If you are searching for a cozy, creamy bowl that makes every spoonful feel like a warm hug, look no further than this Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe. Imagine tender shredded chicken mingling with pillowy potato gnocchi, fresh spinach, and a rich, savory broth that’s perfectly seasoned and silky smooth. This is not just any soup—it’s the kind of dish that turns ordinary days into something special, combining simple ingredients into a comforting masterpiece that’s sure to satisfy on chilly evenings or whenever you crave a hearty, homemade meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering just the right ingredients is key to creating that wonderful balance of flavors and textures in this soup. Each component plays an essential role, from the fresh vegetables that add crunch and color to the creamy broth that envelops everything in warmth and richness.
- Butter and olive oil: These fats create the perfect flavor base and help soften the veggies without sticking.
- Yellow onion, diced: Adds a sweet and aromatic foundation that enhances the overall taste.
- Garlic cloves, minced: Imparts a subtle, savory depth that wakes up the palate.
- Celery and carrots, sliced: Provide fresh, crisp texture and a pop of color that brightens the soup.
- All-purpose flour: Used to thicken the broth, giving the soup its delightfully creamy consistency.
- Chicken broth: The heart of the soup’s flavor, rich and savory, anchoring every bite.
- Whole milk and heavy cream: These add luscious creaminess and balance the spices perfectly.
- Salt, black pepper, and dried thyme: Key seasonings that bring warmth and subtle herbal notes to the dish.
- Cooked shredded chicken: The star protein, tender and flavorful, making the soup hearty.
- Potato gnocchi: These pillowy dumplings soak up the broth, adding an irresistible chewy texture.
- Fresh spinach, chopped: Adds a touch of earthiness and vibrant green color just before serving.
- Optional grated Parmesan: A sprinkle on top enhances the soup with a nutty, salty finish.
How to Make Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Your Aromatics
Begin by melting butter with olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Toss in the diced onions, minced garlic, sliced celery, and carrots. Cook these until they soften and become fragrant, usually around 5 to 7 minutes. This step builds the aromatic backbone of the soup, releasing wonderful flavors that fill your kitchen.
Step 2: Create a Roux and Add Liquids
Sprinkle the flour over the softened vegetables and stir constantly for about a minute to remove any raw flour taste and begin thickening. Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking to avoid lumps. Then add the whole milk and heavy cream, stirring gently to combine everything into a smooth, creamy base ready to simmer.
Step 3: Season and Simmer
Season your soup with salt, black pepper, and dried thyme. These simple spices transform the broth into something rich and well-rounded. Let the soup come to a gentle simmer so the flavors meld beautifully before moving to the next step.
Step 4: Add Chicken and Gnocchi
Stir in the cooked shredded chicken followed by the potato gnocchi. Allow the soup to simmer for 10 to 12 minutes, giving the gnocchi time to become tender and the broth to thicken slightly, resulting in a perfectly hearty texture.
Step 5: Finish with Spinach
Finally, fold in the fresh chopped spinach and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes or until wilted. This adds a fresh, slightly earthy note and a burst of vibrant green that brightens the whole soup beautifully.
How to Serve Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra burst of flavor and indulgence, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese atop each bowl. It melts slightly into the warm soup, adding a lovely nutty saltiness. You can also add a pinch of freshly ground black pepper or a few fresh thyme leaves for a pretty finish.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, like a warm baguette or garlic bread, perfect for dipping into every creamy spoonful. A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the rich textures of the soup.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the soup in rustic bowls to emphasize its comforting qualities, and consider topping with crispy bacon bits or a drizzle of chili oil for an exciting twist. For a party or special occasion, individual bread bowls make for a charming and edible presentation that will impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any remaining Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors even deepen after sitting, making leftovers just as delicious as fresh.
Freezing
You can freeze this soup, but gnocchi tends to change texture after freezing. If freezing, consider leaving gnocchi out and adding freshly cooked gnocchi when reheating for the best consistency. Store the soup in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking or burning. If the soup has thickened too much, simply add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it up and restore that creamy goodness.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought cooked chicken for this Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie or pre-cooked chicken saves time without sacrificing flavor. Just shred it and toss it in during the final cooking stages.
Is there a way to make this soup lighter?
Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with more whole milk or half-and-half to reduce fat content while still maintaining creaminess.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend or use cornstarch as a thickener. Just be sure your gnocchi is gluten-free as well.
How long does it take to prepare the Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe?
The total time is about 40 minutes from start to finish, with 15 minutes prep and 25 minutes cooking, perfect for a weeknight meal.
Can I add other vegetables to this soup?
Definitely! Feel free to add mushrooms, peas, or zucchini to customize your soup. Just sauté them along with the other veggies in Step 1.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe is truly a heartwarming, delicious go-to that brings comfort and joy in every bowl. With its simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s a perfect way to make any day brighter. I encourage you to give it a try—you might just find yourself reaching for the recipe again and again!
Print
Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This comforting Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a creamy and hearty meal made with tender shredded chicken, pillowy potato gnocchi, fresh vegetables, and a luscious broth enriched with cream and milk. Perfect for chilly days, this easy stovetop recipe blends savory flavors and satisfying textures, delivering a soul-warming classic American dish that’s quick to prepare and delightful to enjoy.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup celery, sliced
- 1/2 cup carrots, sliced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 lb potato gnocchi
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
Optional Garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, sliced celery, and sliced carrots. Sauté the vegetables until they soften, about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add Flour: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the sautéed vegetables and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly. This helps to create a roux that will thicken the soup.
- Incorporate Liquids: Gradually whisk in the chicken broth to avoid lumps, then stir in the whole milk and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer on medium-low heat.
- Season and Simmer: Add salt, black pepper, and dried thyme to the simmering soup. Stir well to combine all flavors thoroughly.
- Add Chicken and Gnocchi: Add the cooked shredded chicken and potato gnocchi to the pot. Let the soup simmer gently for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gnocchi are tender and the soup thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Finish with Spinach: Stir in the chopped fresh spinach and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the spinach is wilted and well incorporated into the soup.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and optionally top with grated Parmesan cheese before serving for an extra savory touch.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken as a convenient shortcut to save prep time.
- To make the soup lighter, substitute the heavy cream with additional milk or half-and-half.
- This soup can be made ahead of time and gently reheated on the stovetop without compromising flavor.
