This creamy chicken gnocchi soup recipe delivers restaurant-quality comfort food right to your kitchen. Rich, hearty, and packed with tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and fresh vegetables, this one-pot wonder will become your go-to recipe for cozy weeknight dinners and special occasions alike.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This creamy chicken gnocchi soup recipe combines the best of comfort food with practical weeknight cooking. The velvety broth perfectly balances cream and chicken broth, creating a luxurious base that coats each piece of gnocchi beautifully. Unlike heavy restaurant versions, this recipe achieves incredible richness without being overly dense, making it satisfying but not overwhelming.
The beauty of this soup lies in its versatility and convenience. You can use rotisserie chicken for quick preparation or leftover roasted chicken for zero waste cooking. The vegetables add nutritional value and gorgeous color, while the spinach wilts perfectly into the hot soup, providing a fresh contrast to the creamy base. Most importantly, everything comes together in one pot, minimizing cleanup while maximizing flavor development.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Main Soup
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
Additional Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 lb potato gnocchi
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
How to Make Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Build the Flavor Base Heat olive oil and butter in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Once the butter melts and begins to foam, add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
Step 2: Add the Vegetables Stir in the diced carrots and celery, cooking for 5-6 minutes until they begin to soften. The vegetables should retain some texture at this stage since they’ll continue cooking in the soup. Season with thyme, basil, salt, and pepper, stirring to distribute the herbs evenly.
Step 3: Create the Roux Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir continuously for 1-2 minutes. This creates a light roux that will thicken your soup and prevent any raw flour taste. The mixture should coat the vegetables evenly without any dry flour pockets.
Step 4: Add Liquids Gradually Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Once the broth is fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth, add the whole milk and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.
Step 5: Add Gnocchi and Chicken When the soup reaches a simmer, add the gnocchi and shredded chicken. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the gnocchi float to the surface and are heated through. The soup should be creamy and well-blended at this point.
Step 6: Finish with Greens and Cheese Remove the pot from heat and immediately stir in the baby spinach, allowing it to wilt in the hot soup. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and incorporated. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
Helpful Tips
Gnocchi Selection: Choose shelf-stable potato gnocchi for the best texture in soup. Fresh gnocchi can become too soft and break apart during cooking. If using frozen gnocchi, add them directly to the soup without thawing.
Preventing Curdling: Keep the heat at medium or medium-low when adding dairy ingredients. High heat can cause the cream and milk to curdle, resulting in an unappetizing texture. If your soup does curdle, try whisking in a tablespoon of cold cream.
Chicken Options: Rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time, but you can also use leftover roasted chicken, poached chicken breasts, or even chicken thighs for extra flavor. Avoid using raw chicken directly in the soup as it won’t cook evenly.
Vegetable Prep: Cut vegetables uniformly for even cooking. The carrots and celery should be diced small enough to fit comfortably on a spoon but large enough to provide texture and visual appeal.
Details
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6-8 servings
Difficulty: Easy
This creamy chicken gnocchi soup recipe serves 6-8 people generously and can easily be doubled for larger gatherings. The cooking process is straightforward, making it perfect for beginner cooks while still delivering sophisticated flavors that will impress experienced home chefs.
Notes
Make-Ahead Considerations: This soup is best served immediately after preparation. The gnocchi can become mushy if stored for extended periods. If you plan to make it ahead, consider preparing the soup base without the gnocchi and adding them when reheating.
Dairy Substitutions: For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream, though the soup will be less rich. Avoid using low-fat milk as it may curdle when heated.
Herb Variations: Fresh herbs can be substituted for dried at a 3:1 ratio. Add fresh thyme and basil during the last few minutes of cooking to preserve their bright flavors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh gnocchi instead of shelf-stable?
Fresh gnocchi can be used but may break apart more easily. Add them during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking and handle gently to maintain their shape.
How can I make this soup dairy-free?
Substitute the butter with additional olive oil, use coconut milk in place of heavy cream and whole milk, and omit the Parmesan cheese. Nutritional yeast can provide a similar umami flavor.
Can I freeze this soup?
This creamy chicken gnocchi soup recipe doesn’t freeze well due to the dairy content and gnocchi texture. The cream may separate when thawed, and the gnocchi can become mushy.
What can I serve with this soup?
Crusty bread, garlic breadsticks, or a simple green salad complement this rich soup perfectly. The soup is hearty enough to serve as a complete meal.
How do I prevent the soup from being too thick?
If your soup becomes too thick, gradually add warm chicken broth or milk until you reach your desired consistency. Remember that the soup will thicken slightly as it cools.
Storage Instructions
Store leftover creamy chicken gnocchi soup in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. When reheating, use low heat and stir gently to prevent the dairy from separating. You may need to add a splash of chicken broth or milk to restore the original consistency, as the soup will thicken when chilled.
For best results, reheat individual portions in the microwave at 50% power, stirring every 30 seconds until heated through. Alternatively, reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. Avoid boiling the soup during reheating as this can cause the dairy to curdle.
Conclusion
This creamy chicken gnocchi soup recipe delivers everything you want in a comfort food dish: rich flavors, satisfying textures, and the warmth that only a bowl of homemade soup can provide. The combination of tender vegetables, pillowy gnocchi, and succulent chicken in a velvety cream base creates a restaurant-quality meal that’s surprisingly simple to prepare at home.
Whether you’re looking for a cozy weeknight dinner, a soup to impress guests, or a comforting meal during cold weather, this creamy chicken gnocchi soup recipe fits the bill perfectly. The one-pot preparation keeps cleanup minimal while the ingredients come together to create something truly special. Once you try this recipe, it’s sure to become a regular rotation in your meal planning, bringing comfort and satisfaction to your dinner table time and time again.
