Chicken gnocchi soup has a special place in my heart, especially this version that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. I remember my first attempt at making a truly creamy chicken gnocchi soup; I was aiming for that comforting, restaurant-quality taste at home. The aroma of sautéed vegetables, tender chicken, and those soft, pillowy gnocchi filling my kitchen instantly transported me back to cozy evenings. This homemade chicken gnocchi soup is so easy to whip up, even on a busy weeknight. Get ready for a truly satisfying meal that tastes like pure comfort. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Gnocchi Soup
- Incredible flavor that tastes just like your favorite restaurant but made with love at home.
- Super speedy prep time means you can have a delicious meal on the table in under 40 minutes.
- It’s a surprisingly healthy option packed with protein and vegetables.
- This easy chicken gnocchi soup is incredibly budget-friendly, using simple pantry staples.
- The whole family will devour this hearty and comforting soup, making it a guaranteed hit.
- It’s the perfect example of an easy chicken gnocchi soup that doesn’t skimp on taste.
- The combination of tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and fresh spinach is pure bliss.
Ingredients for Homemade Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Gathering these simple chicken gnocchi soup ingredients is the first step to pure comfort. I always start with 1 tablespoon olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter for a rich base. Then, we add 1 cup diced yellow onion, 1 cup diced carrots, and 1/2 cup diced celery. These veggies soften beautifully and add depth. Don’t forget 2 cloves garlic, minced, for that essential aromatic kick. For creaminess, we use 1/4 cup all-purpose flour to create a roux, 4 cups chicken broth for the liquid base, and 1 cup heavy cream stirred in at the end. You’ll also need 2 cups cooked shredded chicken and 16 ounces potato gnocchi – these are the stars! Finally, 2 cups fresh baby spinach wilts in beautifully, and 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning (if you like!) tie it all together.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup
- Step 1: Let’s kick things off by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that warms up, grab a large pot or Dutch oven and place it over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter.
- Step 2: Once the butter is melted and shimmering, toss in your diced vegetables: 1 cup diced yellow onion, 1 cup diced carrots, and 1/2 cup diced celery. Sauté these for about 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften and the kitchen begins to smell amazing.
- Step 3: Add the minced garlic – 2 cloves garlic, minced – and cook for just 30 seconds more. You want it fragrant, not browned!
- Step 4: Time to thicken things up! Sprinkle 1/4 cup all-purpose flour over the veggies and stir it around to coat everything. Let this cook for 1–2 minutes; this creates a lovely roux that will give our soup that signature creaminess.
- Step 5: Slowly pour in the 4 cups chicken broth while whisking constantly to ensure no lumps form. This is key for a smooth soup base. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
- Step 6: Now for the stars of the show! Add your 2 cups cooked shredded chicken and the 16 ounces potato gnocchi. Let this simmer for another 5–7 minutes. You’ll know the gnocchi is ready when it floats to the surface. This step makes it a truly quick chicken gnocchi soup.
- Step 7: Reduce the heat to low – this is important to prevent the cream from curdling. Stir in the luscious 1 cup heavy cream and the fresh 2 cups fresh baby spinach. Cook for just 2–3 more minutes, stirring gently, until the spinach has wilted and the soup is beautifully creamy and heated through.
- Step 8: Finally, season your masterpiece! Stir in 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning if you’re using it. Give it a taste and adjust seasonings as needed. This truly is a quick chicken gnocchi soup experience.
- Step 9: Ladle this glorious creamy chicken gnocchi soup into bowls. It’s absolutely perfect served hot, perhaps with some crusty bread for dipping or a light side salad. Enjoy every comforting spoonful!
Pro Tips for the Best Chicken Gnocchi Soup
I’ve learned a few tricks over the years that elevate this soup from good to absolutely amazing. Follow these tips for guaranteed success!
- For the most tender chicken, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. It adds fantastic flavor and saves you a step.
- Don’t overcook the gnocchi! They’re ready when they float to the surface; removing them too soon means a mushy texture.
- Always add the heavy cream and spinach off the heat or on very low heat to prevent the cream from separating or curdling.
- Taste and adjust seasonings at the very end. Sometimes the broth can be salty, so adding salt too early might make it too much.
What’s the secret to perfect chicken gnocchi soup?
The secret to the best chicken gnocchi soup lies in building layers of flavor. Starting with sautéed mirepoix (onion, carrots, celery), creating a proper roux with flour, and using good quality chicken broth are crucial. Don’t forget that final touch of cream!
Can I make chicken gnocchi soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the soup base (up to adding the gnocchi and cream) a day in advance. Store the base in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat the base, add the fresh gnocchi and cream, and cook until gnocchi is done. This prevents the gnocchi from becoming mushy in the chicken gnocchi soup leftovers.
How do I avoid common mistakes with chicken gnocchi soup?
