Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe to Warm Your Soul

Hearty comfort finds its groove in this chicken gnocchi soup that promises warmth and satisfaction.

Rich Italian traditions merge with homestyle cooking to create something magical.

Each spoonful carries delicate potato dumplings nestled among tender chicken pieces.

Creamy textures blend seamlessly with herbs and gentle seasonings.

Weeknight dinners suddenly feel like luxurious culinary adventures waiting to unfold.

Mediterranean influences shine through every carefully crafted ingredient combination.

This soul-warming soup invites you to savor each delightful bite and experience pure culinary comfort.

Ingredients for Cozy Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Main Protein:
  • Chicken: The star of the soup, provides hearty flavor and protein. Rotisserie chicken works great for a quick and easy option.
  • Gnocchi: Soft potato dumplings that add comforting texture and bulk to the soup.
Vegetables and Aromatics:
  • Onion, Celery, Carrots: Classic soup base vegetables that build deep flavor. Fresh, crisp vegetables are key for best results.
  • Garlic: Adds aromatic depth and warmth to the soup's flavor profile.
  • Spinach: Light green vegetable that adds nutrition and color at the end of cooking.
Liquid and Creamy Components:
  • Chicken Broth: Provides the liquid base and foundational savory flavor for the soup.
  • Heavy Cream: Brings rich, smooth creaminess and luxurious texture to the soup.
  • Butter, Olive Oil: Creates a flavorful base for sautéing vegetables and adds richness.
Seasoning and Finishing Touches:
  • Flour: Helps thicken the soup and create a smooth consistency.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing the overall soup flavor.
  • Fresh Thyme or Parsley: Optional garnish that adds a fresh herbal note.

Make Chicken Gnocchi Soup That Feels Like Home

Step 1: Prep Chicken And Veggies

Shred cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. Chop these ingredients:
  • Onion
  • Carrots
  • Celery
  • Garlic

Step 2: Sizzle The Vegetables

Heat butter and olive oil in a large pot over medium temperature. Toss in:
  • Onion
  • Celery
  • Carrots

Saute until vegetables soften and become translucent. Add garlic and cook for another minute until aromatic.

Step 3: Create A Silky Base

Dust flour over sauteed vegetables, stirring thoroughly to coat. Cook for 60 seconds to eliminate raw flour flavor. Slowly pour chicken broth while continuously stirring to prevent clumping.

Step 4: Cook The Gnocchi

Increase heat and bring liquid to a gentle boil. Drop gnocchi into the pot. Simmer until pillowy dumplings float and become tender, typically 3-5 minutes.

Step 5: Enrich With Cream And Protein

Lower heat and stir in:
  • Shredded chicken
  • Heavy cream

Warm mixture gently without boiling.

Step 6: Add Final Touches

Fold in fresh spinach and let it wilt. Season with salt and pepper. Optional: Sprinkle fresh herbs like thyme or parsley on top.

Step 7: Serve And Enjoy

Ladle piping hot soup into bowls. Serve immediately with crusty bread for a comforting meal.

Tips That Make Chicken Gnocchi Soup Better

  • Choose Tender Chicken: Opt for rotisserie chicken or slow-cooked chicken breasts for maximum tenderness and easier shredding.
  • Control Soup Thickness: Adjust flour quantity to achieve desired soup consistency; add more for thicker soup or less for a lighter broth.
  • Prevent Gnocchi Sticking: Stir gnocchi gently after adding to prevent clumping and ensure even cooking throughout the soup.
  • Enhance Flavor Depth: Toast flour briefly before adding broth to develop a richer, nuttier taste and eliminate raw flour undertones.
  • Customize Vegetable Options: Swap spinach with kale or Swiss chard for different nutritional profiles and varied taste experiences.

Save and Warm Chicken Gnocchi Soup Easily

  • Store leftover chicken gnocchi soup in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days to maintain freshness and food safety.
  • Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing gnocchi as they may become mushy when thawed.
  • Warm soup in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture if the soup has thickened during storage.
  • Heat in short intervals, stirring between each to prevent uneven warming. Add a little broth or water to maintain the soup's creamy consistency.

Pair Chicken Gnocchi Soup with These Bites

  • Soak up the creamy soup with a rustic, freshly baked sourdough or ciabatta bread, enhancing the texture and catching every delicious drop.
  • Choose a light Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the soup's richness and provide a refreshing contrast to the creamy broth.
  • Create a bright side salad with peppery arugula, lemon vinaigrette, and shaved parmesan to balance the soup's richness and add a zesty crunch.
  • Brew a cold, unsweetened herbal tea with hints of mint or chamomile to cleanse the palate and provide a cool, light accompaniment to the warm, creamy soup.

