Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

There's nothing quite like a warm bowl of Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup to bring comfort on a chilly day. This rich and velvety soup is packed with tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a luscious broth infused with garlic, cream, and herbs. Whether you're making it for a cozy night in or serving it at a family gathering, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite.

I first discovered this soup at a little Italian bistro and was immediately hooked. The combination of soft gnocchi and a creamy, flavorful broth was pure magic. After some trial and error, I finally perfected a homemade version that's just as delicious—if not better—than the restaurant original.

Why You'll Love This Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Get ready to fall in love with a soup that’s both hearty and easy to make. This recipe takes less than an hour from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute cravings.

First off, this soup is incredibly creamy and indulgent, thanks to a rich blend of heavy cream, butter, and Parmesan cheese. Every spoonful is packed with comforting flavors that will warm you from the inside out.

It’s also packed with protein and vegetables. Juicy chicken, spinach, and carrots not only add depth to the flavor but also provide a wholesome balance to the richness of the broth.

If you love one-pot meals, this soup is for you! Everything comes together in a single pot, meaning less cleanup and more time to enjoy your meal.

Finally, this recipe is highly customizable. Whether you want to swap out the chicken for turkey, add extra veggies, or make it dairy-free, there are plenty of ways to tweak it to suit your preferences.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup comes from its simple yet well-balanced ingredients. Let’s take a closer look at some key components.

Chicken is the protein powerhouse of this dish. I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for tender, juicy bites in every spoonful. If you're short on time, rotisserie chicken works wonderfully as a shortcut.

Gnocchi is what sets this soup apart. These little potato dumplings add a wonderfully soft and chewy texture to the broth. You can find them in the pasta section of most grocery stores, and both shelf-stable and refrigerated versions work well.

The broth base combines chicken broth, heavy cream, and a touch of butter to create a luxurious and velvety texture. For a lighter version, you can swap in half-and-half or whole milk, though the soup will be slightly less rich.

Vegetables like carrots, celery, and spinach add both flavor and nutrition. The spinach wilts beautifully into the hot soup, while the carrots and celery provide a slight crunch that balances out the creaminess.

A blend of seasonings and aromatics—garlic, onion, thyme, and a pinch of nutmeg—enhances the depth of flavor. Don’t skip the nutmeg! It might sound unusual, but it brings a subtle warmth that makes the soup extra special.

How To Make This Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Making this soup at home is easier than you might think. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a steaming bowl of creamy goodness in no time.

Start by heating a large pot over medium heat and adding a bit of butter. Once melted, toss in the diced onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté them for about 5 minutes, or until they begin to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Next, add the diced chicken to the pot. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pieces are no longer pink. If you're using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken, simply toss it in at a later step.

Pour in the chicken broth and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This is the perfect time to season with thyme, salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg.

Now, stir in the gnocchi and let them cook for about 3-4 minutes. You'll know they’re done when they float to the surface—just like fresh pasta! At this point, reduce the heat to low and slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine.

Finally, add the fresh spinach and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the spinach wilts and the cheese melts into the broth. Let the soup sit for a couple of minutes before serving to allow all the flavors to come together.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers, this Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup stores beautifully in the fridge. Transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The gnocchi will absorb some of the liquid, so you may need to add a splash of broth or milk when reheating.

For longer storage, freeze the soup without the gnocchi for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw in the fridge overnight, reheat on the stovetop, and add fresh gnocchi just before serving.

To reheat, warm the soup over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If it’s too thick, simply add a bit of extra broth or cream to restore its original consistency.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is incredibly flexible, so feel free to customize it based on your preferences and dietary needs.

For a lighter version, swap out the heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk. You’ll still get a creamy texture, just with fewer calories.

Want a vegetarian option? Skip the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Adding mushrooms or chickpeas can provide extra texture and protein.

If you’re a fan of spice, try stirring in a dash of red pepper flakes or a bit of cayenne for some heat.

For a gluten-free version, double-check that your gnocchi is made from potato flour rather than wheat. Many brands offer gluten-free gnocchi options that taste just as good as the traditional kind.

However you make it, this Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Give it a try and let me know how it turns out!

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