A common pitfall is overcooking the gnocchi, which makes them gummy. Also, adding the cream over high heat can cause it to curdle. To avoid these, cook gnocchi just until they float and stir in the cream gently off the heat.
Best Ways to Serve Chicken Gnocchi Soup
This delightful soup is so versatile, it pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. For a truly satisfying meal, I love serving my chicken gnocchi soup with spinach alongside some crusty, warm bread. It’s perfect for soaking up every last drop of that creamy broth. You could also opt for a light, crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness of the soup. A simple side of garlic bread or even some cheesy biscuits makes this a wonderful family dinner. Enjoying it warm is key, so make sure to serve it immediately after preparing!
Chicken Gnocchi Soup Nutrition Facts
Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional information for this delicious soup, per serving. Understanding the chicken gnocchi soup calories helps in planning your meals.
- Calories: 370 kcal
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Protein: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 730mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
How to Store and Reheat Chicken Gnocchi Soup
One of the best things about this soup is how well it stores, making it perfect for meal prep! Once cooled completely, transfer any chicken gnocchi soup leftovers into airtight containers. You can keep it in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to store it for longer, it freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Just make sure to use freezer-safe containers or bags.
When it’s time to reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over low to medium heat. Be sure to stir frequently, as the gnocchi can absorb liquid and the soup may thicken. If it’s too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or a little cream to loosen it up. Avoid microwaving on high power, as this can sometimes make the gnocchi gummy.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Gnocchi Soup
What is chicken gnocchi soup?
Chicken gnocchi soup is a comforting and hearty soup featuring tender pieces of chicken, soft potato gnocchi, and often wilted spinach in a creamy, flavorful broth. It’s a popular dish known for its satisfying texture and rich taste, reminiscent of a cozy meal.
What’s the difference between chicken gnocchi soup and Tuscan soup?
While similar and often confused, the main difference is that Tuscan soup typically includes ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes, kale, and sometimes beans, giving it a slightly different flavor profile. Our chicken gnocchi soup focuses on the creamy broth, chicken, and pillowy gnocchi as the stars, making it a distinct dish. You might find that a chicken gnocchi soup vs Tuscan soup comparison highlights the creaminess and gnocchi as the defining elements of our recipe.
Can I use store-bought gnocchi for this soup?
Absolutely! Store-bought potato gnocchi works wonderfully and is what I use most of the time for an extra quick meal. Just follow the package directions, usually simmering them until they float. This makes the soup even easier to prepare.
How do I make chicken gnocchi soup without cream?
If you prefer a lighter version, you can achieve a creamy texture without heavy cream. After adding the chicken broth and simmering, whisk in a slurry made from 2 tablespoons of cornstarch mixed with 1/4 cup of cold water. Let it simmer for a minute or two until thickened. You can also use a dairy-free milk alternative like unsweetened cashew or almond milk, though the richness might be slightly different.
Chicken Gnocchi Soup Variations You Can Try
While this recipe is fantastic as is, I love experimenting with different flavors and dietary needs. Here are a few ways you can switch things up!
- Healthy Chicken Gnocchi Soup: For a lighter take, swap heavy cream for half-and-half or even a combination of milk and a cornstarch slurry to thicken. You can also load it up with extra vegetables like zucchini or peas.
- Low Carb Chicken Gnocchi Soup: If you’re watching carbs, skip the traditional potato gnocchi and try using cauliflower florets or even shirataki noodles instead. This keeps that creamy soup vibe while being low carb chicken gnocchi soup friendly.
- Vegetarian Chicken Gnocchi Soup: Simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can add white beans or more vegetables for extra protein and heartiness.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the garlic for a subtle warmth, or a dash of hot sauce at the end if you like a bit of heat!
Chicken Gnocchi Soup: Creamy 40-Minute Dream
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A creamy and comforting Chicken Gnocchi Soup, perfect for a quick and hearty meal. This one-pot wonder features tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and fresh spinach in a velvety broth, ready in under 40 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup diced yellow onion
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1/2 cup diced celery
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 16 ounces potato gnocchi
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5–6 minutes until vegetables are softened.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
- Sprinkle in the flour and stir to coat the vegetables. Cook for 1–2 minutes to form a roux.
- Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring to prevent lumps. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add shredded chicken and potato gnocchi to the pot. Simmer for another 5–7 minutes until gnocchi floats and is cooked through.
- Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and fresh spinach. Cook for 2–3 more minutes until spinach is wilted and soup is creamy.
- Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning if using. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Serve hot and enjoy with crusty bread or a light side salad.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time and add extra flavor.
- If reheating leftovers, add a splash of broth or cream to thin it out as gnocchi may soak up liquid.
- Always add the cream after lowering the heat to avoid curdling.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 370 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 730mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 90mg