Hearty Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Cozy Comfort: The Heartiest Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Comfort flows through every spoonful of this creamy chicken gnocchi soup that promises warmth and satisfaction.

Winter nights call for soul-soothing meals packed with rich flavors and tender ingredients.

Soft potato dumplings dance alongside juicy chicken pieces in a velvety broth that whispers of home-cooked happiness.

Spinach adds a pop of vibrant green while cream creates luxurious depth to each delightful bite.

Herbs and seasonings blend seamlessly, transforming simple ingredients into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Delicious and straightforward, this soup delivers restaurant-quality comfort directly to your table.

You’ll want to savor every single spoonful of this magnificent meal.

Quick Recipe Overview

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 6

Chicken Gnocchi Soup: Ingredient List

For Base Flavor Builders:
  • Butter: Adds rich, creamy foundation and enhances overall taste profile with luxurious depth.
  • Olive Oil: Provides smooth cooking medium and subtle fruity undertone to complement other ingredients.
  • Onion: Delivers sweet, aromatic base that builds complex savory layers in the soup.
  • Celery: Introduces gentle herbal notes and crisp texture to enhance soup's overall complexity.
  • Garlic: Brings robust, pungent flavor that elevates the entire dish's taste experience.
For Protein and Substance:
  • Chicken: Offers lean, tender protein that makes the soup hearty and satisfying.
  • Potato Gnocchi: Creates pillowy, comforting texture and serves as delightful carbohydrate element.
  • Spinach: Adds vibrant green color, nutritional boost, and fresh leafy essence to the soup.
For Liquid and Seasoning Components:
  • Chicken Broth: Provides deep, savory liquid base that intensifies soup's overall flavor profile.
  • Half-and-Half: Creates luxurious, creamy consistency and adds rich, smooth mouthfeel.
  • Dried Thyme: Contributes earthy, slightly minty herb notes that complement chicken perfectly.
  • Dried Parsley: Introduces mild, fresh herbal undertone to brighten the soup's flavor.
  • Flour: Acts as thickening agent to create velvety, consistent texture.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance all other ingredients.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Optional garnish that adds salty, nutty finish to the soup.

Tools That Help Make Chicken Gnocchi Soup

  • Large Pot or Dutch Oven: Essential for cooking the entire soup and creating deep flavors.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring vegetables, creating roux, and mixing ingredients smoothly.
  • Cutting Board: Needed for chopping onions, celery, garlic, and spinach with precision.
  • Sharp Kitchen Knife: Critical for dicing vegetables and preparing ingredients quickly.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for accurately portioning broth, half-and-half, and seasonings.
  • Cheese Grater: Useful for grating fresh Parmesan cheese as a delicious garnish.

Cooking Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Cooking Chicken Gnocchi Soup
  • Kickstart the Flavor Base

Warm up a pot with a blend of butter and olive oil, then toss in diced onions and celery. Let them dance and soften, releasing their delicious aromas. Add a burst of minced garlic and let it sizzle for a moment.

  • Build a Silky Foundation

Dust the vegetables with a sprinkle of flour, stirring constantly to create a smooth, golden base that will make your soup rich and creamy.

  • Pour in the Liquid Magic

Slowly introduce chicken broth and half-and-half, whisking gently to create a velvety texture. Shake in some dried thyme and parsley to infuse the soup with herbal warmth.

  • Layer in the Protein and Color

Fold in shredded carrots and tender chicken pieces. Let everything simmer and mingle, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.

  • Introduce the Pillowy Gnocchi

Drop in soft potato gnocchi and let them bob and float until they’re perfectly tender and plump.

  • Finish with Fresh Greens

Swirl in fresh spinach leaves, watching them wilt and add a vibrant touch of green to your soup.

  • Final Flavor Flourish

Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding a pinch of salt and pepper. For an extra touch of indulgence, sprinkle some Parmesan cheese on top before serving.

Add-In Ideas for Gnocchi Soup

  • Quick Cooking Mastery: Master the art of making creamy chicken gnocchi soup with these insider tips.
  • Roux Perfection: Continuously stir flour mixture to prevent burning and ensure smooth, lump-free soup base.
  • Texture Trick: Choose fresh potato gnocchi over dried for a more tender, pillowy texture that melts in your mouth.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare soup base a day ahead and add gnocchi just before serving to maintain perfect consistency.
  • Diet-Friendly Swap: Replace half-and-half with light coconut milk for a dairy-free version that's equally creamy and delicious.

