Easy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe: A Cozy Comfort Classic

Indulgent chicken gnocchi soup redefines ordinary ingredients into a luxurious culinary experience that transcends typical comfort food expectations.

Soft, pillowy potato dumplings float gracefully through a silky, herb-infused broth brimming with tender chicken pieces.

Hearty vegetables provide subtle crunch and depth, creating a harmonious symphony of textures and flavors.

This soul-warming dish bridges rustic home cooking with elegant gastronomy, offering a complex yet approachable meal.

Packed with nutrients and rich sensations, the soup promises a delightful journey for your taste buds.

Why Chicken Gnocchi Soup Feels So Creamy and Cozy

• Comforting Winter Warmer: This hearty soup wraps you in a cozy blanket of creamy, rich flavors perfect for chilly evenings, delivering warmth and satisfaction in every spoonful.
• Protein-Packed Meal Solution: Loaded with shredded chicken and gnocchi, this soup provides a substantial 20g of protein, making it an excellent choice for a filling and nutritious dinner that keeps you energized.
• Quick and Easy Weeknight Culinary Magic: Ready in just 30 minutes, this one-pot wonder simplifies meal preparation, allowing busy home cooks to create a restaurant-quality soup with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness.
• Balanced Nutrition in a Bowl: Combining vegetables like spinach, carrots, and celery with lean protein and creamy textures, this soup offers a well-rounded meal that satisfies taste buds while supporting your health goals.

The Must-Have Ingredients for Chicken Gnocchi Soup

• Shredded Chicken: Protein-rich base that adds heartiness and flavor to the soup.
• Chicken Broth: Essential liquid foundation that provides deep, savory chicken flavor.
• Gnocchi: Store-bought or homemade potato dumplings that create a comforting, soft texture in the soup.
• Celery, Carrots: Fresh vegetables that provide crunch, nutrition, and aromatic base for the soup.
• Spinach: Frozen spinach that adds vibrant green color and nutrient boost.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that enhances overall flavor profile.

• Butter: Adds rich, smooth flavor and helps create a creamy base.
• Milk: Contributes to the soups creamy consistency.
• Heavy Cream: Provides luxurious, velvety texture and extra richness.

• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that balance and enhance overall taste.
• Onion Powder: Adds depth of flavor without chopping fresh onions.
• Italian Seasoning: Herb blend that provides classic Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Flour: Thickening agent that helps create a smooth, creamy soup consistency.
• Olive Oil: Helps prevent butter from burning and adds subtle flavor.

How to Cook a Hearty Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Step 1: Prepare the Base

Grab a large pot and melt butter with olive oil over medium heat. The combination creates a rich, flavorful foundation for your soup.

Step 2: Soften the Aromatics

Toss in chopped celery and cook until it becomes tender. Add minced garlic and let it sizzle for 2 minutes, releasing its delightful aroma.

Step 3: Build Flavor Layers

• Carrots
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Onion powder
• Italian seasoning

Dust the mixture with flour to help thicken the soup.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Liquid

• Chicken broth
• Milk
• Heavy cream

Stir everything together until smooth and well combined.

Step 5: Add Protein and Greens

Stir in frozen spinach and shredded chicken. Let the mixture come to a gentle boil, allowing flavors to meld together.

Step 6: Cook the Gnocchi

Add soft potato gnocchi and boil for 4-5 minutes until they’re perfectly tender and floating.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the hot, creamy soup into bowls and serve immediately. Grab a spoon and savor every comforting bite!

Tips for Rich Broth and Tender Gnocchi

• Sauté Vegetables Perfectly: Cook celery and carrots until just tender to maintain a slight crunch and prevent mushiness.
• Thicken Wisely: Slowly add flour while stirring to create a smooth base without lumps, ensuring a creamy soup texture.
• Select Quality Gnocchi: Choose fresh or vacuum-sealed gnocchi for the best flavor and texture, avoiding dry or stale packages.
• Control Liquid Consistency: Adjust chicken broth and cream ratio to achieve your desired soup thickness, adding more liquid if too dense.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Roast chicken beforehand or use leftover roasted chicken to add a rich, deeper taste to the soup.

