Velvety Chicken Gnocchi Recipe

Velvety Chicken Gnocchi Delight Recipe: Cozy Comfort in a Bowl

Warm, comforting aromas fill the kitchen when you start this creamy chicken gnocchi delight recipe that promises pure culinary magic.

Soft pillowy gnocchi nestled with tender chicken create a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Every spoonful tells a story of rich, velvety goodness that speaks directly to your soul.

The blend of herbs and seasonings transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

Hearty and satisfying, this dish delivers comfort in every single bite.

Weeknight dinners just became something to genuinely look forward to with this incredible recipe that brings restaurant-quality taste straight to your table.

Equipment You’ll Want for Gnocchi Chicken

  • Soup Pot: Medium-sized pot for creating the flavorful soup base.
  • Sauté Pan: Essential for cooking vegetables with butter and olive oil.
  • Immersion Blender: Perfect for smoothly pureeing the potato soup mixture.
  • Slotted Spoon: Helps remove gnocchi from boiling water cleanly.
  • Saucepan: Used for boiling gnocchi in salted water.
  • Cutting Board: Needed for chopping vegetables and preparing ingredients.
  • Chef's Knife: Sharp knife for precise vegetable and ingredient preparation.
  • Wooden Spoon: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients smoothly.
  • Measuring Cups: Ensures accurate ingredient measurements.

How to Simmer Up Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Fast

  • Soup Foundation

Create a flavorful base by simmering vegetables and chicken stock in a pot. Let the ingredients mingle and soften, releasing their rich flavors into the liquid.

  • Vegetable Harmony

Gently warm butter and oil in a pan, then introduce chopped vegetables and herbs. Allow them to dance together, creating a fragrant and colorful medley that will elevate the entire dish.

  • Gnocchi Magic

Boil the pillowy potato dumplings in salted water until they float to the surface, signaling their perfect tenderness. Carefully lift them out, preserving their delicate texture.

  • Smooth Transformation

Transform the potato-based liquid into a silky smooth canvas by blending until no chunks remain. This step creates the luxurious foundation for your creamy dish.

  • Final Symphony

Bring all elements together in a gentle simmer. Fold in cream, cooked chicken, and a whisper of nutmeg. Add fresh spinach for a burst of color and nutrition. Let the ingredients meld into a comforting, soul-warming meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Ways to Add Extra Flavor to Your Gnocchi

  • Swap store-bought gnocchi with homemade potato dumplings for a more authentic, rustic feel and control over texture and flavor.
  • Replace chicken with rotisserie chicken, turkey, or white fish for a quick protein swap that keeps the dish exciting and versatile.
  • Transform this recipe into a vegetarian delight by substituting chicken stock with vegetable broth and adding extra vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers for robust flavor.
  • Experiment with herbs and spices like smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, or fresh basil to elevate the dish's complexity and create a personalized taste profile.
  • Prepare the soup base and sautéed vegetables a day in advance, storing them separately in the refrigerator to save time and enhance flavors through overnight marination.

Serving Up Creamy Chicken Gnocchi with Ease

  • Elevate with Fresh Garnish: Sprinkle the remaining chopped spinach on top for a vibrant pop of color and added nutrition.
  • Pair with Crusty Bread: Serve alongside warm, toasted artisan bread to soak up the rich, creamy broth and complement the dish's hearty flavors.
  • Create a Complete Meal: Add a simple side salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the creamy chicken gnocchi and provide a refreshing contrast.
  • Wine Companion Suggestion: Match this dish with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the creamy texture and enhance the overall dining experience.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 480 kcal

Servings: 7

Creamy Chicken Gnocchi: Ingredient Breakdown

For Soup Base Ingredients:
  • Chicken Stock: Provides a rich, savory foundation for the soup, enhancing overall depth of flavor.
  • Potatoes: Adds creamy texture and helps thicken the soup naturally.
  • Leeks: Brings a mild, sweet onion-like flavor with delicate undertones.
  • Celery: Contributes a subtle, fresh crunch and aromatic base note.
  • Carrots: Introduces natural sweetness and vibrant color to the dish.
  • Bay Leaf: Infuses a subtle herbal essence and depth to the soup base.
For Sautéing and Flavoring Ingredients:
  • Butter: Creates a rich, golden base for sautéing with luxurious mouthfeel.
  • Olive Oil: Adds a smooth, fruity undertone and helps prevent butter from burning.
  • Garlic: Delivers an intense, aromatic punch of flavor.
  • Thyme: Introduces a earthy, slightly minty herb profile.
  • Salt and Pepper: Balances and elevates the overall taste of the dish.
For Finishing and Protein Ingredients:
  • Gnocchi: Soft, pillowy potato dumplings that add hearty substance.
  • Half and Half Cream: Creates a silky, luxurious texture and rich mouthfeel.
  • Cooked Chicken: Provides lean protein and additional substance to the soup.
  • Nutmeg: Adds a warm, subtle spice that complements the creamy base.
  • Spinach: Brings a fresh, green element with nutritious benefits.

