Imagine diving into a bowl of pure comfort—pillowy potato gnocchi, tender shredded chicken, and a medley of veggies all basking in a luscious, creamy broth. That’s the heart and soul of Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup. Whether you’re warming up on a blustery evening or seeking a soul-nourishing dinner that tastes like a big, cozy hug, this beloved classic never disappoints. It’s a one-pot miracle, simple enough for weeknights, yet rich and satisfying enough to serve to friends and family.

Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t need any fancy or hard-to-find ingredients to make this delicious soup; it’s all about simplicity meeting indulgence. Each key player brings something wonderful to the pot—richness, comfort, color, and just the right touch of freshness.

Olive oil: For sautéing and building a flavorful base—choose a good quality one for the best results.
Unsalted butter: Adds a little decadent richness that melts into every spoonful and helps the vegetables soften and shine.
Yellow onion: This forms the aromatic foundation and sweetens as it cooks, supporting the soup’s savory notes.
Garlic: A must for depth and a gentle bite, it brings the whole pot to life.
Carrots: Bright color and subtle sweetness—plus, they’re packed with nutrients.
Celery: Adds a fresh, herbal crispness that keeps the soup from feeling too heavy.
Dried thyme: Earthy, aromatic flavor that ties all the ingredients together.
Black pepper: For a touch of gentle heat and complexity; freshly ground is best.
Salt: Enhances everything else—be sure to taste and adjust as you go.
All-purpose flour: Just enough to gently thicken the broth and create that signature, creamy texture.
Chicken broth: The backbone of the soup, layering extra chicken-y goodness into every bite.
Half-and-half or heavy cream: For creaminess; use heavy cream if you want it extra rich!
Cooked shredded chicken: Rotisserie or home-cooked both work beautifully, saving tons of time.
Potato gnocchi: These bite-sized dumplings soak up flavor and add irresistible pillowy texture that makes the soup special.
Fresh spinach: A handful at the end gives color, freshness, and even more nutrition.
Grated Parmesan cheese (optional): For a nutty, salty finish—optional but highly recommended.
Chopped parsley (optional): A final sprinkle that brightens up the bowl and adds fresh flavor.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Veggies

Start with a large pot or Dutch oven—this is your canvas! Heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat, then toss in the onion, carrots, and celery. Let them sauté for five to seven minutes. You’re looking for softened vegetables and a gorgeous aroma filling your kitchen. This step is crucial, as it builds the flavor that carries through every spoonful of Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup.

Step 2: Build Flavor with Seasonings

Next, stir in the minced garlic, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Cook for just one minute, letting the aromatics bloom and become fragrant. Don’t rush this—garlic burns quickly, but you want it to release all its goodness into the oil and veggies.

Step 3: Thicken the Base

Sprinkle the flour over the veggies and stir until everything is well coated. This helps thicken your broth later, so make sure to cook it off for a minute to get rid of any raw flour taste. You’ll see the vegetables take on a slightly pasty texture—that’s exactly what you want.

Step 4: Add Broth and Simmer

Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, scraping up any bits at the bottom of the pot. Bring it to a gentle boil, letting the soup thicken and come together. This is where all the flavors start mingling, infusing the broth with richness and depth.

Step 5: Make It Creamy

Reduce the heat a touch and stir in the half-and-half or heavy cream. The soup instantly becomes silky and luxurious—this step is what sets Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup apart from your everyday chicken soup!

Step 6: Add Chicken and Gnocchi

Stir in the shredded chicken and potato gnocchi. Simmer the soup gently for another five to seven minutes. The gnocchi are ready when they float to the top, becoming tender and pillowy while soaking up all that lovely flavor.

Step 7: Finish with Greens and Cheese

Just before serving, toss in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted—about one or two minutes. Take the soup off the heat and stir in Parmesan cheese for a little extra depth and umami. If you like, scatter some parsley on top for color. Serve immediately and savor every creamy spoonful!

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Garnishes

A finishing sprinkle of chopped parsley or a generous shower of grated Parmesan cheese elevates the presentation and flavor of Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup. If you’re feeling adventurous, a pinch of cracked black pepper or a drizzle of good olive oil adds another layer of flair.

Side Dishes

Pair your soup with a crusty baguette or warm, buttered rolls to soak up every last drop—there’s truly nothing like it. For a lighter accent, a simple mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette beautifully cuts through the richness of the soup.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup in big mugs for a cozy lunch, or ladle it into shallow bowls and top each with a Parmesan crisp for a restaurant-style touch. For gatherings, set out toppings like croutons, extra cheese, and fresh herbs so everyone can customize their bowl.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any remaining soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup keeps well for up to three days, and the flavors deepen even more over time. If the soup thickens as it chills, just add a splash of broth or milk when reheating.

Freezing

Cream-based soups can be a little tricky to freeze, as the texture might change when thawed. For best results, hold off on adding the fresh spinach and cream if you plan to freeze your Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup; add them after you reheat. Freeze in individual portions for easy weekday lunches.

Reheating

Gently reheat your soup on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent the cream from separating. A little extra broth or cream can help restore the original luscious texture. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works in short bursts, stirring in between.

FAQs

Can I use homemade gnocchi instead of store-bought?

Absolutely! Homemade gnocchi brings a special touch to Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup, making it even more pillowy and delightful. Just be sure to boil them first and add at the end so they stay tender.

What’s the best way to make this soup lighter?

You can easily swap out the heavy cream for half-and-half or even whole milk for a lighter take. The soup will be less rich, but still wonderfully satisfying. Don’t forget to add a little extra broth if the soup thickens up!

How can I make Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup gluten-free?

Just use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour and look for gluten-free potato gnocchi (which are now widely available). With these switches, everyone can enjoy this comfort food favorite.

Does this soup work with rotisserie chicken?

Definitely! Using rotisserie chicken is a brilliant shortcut, lending delicious flavor while saving lots of time. Just shred it and stir it in—perfect for busy weeknights!

Can I add other vegetables?

Of course! Mushrooms, peas, or even corn can be tossed in with the veggie base for extra color and variety. Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup is the perfect canvas for seasonal produce swaps.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving pure comfort in a bowl, there’s simply nothing more satisfying than Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a special family gathering, this recipe brings everyone happily back for seconds. Go ahead—make a big pot and watch it disappear!

Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

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4.8 from 5 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in a comforting bowl of creamy chicken gnocchi soup, a hearty and satisfying dish perfect for any day of the week. This soup combines tender shreds of chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and nutritious spinach in a creamy broth that’s sure to warm you up.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Soup:

1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 medium yellow onion (diced)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
2 medium carrots (peeled and diced)
2 celery stalks (diced)
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup half-and-half or heavy cream
2 cups cooked shredded chicken
1 package (16 oz) potato gnocchi
2 cups fresh spinach
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Garnish:

Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil and butter. Sauté onion, carrots, and celery until softened.
Add Flavors: Stir in garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook briefly.
Thicken: Sprinkle in flour and coat vegetables. Slowly whisk in chicken broth.
Simmer: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat. Stir in half-and-half, chicken, and gnocchi. Simmer until gnocchi are tender.
Finish: Add spinach, cook until wilted. Remove from heat, stir in Parmesan, and garnish with parsley.