Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Introduction

Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a comforting, creamy dish brimming with tender chicken, soft gnocchi, and fresh vegetables. This hearty soup comes together quickly, making it perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or anytime you crave a warm, satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 package (16 oz) gnocchi
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
2. Step 2: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
3. Step 3: Add the dried thyme and basil, then pour in the chicken broth. Bring to a boil.
4. Step 4: Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer, and add the shredded chicken and gnocchi. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, until the gnocchi float to the top and are tender.
5. Step 5: Stir in the fresh spinach and heavy cream, cooking for another 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Step 6: Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Use store-bought rotisserie chicken to save time and add extra flavor.
• Swap gnocchi for small pasta like ditalini or orzo if you prefer.
• For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
• Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle heat.

Storage

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, as heating too quickly may cause the cream to separate. Avoid freezing the soup, as the cream and gnocchi texture can be affected.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?

Yes, fresh herbs can be used. Substitute about 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme and basil for the dried herbs, adding them towards the end of cooking to preserve their bright flavors.

Is it possible to make this soup dairy-free?

Absolutely. Replace the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative to maintain creaminess without dairy.

Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 68 reviews

This comforting Chicken Gnocchi Soup combines tender shredded chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and fresh spinach in a rich, creamy broth flavored with garlic, onion, and aromatic herbs. Perfect for a cozy meal, this soup is simple to prepare on the stovetop and makes a hearty, satisfying dish.

• Author: lea
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Soup Base

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 6 cups chicken broth

Main Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 package (16 oz) gnocchi
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1 cup heavy cream

Seasoning & Garnish

• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

Instructions

1. Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
2. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until its aroma is released but before it starts to brown, ensuring maximum flavor.
3. Add Herbs and Broth: Sprinkle in the dried thyme and basil, then pour the chicken broth into the pot. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil.
4. Simmer with Chicken and Gnocchi: Once boiling, reduce heat to a simmer, then add the shredded cooked chicken and gnocchi. Let cook for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the gnocchi float to the top and become tender.
5. Finish with Spinach and Cream: Stir in the fresh spinach and heavy cream, cooking for another 2 to 3 minutes until the spinach wilts and the soup is heated through. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
6. Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy immediately for best flavor and texture.

Notes

• Use cooked chicken leftover from a roast or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
• Fresh spinach adds vibrant color and nutrition; you can substitute baby kale or Swiss chard if preferred.
• For a lighter option, you can substitute half-and-half or milk for the heavy cream.
• If you prefer thicker soup, add more gnocchi or reduce the broth slightly.
• This soup freezes well without the cream; add cream when reheating for best texture.

Keywords: Chicken Gnocchi Soup, creamy chicken soup, Italian soup, easy chicken soup, weeknight dinner, gnocchi recipe