Gnocchi Storage Tips That Actually Work

  • Batch Prepare Ahead: Cook chicken and chop vegetables in advance to reduce weeknight meal preparation time. Store prepped ingredients in sealed containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Refrigerate Smartly: Transfer leftover soup into airtight containers, ensuring it cools completely before sealing. Consume within 3-4 days for optimal taste and food safety.
  • Freeze with Care: This creamy gnocchi dish freezes beautifully for future meals. Pack in freezer-safe containers, leaving slight space for expansion. Frozen meals remain delicious for up to 2 months.
  • Reheat Gently: Thaw refrigerated or frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight. Warm slowly over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent separation. Add a splash of chicken stock if the sauce seems thick during reheating.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Velvety Chicken Gnocchi Recipe

Velvety Chicken Gnocchi Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 19 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 7 1x

Description

Home cooks adore this creamy chicken gnocchi delight recipe that blends Italian pasta traditions with rich, comforting flavors. Succulent chicken and pillowy gnocchi swim in a luxurious sauce, promising a memorable meal for hungry families.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (454 g) cooked diced chicken meat
  • 1 pound (454 g) fresh gnocchi
  • 1 pound (454 g) yellow potatoes, peeled and diced into half-inch pieces
  • 1 cup (237 ml) leeks, whites only, cleaned of sand and diced small
  • 1 cup (237 ml) chopped fresh baby spinach, measured after chopping
  • 6 cups (1.4 L) chicken stock or broth
  • 2 cups (474 ml) half and half cream
  • ¾ cup (177 ml) fresh carrots, peeled, shredded on large holes of a box grater
  • ½ cup (118 ml) diced celery
  • 2 tbsps butter
  • 2 tbsps extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tsps fresh garlic, minced fine
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 tsp dry thyme
  • 1 tsp sea salt
  • ½ tsp white pepper
  • Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg

Instructions

  1. Soup Base Preparation: Combine chicken stock, potatoes, half the leeks, half the celery, carrots, and bay leaf in a large pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes until potatoes become tender.
  2. Vegetable Sautéing: Heat butter and olive oil in a sauté pan. Add remaining leeks, celery, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Sauté for 3 minutes, then incorporate remaining carrots and remove from heat.
  3. Gnocchi Cooking: Boil salted water and cook gnocchi for exactly 3 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon, reserving cooking liquid.
  4. Soup Transformation: Discard bay leaf and purée the potato mixture using an immersion blender until smooth and creamy.
  5. Final Assembly: Merge sautéed vegetables into the puréed base. Introduce gnocchi, half and half cream, cooked chicken, and a hint of nutmeg. Simmer on medium heat until gnocchi reach optimal tenderness.
  6. Finishing Touch: Gently fold in half the spinach, allowing it to wilt. Garnish with remaining fresh spinach before serving this luxurious soup.

Notes

  • Potato Precision: Choose starchy potatoes like Russet for the smoothest, most velvety soup base texture.
  • Gnocchi Timing: Cook gnocchi exactly 3 minutes to prevent becoming mushy or too firm; reserve cooking water for potential liquid adjustment.
  • Cream Caution: Add half-and-half at low heat to prevent curdling and maintain silky soup consistency.
  • Flavor Layering: Sauté vegetables before adding to soup base to enhance depth and complexity of overall dish’s taste profile.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 7
  • Calories: 480
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg
Michael Rivera

Michael Rivera

Co-Founder & Culinary Instructor

Expertise

  • Classic French Cuisine
  • Artisanal Bread Baking
  • Plant-Based Culinary Innovation
  • Recipe & Menu Development
  • Interactive Online Instruction

Education

The French Culinary Institute (now part of the International Culinary Center)

  • Program: Classic Culinary Arts
  • Focus: An intensive curriculum rooted in classical French techniques, artisanal bread production, and contemporary culinary methods.

Michael Rivera is a seasoned chef and culinary instructor based in San Francisco, CA. Trained in Classic Culinary Arts at The French Culinary Institute, he refined his skills in Michelin-starred kitchens, mastering classic French techniques and artisanal bread baking. 

Passionate about making gourmet methods accessible, Michael co-founded thatsmyhome.com to share his expertise through interactive online lessons and innovative, plant-based recipes. He loves blending traditional techniques with modern ideas, encouraging home cooks to enjoy the art of cooking in a relaxed, fun environment.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star