Store and Reheat Chicken Gnocchi Soup Without Losing Texture

• Refrigerate leftover chicken gnocchi soup in an airtight container within two hours of cooking. Store the soup in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping it sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent bacteria growth.
• Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Add a splash of chicken broth or milk to restore the original creamy consistency if the soup has thickened during storage. Microwave is another quick option – heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming.
• Avoid freezing this soup, as the cream and gnocchi can separate and become grainy when thawed. The delicate texture of gnocchi tends to break down and become mushy after freezing, which compromises the soup's quality and taste. Enjoy the soup fresh for the best culinary experience.

What to Serve with a Bowl of Chicken Gnocchi Soup

• Elevate with Crisp Chardonnay: The buttery, creamy soup pairs wonderfully with a chilled Chardonnay that complements its rich texture and balances the hearty chicken flavors.
• Serve with Crusty Sourdough: A warm, artisan sourdough bread provides the perfect crunchy contrast to the soft gnocchi and helps soak up the delicious creamy broth.
• Match with Fresh Arugula Salad: A light, peppery arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the soup's richness and adds a refreshing green element to the meal.
• Complement with Pinot Grigio: This crisp white wine offers a bright, acidic note that enhances the soup's creamy profile and cleanses the palate between spoonfuls.

Comforting Variations of Chicken Gnocchi Soup

• Tuscan Inspired: Replace spinach with sundried tomatoes and fresh basil, adding a rich Mediterranean flavor profile that transforms the classic soup.
• Spicy Southwest: Incorporate diced green chiles, jalapeños, and swap Italian seasoning for cumin and chili powder to create a zesty, warming version with southwestern flair.
• Creamy Mushroom Blend: Sauté mixed wild mushrooms like shiitake and cremini before adding to the soup, enhancing earthy undertones and introducing additional protein depth.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Substitute chicken with roasted white beans or plant-based chicken substitute, using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth while maintaining the soup's creamy texture and comforting essence.

Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

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4.9 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

The beloved Chicken Gnocchi Soup brings comfort straight from Italian kitchens to your table. Creamy potato dumplings and tender chicken swim in a rich, herb-infused broth that wraps you in warmth and satisfaction.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (from 2 legs and 2 thighs, cooked)
• 16 ounces (454 grams) gnocchi

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 cup (150 grams) chopped celery (approximately 2–3 stalks)
• 1 cup (100 grams) shredded carrots
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) minced garlic
• 8 ounces (226 grams) chopped frozen spinach

Liquids and Seasonings:

• 3 cups (720 milliliters) chicken broth
• 3 cups (720 milliliters) milk
• 1½ cups (360 milliliters) heavy cream
• 4 tablespoons (60 grams) butter
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
• ¼ cup (30 grams) flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 teaspoons onion powder
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

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Instructions

1. Heat butter and olive oil in a large pot over medium temperature, creating a flavorful cooking base.
2. Introduce diced celery and sauté until vegetables become translucent and tender, approximately 3-4 minutes.
3. Mince fresh garlic and incorporate into the pot, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and releasing its aromatic essence.
4. Add julienned carrots, salt, black pepper, onion powder, and Italian seasoning, stirring to distribute spices evenly.
5. Sprinkle all-purpose flour over the vegetable mixture, stirring continuously to create a smooth roux and prevent lumps.
6. Gradually pour chicken broth, whole milk, and heavy cream into the pot, whisking consistently to blend ingredients.
7. Introduce frozen chopped spinach and shredded cooked chicken, allowing the mixture to reach a gentle boil.
8. Add 1 package (or 450 grams) store-bought gnocchi and simmer for 3-4 minutes until pasta is tender and heated through.
9. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then ladle the soup into warm bowls and serve immediately.

Notes

• Swap frozen spinach for fresh leaves to boost vibrant color and nutrition.
• Choose store-bought or homemade gnocchi depending on time and preference.
• Customize spice levels by adjusting Italian seasoning and black pepper amounts.
• Refrigerate leftovers in airtight container for up to 3 days, reheating gently to prevent gnocchi from becoming mushy.
• For a lighter version, replace heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk.
• Enhance protein content by adding extra shredded rotisserie chicken or white beans.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 420 kcal
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 860mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 80mg