to the top and are tender.
- Add Spinach:
- Stir in the chopped spinach leaves, cooking until wilted, about 2 minutes.
- Season and Serve:
- Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- Chicken: Rotisserie chicken works well for this recipe, providing convenience and flavor.
- Gnocchi: Both store-bought and homemade potato gnocchi are suitable; adjust cooking time as needed.
- Storage: Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat to maintain the creamy texture.