Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Homemade Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe: Cozy Comfort in a Bowl

Comfort arrives in a steaming bowl of creamy chicken gnocchi soup that promises warmth and satisfaction.

Soft potato dumplings float alongside tender chicken pieces in a rich, velvety broth.

Herbs and spices dance through each spoonful, creating layers of delectable flavor.

Home cooks adore this soup for its hearty texture and comforting embrace.

Weeknight dinners become extraordinary with this simple yet elegant recipe.

Restaurants have nothing on this homemade classic that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas.

Recipe Variations for Chicken Gnocchi Soup

  • Gluten-Free Version: Replace wheat flour with cornstarch or rice flour. Use gluten-free gnocchi made from potato starch to maintain the soup's creamy texture.
  • Vegetarian Alternative: Swap chicken with plant-based protein like white beans or tofu. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and add extra herbs for depth of flavor.
  • Low-Carb Option: Substitute gnocchi with cauliflower florets or zucchini noodles. Reduce milk quantity and increase cream for a richer consistency.
  • Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use coconut milk or almond milk instead of heavy cream. Replace butter with olive oil and choose a dairy-free chicken or vegetable broth.

Serving Chicken Gnocchi Soup with Style

  • Cozy Dinner Companion: Pair this hearty soup with a crisp green salad for a balanced meal that adds freshness and crunch.
  • Bread Basket Delight: Serve alongside warm garlic bread, crusty sourdough, or buttery dinner rolls to soak up the rich, creamy broth.
  • Garnish Galore: Top with freshly grated parmesan cheese, chopped fresh parsley, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to enhance flavor and presentation.
  • Wine Pairing Magic: Complement the soup's creamy texture with a light white wine like Pinot Grigio or a crisp Chardonnay for a restaurant-worthy dining experience.

Chicken Gnocchi Soup Storage Advice

  • Store leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Transfer soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing gnocchi, as they can become mushy when thawed.
  • Pour soup into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming. Add a splash of chicken broth if the soup seems too thick.
  • Warm soup in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add extra broth or cream to restore original consistency. Heat until steaming and thoroughly warmed through.

FAQs

  • What are the key ingredients for this soup?

The key ingredients are gnocchi, shredded chicken, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, chicken broth, milk, heavy cream, and spinach.

  • Is this soup healthy?

While creamy and delicious, the soup is relatively balanced with vegetables, protein from chicken, and some nutrients from spinach. It’s moderately rich due to cream and butter.

  • Can I make this soup gluten-free?

Yes, substitute regular flour with gluten-free flour or cornstarch for the roux, and ensure your gnocchi is gluten-free.

  • How can I add more protein to the soup?

Consider adding extra shredded chicken, white beans, or topping with grated parmesan cheese to increase protein content.

Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Perks

  • Craft Comfort Quickly: Whip up this hearty soup in less than 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something warm and satisfying.
  • Embrace Wholesome Goodness: Pack your meal with nutritious ingredients like tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and nutrient-rich spinach for a balanced, delicious dinner.
  • Make It Your Own: Easily customize the soup by swapping spinach for kale, adding extra herbs, or incorporating different types of protein to suit your taste preferences.
  • Family-Friendly Feast: This creamy, kid-approved soup appeals to all ages, making it an excellent option for family meals that everyone will love and devour happily.

Gnocchi Soup Ingredient Rundown

Base Ingredients:
  • Chicken: Shredded protein that adds hearty flavor to the soup.
  • Gnocchi: Soft potato dumplings that provide a comforting texture.
  • Chicken Broth: Liquid base that creates a rich foundation for the soup.
Dairy and Creamy Components:
  • Milk: Adds smoothness and helps create a creamy consistency.
  • Heavy Cream: Provides extra richness and luxurious mouthfeel.
  • Butter: Helps develop deep flavor and contributes to the soup's smoothness.
Aromatics and Seasonings:
  • Onion, Garlic, Carrots, Celery: Classic vegetable blend that builds a flavor base.
  • Thyme, Italian Seasoning: Herbs that enhance the overall taste profile.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and highlight the soup's flavors.
Finishing Ingredient:
  • Spinach: Fresh green vegetable that adds color and nutritional value to the soup.

Gnocchi Soup Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Aromatic Base

Heat a large pot and melt butter.

Toss in finely chopped:
  • Onions
  • Garlic
  • Carrots
  • Celery

Sauté the vegetables until they become soft and release their delightful fragrance.

Step 2: Create Flavor Foundation

Sprinkle flour over the softened vegetables and stir continuously for one minute.

This creates a golden roux that will thicken the soup beautifully.