Chicken Gnocchi Soup Upgrades to Explore

  • Vegetarian Gnocchi Soup: Replace chicken with plant-based protein like white beans or tofu, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and add extra mushrooms for depth.
  • Gluten-Free Version: Swap regular gnocchi with gluten-free potato gnocchi, use cornstarch instead of flour for thickening, and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute gnocchi with cauliflower gnocchi or spiralized zucchini, reduce cream quantity, and increase protein content with additional shredded chicken.
  • Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, replace butter with olive oil, and add nutritional yeast for a creamy texture without dairy ingredients.

Chicken Gnocchi Soup Everyone’s Talking About

  • Transform simple pantry staples like rotisserie chicken, gnocchi, and fresh vegetables into a luxurious, creamy soup that feels gourmet but takes minimal effort.
  • Packed with tender chicken, soft gnocchi, and nutritious spinach, this soup satisfies picky eaters and health-conscious family members alike, making dinnertime stress-free.
  • Perfect for busy weeknights, this one-pot wonder can be prepped ahead, reheats beautifully, and offers incredible flavor with minimal kitchen cleanup.
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Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 25 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Creamy chicken gnocchi soup brings comfort straight from Italian kitchens to your dinner table. Hearty potatoes, tender chicken, and pillowy gnocchi combine in a rich broth that fills hungry hearts with warmth and satisfaction.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein and Pasta:

  • 2 cups (300 g) cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
  • 1 (16 ounces / 450 g) package gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)

Vegetables and Aromatics:

  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups (60 g) fresh spinach leaves, roughly chopped

Liquids and Seasonings:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cups (1 liter) chicken broth
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Optional Garnish:

  • Fresh parsley, chopped
  • Grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat a substantial cooking vessel and melt butter with olive oil over medium-high temperature, creating a fragrant cooking base.
  2. Introduce diced aromatic vegetables – onions, celery, and carrots – and sauté until they soften and develop a translucent appearance, releasing their natural sweetness.
  3. Incorporate minced garlic and allow it to bloom for approximately 60 seconds, infusing the mixture with robust flavor profiles.
  4. Dust the vegetable medley with flour, stirring meticulously to ensure even coating and eliminate any raw flour undertones.
  5. Gradually stream chicken broth into the pot, whisking continuously to prevent potential lumps from forming and creating a smooth liquid foundation.
  6. Raise the temperature and encourage the mixture to reach a gentle boil, then carefully introduce pillowy gnocchi, allowing them to simmer until they effortlessly float and achieve a tender consistency.
  7. Reduce heat and fold in shredded chicken and luxurious heavy cream, creating a harmonious and rich texture throughout the soup.
  8. Gently incorporate fresh spinach leaves, allowing them to wilt and integrate seamlessly into the soup’s landscape.
  9. Season the preparation with salt and freshly cracked black pepper, adjusting to personal taste preferences.
  10. Ladle the steaming soup into serving vessels and optionally garnish with delicate fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for an elegant finishing touch.

Notes

  • Swap rotisserie chicken for leftover grilled or baked chicken to reduce waste and add extra flavor profile.
  • Use gluten-free gnocchi and replace wheat flour with cornstarch to make the recipe celiac-friendly and accommodate dietary restrictions.
  • Boost nutrition by adding extra vegetables like kale or zucchini, which blend seamlessly into the creamy soup base without changing the overall taste.
  • For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk to reduce calories while maintaining a rich, comforting texture.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 490
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 870 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 24 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
Daves Miller

Daves Miller

Contributing Chef & Culinary Educator

Expertise

  • American Southern cuisine with a modern twist.
  • Instruction in culinary fundamentals and advanced techniques.
  • Development of recipes that highlight seasonal and local produce.​
  • Mastery of artisanal bread and pastry techniques, from laminated doughs to decorative sugar artistry.

Education

Sullivan University, Louisville, Kentucky

  • Degree: Associate of Science Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Specialized in cooking techniques and culinary sciences, hands‑on externships, professional kitchen lab training, and career preparation for restaurants, entrepreneurship, and global culinary opportunities.

White Mountains Community College, Berlin, New Hampshire

  • Program: Baking and Pastry Arts degree
  • Focus: Specialized in comprehensive baking and pastry arts, including bread making, artisan breads, cake decorating and design, chocolates, confections, and decorative centerpieces; product development and baking theory; and career preparation for baker and pastry chef roles in many places.

Daves is the friendly face guiding you through flavorful, fuss-free recipes at Picture Perfect Meals. 

He studied culinary arts at Sullivan University and embraced Baking and Pastry Arts at White Mountains Community College. Daves specializes in comforting meals with vibrant flavors, highlighting fresh, seasonal ingredients.

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