Serving Chicken Gnocchi Soup Hot

  • Cozy Comfort Meal Companions: Warm crusty bread or garlic toast perfectly soaks up the creamy soup, adding delightful texture and extra flavor to each spoonful.
  • Hearty Side Salad Pairing: Create a crisp green salad with mixed baby greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the soup's creamy base.
  • Protein Power Boost: Top the soup with additional crispy bacon bits, grilled chicken strips, or toasted pine nuts for extra protein and satisfying crunch.
  • Wine Harmony Suggestion: Complement the soup's creamy profile with a light, crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to enhance the overall dining experience.

Storing Chicken Gnocchi Soup for Later

  • Soup Storage Solutions: Keep Your Meal Fresh and Delicious
  • Refrigerator Rescue: Transfer leftover soup to airtight containers, sealing tightly to maintain flavor and prevent absorption of other food odors. Consume within 3-4 days for optimal taste and texture.
  • Freezer-Friendly Technique: Cool the soup completely before storing in freezer-safe containers, leaving about an inch of space at the top. Gnocchi-based soups can be frozen for up to 2 months, though the texture might slightly change upon reheating.
  • Smart Reheating Strategy: Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight. Warm gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth to restore creamy consistency. Avoid microwaving to prevent gnocchi from becoming tough or rubbery.
  • Meal Prep Magic: Prepare soup components separately – cook chicken, chop vegetables, and keep gnocchi uncooked. Assemble quickly during the week for a fresh, fast meal that tastes just-made and retains maximum flavor and nutrition.
Print
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Hearty Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Hearty Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe


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4.9 from 23 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 7 1x

Description

Perfect Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup delivers Italian comfort with rich, hearty flavors from Tuscan kitchens. Pillowy potato gnocchi and tender chicken swim in a luxurious cream broth that welcomes diners to savor each spoonful.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
  • 1 lb (454 g) potato gnocchi
  • 2 cups fresh spinach leaves, chopped
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 cups half-and-half
  • 2 tbsps unsalted butter
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp dried parsley
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Sauté Foundation: Melt butter and olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, creating a flavorful base by softening diced onions and celery for 5 minutes.
  2. Aromatic Layering: Introduce minced garlic and sprinkle flour, whisking continuously to develop a smooth roux without lumps.
  3. Liquid Symphony: Pour chicken broth and half-and-half into the pot, stirring consistently while adding dried thyme and parsley to infuse herbal notes.
  4. Protein and Vegetable Integration: Incorporate shredded carrots, precooked chicken, and potato gnocchi, allowing ingredients to meld and simmer until gnocchi float to the surface.
  5. Final Touches: Gently fold fresh spinach into the creamy mixture, letting it wilt naturally. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting to taste.
  6. Serving Elegance: Ladle the vibrant soup into bowls and optionally garnish with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of richness.

Notes

  • Prevent Lumpy Sauce: Whisk flour continuously and add liquids slowly to ensure a smooth, velvety texture without unwanted flour clumps.
  • Gnocchi Cooking Timing: Add gnocchi near the end of cooking to prevent overcooking and maintain their delicate, soft texture.
  • Vegetable Softening Technique: Sauté onions and celery until translucent to release maximum flavor and create a robust base for the soup.
  • Dietary Adaptations: Substitute half-and-half with dairy-free alternatives like coconut cream for lactose-intolerant diets, and use gluten-free flour for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 7
  • Calories: 325
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 420 mg
  • Fat: 16 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 32 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 16 g
  • Cholesterol: 60 mg
Jenna Hartley

Jenna Hartley

Founder & Recipe Creator

Expertise

  • Recipe development with a focus on single-dish meals.
  • Fusion of traditional and modern Australian cuisines.
  • Food styling and photography for digital platforms.​

Education

Box Hill Institute, Melbourne

  • Degree: Advanced Diploma of Hospitality Management
  • Focus: Specialized in practical food and beverage service, responsible alcohol and hygiene compliance, legal risk management, and hands‑on experience in a simulated restaurant environment.

William Angliss Institute, Melbourne

  • Program: Certificate IV in Patisserie
  • Focus: Specialized in pastry and bakery techniques, cookery and specialty food preparation, recipe planning and costing, commercial kitchen operations, sustainable and inclusive work practices, food safety and hygiene compliance, and workplace health and safety.

Jenna is the heart of Picture Perfect Meals, turning simple ingredients into beautiful, easy‑to‑make dishes. 

Growing up around family meals in Melbourne, she trained at Box Hill Institute and then perfected her pastry skills at William Angliss Institute. She loves mixing classic Australian flavors with fresh ideas to keep cooking fun and stress‑free.

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