There’s something magical about a steaming bowl of chicken gnocchi soup on a cold evening. It reminds me of the small Sicilian kitchen where I learned to cook beside my nonna. She’d hum softly while stirring pots of broth, the scent of garlic and herbs drifting through the air. Her secret? Cooking with patience and care, two ingredients that make this dish unforgettable. When I recreated her recipe years later, I added a creamy twist with tender gnocchi, rotisserie chicken, and fresh spinach. This soup isn’t just food, it’s comfort, nostalgia, and home in a single spoonful.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This chicken gnocchi soup is the perfect mix of hearty and velvety. Each bite brings pillowy gnocchi, shredded chicken, and rich, savory broth. Unlike most soups, it’s filling enough to serve as a full meal, yet light enough for lunch.
You’ll love it because:
- It’s ready in under 40 minutes.
- It uses simple pantry staples, no fancy ingredients.
- It’s freezer-friendly and reheats beautifully.
If you’re craving similar cozy flavors, my Chicken Tortellini Soup is another great option for busy weeknights.
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Chicken Gnocchi Soup
This creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup brings together tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, fresh spinach, and a rich, herbed broth. It’s quick, hearty, and perfect for cozy dinners.
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp butter
1 medium onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
2 cups cooked shredded chicken
4 cups chicken broth
1 lb potato gnocchi
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups baby spinach
Salt and pepper to taste
¼ cup Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil and butter in a pot. Add onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté until soft.
2. Add shredded chicken and stir for 1 minute to absorb flavor.
3. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil. Add gnocchi and cook until they float.
4. Stir in heavy cream and spinach. Simmer until soup thickens and spinach wilts.
5. Season with salt, pepper, and top with Parmesan cheese before serving.
Notes
Use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
Substitute half-and-half for a lighter version.
Freeze leftovers for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Ingredients
For this creamy chicken gnocchi soup, you’ll need:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Butter | 2 tablespoons |
| Yellow onion, chopped | 1 medium |
| Garlic cloves, minced | 3 |
| Carrots, diced | 2 |
| Celery stalks, diced | 2 |
| Cooked chicken, shredded | 2 cups |
| Chicken broth | 4 cups |
| Potato gnocchi | 1 pound |
| Heavy cream | 1 cup |
| Baby spinach | 2 cups |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
| Parmesan cheese | ¼ cup (optional) |
Love creamy textures? Try pairing this with my Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup for the ultimate comfort dinner.
How to Make Chicken Gnocchi Soup
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté onions, garlic, carrots, and celery until fragrant.
- Add the shredded chicken and stir for a minute to absorb flavors.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil. Add gnocchi and cook for 3–4 minutes, or until they float.
- Stir in the heavy cream and baby spinach. Let simmer for 5–7 minutes until the spinach wilts and the soup thickens.
- Season with salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese if desired.
For an extra creamy version, you can find similar techniques in my Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup.
Tips and Variations
- Make it lighter: Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- Add flavor depth: Toss in a splash of white wine or a pinch of nutmeg.
- Use rotisserie chicken: It saves time without sacrificing taste.
- Go vegetarian: Swap chicken for cannellini beans and vegetable broth.
You can also check my Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi, if you love creamy chicken recipes.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make chicken gnocchi soup ahead of time?
Yes! It keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove to avoid curdling.
2. Can I freeze chicken gnocchi soup?
Absolutely. Cool completely, transfer to an airtight container, and freeze for up to 2 months. Add a splash of cream when reheating.
3. What can I use instead of gnocchi?
You can substitute with pasta, rice, or even cauliflower gnocchi for a gluten-free twist.
4. How do I thicken the soup naturally?
Let it simmer uncovered for a few minutes or mash a few gnocchi pieces to release starch.
Final Thoughts
Chicken gnocchi soup is the kind of meal that hugs you from the inside out. It’s quick, creamy, and layered with flavor; perfect for weeknights or cozy weekends. Whether you make it for your family or to warm up a quiet evening alone, this soup brings pure comfort in every spoonful.
Loved this recipe? Follow me on Pinterest for more comforting dishes and easy weeknight favorites you’ll want to save.