Step 3: Build Liquid Layers

Gradually pour in:
  • Chicken broth
  • Whole milk
  • Heavy cream

Whisk the liquids smoothly to prevent any lumps from forming.

Step 4: Introduce Protein and Seasonings

Add shredded chicken and a blend of:
  • Dried thyme
  • Italian seasoning
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Bring the mixture to a gentle, bubbling simmer that allows flavors to mingle and dance.

Step 5: Cook Pillowy Gnocchi

Drop the soft potato dumplings into the simmering soup.

Watch as they bob and float to the surface, signaling they’re perfectly cooked in about 3-5 minutes.

Step 6: Final Green Touch

Stir in fresh chopped spinach leaves.

Let them wilt and brighten the soup with a pop of vibrant green color.

Cook for an additional two minutes.

Step 7: Taste and Serve

Give the soup a final taste, adjusting seasonings if needed.

Ladle into warm bowls and serve immediately for maximum comfort and flavor.

Tips for Creamy Gnocchi Soup

  • Roast vegetables before adding to the pot to enhance their natural sweetness and create a more complex taste profile.
  • Gently stir gnocchi during cooking and avoid overcrowding to ensure each piece cooks evenly and maintains a perfect texture.
  • Swap heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free option, or use gluten-free flour and gnocchi for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Add white beans or extra shredded chicken to increase protein content and make the soup more filling and nutritious.
  • Let soup simmer slowly and avoid rapid boiling to maintain a smooth, creamy consistency without separating the dairy components.
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Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe


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4.5 from 27 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty Italian-inspired creamy chicken gnocchi soup delivers comfort in each spoonful, promising warmth and satisfaction. Pillowy gnocchi, tender chicken, and rich cream blend seamlessly, inviting you to savor every comforting bite of this soul-warming dish.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded

Carbohydrates:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) potato gnocchi

Liquid Base:

  • 4 cups (946 milliliters) chicken broth
  • 2 cups (474 milliliters) heavy cream
  • 1 cup (237 milliliters) milk

Vegetables:

  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup (149 grams) carrots, shredded
  • 1 cup (30 grams) spinach, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, diced

Seasonings and Thickeners:

  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons (28 grams) butter
  • 2 tablespoons (16 grams) all-purpose flour
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat butter in a large pot over medium temperature until melted and bubbling.
  2. Incorporate diced onions, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and chopped celery, sautéing until vegetables become translucent and tender.
  3. Sprinkle flour across the vegetable mixture, stirring continuously to create a smooth, golden roux and prevent clumping.
  4. Gradually pour chicken broth while whisking, ensuring no lumps form, then blend in milk and heavy cream to create a velvety base.
  5. Fold shredded chicken into the liquid, seasoning with thyme, Italian herbs, salt, and black pepper, allowing flavors to meld at a gentle simmer.
  6. Carefully drop gnocchi into the simmering soup, cooking until they rise to the surface and become pillowy soft, approximately 3-4 minutes.
  7. Introduce fresh spinach leaves, stirring until they wilt and integrate seamlessly into the creamy soup.
  8. Taste and refine seasoning with additional salt and pepper as desired.
  9. Ladle the steaming soup into bowls, serving immediately for optimal texture and warmth.

Notes

  • Swap regular flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend to make the soup celiac-friendly without compromising creamy texture.
  • Replace chicken with white beans or extra vegetables like zucchini and mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian version that maintains rich flavors.
  • Use half-and-half or coconut milk for lighter consistency if heavy cream feels too rich, ensuring soup remains luxuriously smooth.
  • Soup stores perfectly in refrigerator for 3-4 days; reheat gently to prevent gnocchi from becoming mushy and maintain ideal soup consistency.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 420 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 700 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 16 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 23 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 22 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg
Natalie Brooks

Natalie Brooks

Co-Founder & Content Strategist

Expertise

  • Vegan and plant-based recipe creation
  • Meal planning and nutritional analysis
  • Storytelling through blog content, video, and social media

Education

eCornell

  • Program: Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate
  • Focus: Whole-food, plant-based cooking, with a foundation in nutritional science and sustainable eating habits.

Natalie brings the vibrant, plant-powered side to Culinary Duo. After earning her Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate from eCornell, she combined her love for fresh ingredients with a passion for storytelling, aiming to make healthy cooking simple and satisfying.
Her kitchen motto: good food doesn’t need a fancy label, it just needs fresh ideas and a little creativity. Outside of writing and recipe testing, Natalie’s happiest in her garden, exploring farmers’ markets, or mixing global flavors into new kitchen experiments.

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