There’s a certain magic to a pot of soup simmering on the stove—it brings warmth, fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas, and sets the scene for cozy, relaxed meals with loved ones. Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup is one of those classics that combines velvety broth, pillowy gnocchi, juicy chicken, and tender vegetables into one unforgettable bowl. Whether you’re serving guests, feeding a busy family, or simply craving comfort, this recipe delivers the perfect blend of heartiness and taste. Embrace easy, homemade goodness and gather everyone around for a soup that feels like a hug from the inside out
Why You’ll Love Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup is the perfect blend of rich, savory flavors and pillowy gnocchi, creating a soup that’s both comforting and filling. Its silky broth, tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and soft potato gnocchi make every spoonful feel like a hug from home, whether you’re serving it on a cozy winter night or as a delicious weeknight dinner. Families love this recipe for its simplicity, quick preparation, and crowd-pleasing taste.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1 pound potato gnocchi
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté onions, carrots, and celery until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook for one minute until fragrant.
- Stir in chicken, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, then pour in chicken broth.
- Bring mixture to a boil; reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add potato gnocchi and cook until they float to the top, 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in heavy cream and spinach; cook until spinach wilts and soup is creamy.
- Taste for seasoning and adjust salt and pepper if needed.
- Ladle soup into bowls and serve hot.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Serve this soup piping hot in deep bowls, topped with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and cracked black pepper. Pair with crusty bread or homemade garlic rolls for a complete meal. It’s equally delightful as a starter or a main course, perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying solo after a long day. Try serving it with a fresh garden salad to balance out the creamy richness. For gatherings, keep the soup warm in a slow cooker and let guests help themselves whenever they crave comfort food.
Don’t miss our comforting “Loaded Baked Potato Soup” for another creamy classic for chilly days: Loaded Baked Potato Soup.
How to Store Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Allow leftovers to cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. Refrigerate up to 4 days for best texture and flavor. If the soup thickens, simply add a splash of chicken broth when reheating. For longer storage, freeze soup in small batches for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop. Always use fresh spinach when possible, as frozen spinach can affect texture after thawing. Avoid leaving soup at room temperature for extended periods to maintain quality and safety.
For more warming soup ideas, check out our “Creamy White Chicken Chili” that delivers hearty comfort on chilly nights: Creamy White Chicken Chili.
Tips to Make Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup
- Use rotisserie chicken for extra flavor and time savings.
- Cook gnocchi separately if you prefer firmer texture, then add to soup just before serving.
- Customize with diced bacon or pancetta for a smoky depth.
- Add a splash of lemon juice for subtle brightness that balances the creaminess.
- If allergen-friendly, swap regular cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
- Substitute fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for Italian seasoning to switch up the flavor profile.
- For richer taste, stir in a tablespoon of butter at the end.
Looking for inspiration? Try our “Gourmet Baked Mac and Cheese” for more irresistible comfort food classics: Gourmet Baked Mac and Cheese.
Variations of Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup
There are endless ways to make this recipe your own. Swap chicken for turkey or ham for a post-holiday twist. Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or evaporated milk for lighter versions. Stir in seasonal vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms. For vegetarian soup, omit chicken and use vegetable broth. Spice things up with a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of smoked paprika. Experiment with cheese—try Asiago or Gruyère for different layers of flavor. Add sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers for a pop of color and taste.
FAQs
Can I make Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free potato gnocchi and double-check all other ingredient labels for hidden gluten.
What’s the best way to shred chicken for soup?
Poach or roast chicken breasts, then use two forks to pull apart into bite-size pieces. Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut.
Can I use frozen spinach?
You can, but thaw and squeeze out excess liquid first to avoid watering down the soup.
Will the soup thicken after storing?
Yes, gnocchi absorbs liquid over time. Add extra broth or milk when reheating to return it to your desired consistency.
Final Thoughts
Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup brings together hearty flavors, effortless preparation, and loads of comfort for busy nights, special gatherings, and everything in between. With endless tweaks and pairing options, it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
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Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup features tender shredded chicken, pillowy potato gnocchi, carrots, celery, spinach, and a rich, velvety broth—perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or warming up on chilly days. A homemade classic that’s always comforting and naturally gluten-free with the right gnocchi.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1 pound potato gnocchi
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté onion, carrots, and celery until softened (about 5 minutes).
2. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Stir in chicken, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper; pour in chicken broth.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Add gnocchi and cook until they float, 3–4 minutes.
6. Stir in heavy cream and spinach; cook until spinach wilts and soup is creamy.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
8. Ladle into bowls and serve hot.
Notes
Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge up to 4 days.
If soup thickens, add extra broth or milk when reheating.
Freeze small batches for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the fridge.
Use rotisserie chicken for faster prep; cook gnocchi separately for firmer texture.
Add a splash of lemon juice for brightness, or stir in bacon for smoky flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 75mg