Name: Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 small onion, diced; 2 medium carrots, diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 4 cups chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup whole milk; 16 oz potato gnocchi; 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped; 1 tsp dried thyme; 1 tsp dried basil; ½ tsp salt; ½ tsp ground black pepper; ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (optional, for thicker soup)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Craving something warm and soul-satisfying? Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup checks all the boxes: it’s luxuriously creamy, loaded with pillowy gnocchi, tender chicken, and a medley of vegetables all dancing together in a comforting embrace. This one-pot wonder comes together in less than an hour and brings restaurant-quality flavor right to your kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy family night or just want to indulge in a bowl of pure comfort, this soup never disappoints!

Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients that create a symphony of flavors and textures. Each plays a starring role, bringing depth, color, and heartiness to every spoonful.

Chicken Breast: Cut into bite-sized pieces for fast cooking and ultimate tenderness in every bite.
Olive Oil: The elixir for sautéing, adding subtle flavor and a healthy fat to start the base.
Onion: Diced for sweetness and aromatic brilliance that builds the soup’s savory foundation.
Carrots: These bring gentle sweetness and beautiful color to the pot.
Celery: Diced for crunch and that classic earthy note found in all the best soups.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic elevates everything with its irresistible aroma.
Chicken Broth: The flavorful backbone of your soup, rich and nourishing.
Heavy Cream: Adds a dreamy velvety texture that gives the soup its signature creaminess.
Whole Milk: Ensures the soup is perfectly creamy without becoming too rich.
Potato Gnocchi: These tender little dumplings make the soup hearty and oh-so-satisfying—no pasta required!
Fresh Spinach: Chopped spinach wilts into the soup, bringing color and a burst of freshness.
Dried Thyme: Infuses every bite with classic herby warmth.
Dried Basil: Rounds out the herbal notes, adding a gentle sweetness.
Salt: Essential for enhancing all those savory, rich flavors.
Ground Black Pepper: For a subtle, comforting heat that complements the creaminess.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nutty, salty finish that marries perfectly with the creamy broth.
Cornstarch Slurry (optional): A simple mix with water to thicken the soup if you love a heartier texture.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Veggies

Start by heating olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Toss in the onions, carrots, and celery, letting them sauté for 5 to 6 minutes. You’ll want to stir often as the vegetables soften, releasing their natural sweetness and laying down the familiar flavors that make every bowl of Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup utterly irresistible.

Step 2: Cook the Garlic and Chicken

Add the minced garlic, stirring for about a minute—you’ll know it’s ready when your kitchen is filled with that incredible garlicky aroma. Push the veggies to one side of the pot, then add the diced chicken pieces. Cook the chicken just until it’s lightly browned and sealed on the outside. This technique ensures juicy, flavorful bites in your finished soup.

Step 3: Add Herbs and Broth

Sprinkle in the thyme, basil, salt, and pepper, tossing everything together to coat the chicken and vegetables in those cozy herbs. Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. This is where the flavors start to meld, so let it cook for 10 to 12 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.

Step 4: Cook the Gnocchi

Increase the heat just a touch and add in the potato gnocchi, stirring well to prevent sticking. As the gnocchi cooks for 3 to 4 minutes, you’ll notice it floating to the top—a surefire sign it’s perfectly tender and ready for the next step in your Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup adventure!

Step 5: Make It Creamy

Reduce the heat and stir in the heavy cream, whole milk, chopped spinach, and Parmesan cheese. As the spinach wilts and the cheese melts, the soup transforms into a luscious, creamy masterpiece. If you like a thicker soup, just whisk in the optional cornstarch slurry and simmer for another couple of minutes until it’s as hearty as you like.

Step 6: Season and Serve

Give the soup a final taste and adjust the seasonings if needed. Ladle it into bowls while it’s piping hot and steaming, ready to comfort and delight!

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Garnishes

A simple sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese and a few cracks of black pepper on top are all you need for an elegant finish. If you have fresh herbs on hand, a little chopped parsley or basil adds a burst of bright color and freshness that brings out the best in every spoonful.

Side Dishes

Crusty bread is hands-down the most classic companion—perfect for dipping and soaking up that creamy broth. You could also serve it with a light green salad for a balanced meal, or go all-out with homemade breadsticks for the ultimate comfort experience.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup in a hollowed-out bread bowl, turning dinner into a showstopper. Or, ladle it into small mugs for cozy gatherings and parties; it’s a crowd-pleaser in appetizer-sized portions, too.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow any leftover Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen overnight, so don’t be surprised if your next bowl tastes even better!

Freezing

While this soup’s creaminess is unbeatable fresh, you can freeze it in individual portions. Keep in mind that the texture of the cream and gnocchi may change slightly upon thawing, but if you don’t mind a bit of separation, it’s still wonderfully satisfying after a quick re-stir.

Reheating

When you’re ready to reheat, gently warm the soup on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often to keep the cream from separating. If it’s too thick, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it up until it reaches your perfect consistency.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie or leftover cooked chicken?

Absolutely! Rotisserie or leftover chicken is a fantastic shortcut. Just shred or dice it and stir it in after the gnocchi is cooked, giving it a few minutes to warm through without overcooking.

Is it okay to use frozen gnocchi?

Yes, frozen gnocchi works beautifully—no need to thaw. Add it straight to the simmering soup, watching for them to float for doneness. Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup is all about flexibility and ease!

Can I make it dairy-free?

You sure can! Swap the heavy cream and milk for your preferred dairy-free alternatives (like coconut or oat cream), and use nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan for a tasty finish.

What proteins can I use instead of chicken?

This soup is scrumptious with turkey, Italian sausage, or even a vegetarian protein like white beans or tofu. Just adjust the cooking time as needed based on your choice.

How do I thicken the soup without cornstarch?

Letting the soup simmer uncovered for a few minutes helps it reduce and naturally thicken. You can also mash a few cooked gnocchi into the broth or add a tablespoon of flour during the sautéing step for a similar effect.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to dive into pure comfort, gather these simple ingredients and let Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup work its magic in your kitchen. Warm, rich, and brimming with flavor, it’s a recipe you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again. Give it a try and watch it become a new favorite in your home!

Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 19 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the rich and comforting flavors of this Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup. Loaded with tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a creamy broth, this soup is a satisfying meal perfect for any night of the week.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Soup:

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, diced
2 medium carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup whole milk
16 oz potato gnocchi
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried basil
½ tsp salt
½ tsp ground black pepper
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (optional, for thicker soup)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prepare the Soup Base: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté onion, carrots, and celery until softened. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
Cook the Chicken: Brown chicken pieces in the pot. Season with thyme, basil, salt, and pepper.
Add Broth and Gnocchi: Pour in chicken broth and simmer. Add gnocchi and cook until they float.
Finish the Soup: Stir in heavy cream, milk, spinach, and Parmesan. Add cornstarch slurry for a thicker consistency if desired. Adjust seasoning.