Chicken Gnocchi Soup

This Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a cozy, creamy bowl of comfort that comes together in just 25 minutes. Packed with tender gnocchi, juicy shredded chicken, and fresh vegetables, it’s a rich and satisfying soup that tastes like it simmered all day. Perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a hearty, homemade meal in a hurry.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s so much to love about this creamy chicken gnocchi soup. First, it’s incredibly quick to make—less than 30 minutes from start to finish. Second, it’s loaded with real ingredients like carrots, spinach, and garlic, making it both comforting and nourishing. And third, the pillowy gnocchi adds a satisfying texture that turns this soup into a complete and filling meal. It’s a family-friendly favorite that’s perfect for weeknights or weekend comfort.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 cup onion, diced

• 1/2 cup celery, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

• 2 cups chicken broth

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1 cup milk

• 1 1/2 cups cooked shredded chicken

• 1 1/2 cups fresh spinach leaves, chopped

• 16-ounce package potato gnocchi

• 1 cup shredded carrots

• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon pepper

Directions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

2. Add diced onion and celery, cooking while stirring constantly for about 2 minutes.

3. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.

4. Sprinkle flour into the pot and whisk for 1 minute to form a roux.

5. Gradually whisk in chicken broth, heavy cream, and milk. Bring the mixture to a simmer while whisking continuously, until it thickens slightly—about 5 minutes.

6. Add cooked shredded chicken, chopped spinach, gnocchi, shredded carrots, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.

7. Simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the gnocchi and carrots are tender and cooked through.

8. Serve hot and enjoy.

Servings and timing

Yield: 6 servings
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Use rotisserie chicken: For extra convenience and flavor.

• Add more veggies: Mushrooms, peas, or zucchini make great additions.

• Make it lighter: Use half-and-half or all milk instead of cream.

• Gluten-free version: Use gluten-free flour and gnocchi.

• Herb switch: Swap thyme with rosemary, basil, or Italian seasoning for a different flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Not recommended, as the cream and gnocchi can change texture after thawing.
Reheating: Reheat on the stove over medium-low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or milk if it thickens too much.

FAQs

Can I use frozen gnocchi?

Yes, frozen gnocchi works just as well. Add it directly to the soup without thawing.

What type of chicken works best?

Shredded rotisserie chicken, grilled chicken breasts, or leftover roast chicken all work great.

How do I thicken the soup more?

Add a bit more flour in the beginning, or let it simmer uncovered a little longer to reduce and thicken.

Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?

Yes, it will result in a slightly lighter soup but still creamy and delicious.

Is this soup gluten-free?

As written, it is not. To make it gluten-free, use GF all-purpose flour and certified gluten-free gnocchi.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes. Omit the chicken and use vegetable broth. You can add white beans or tofu for protein.

What can I use instead of spinach?

Kale or chopped Swiss chard are great alternatives that hold up well in soups.

Does the gnocchi need to be pre-cooked?

No, the gnocchi cooks right in the soup and absorbs flavor from the broth.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, but for the best texture, consider adding the gnocchi right before serving to avoid it becoming too soft.

How do I add more flavor?

Try sautéing the vegetables in a little butter, or tossing in some grated parmesan at the end.

Conclusion

This Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a creamy, comforting dish that’s simple enough for a weeknight but flavorful enough to serve to guests. With tender gnocchi, fresh veggies, and hearty chicken, it’s a complete meal in a bowl. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this soup is guaranteed to warm you up and leave you satisfied.

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