If you’re craving a comforting bowl of something rich, creamy, and bursting with tender chicken and fluffy gnocchi, this Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe is a dream come true. It brings together simple ingredients to create a velvety, flavorful soup that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. The combination of fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, and soft gnocchi swimming in a lightly spiced broth makes this recipe irresistibly satisfying and perfect for any mealtime.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready to make this Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe is easier than you think. The ingredients are straightforward, each one playing a crucial role—from the vegetables that add sweetness and color to the creamy broth that ties everything together with a smooth, luxurious texture.
- Butter: Essential for sautéing vegetables and building the rich base of the soup.
- Yellow onion: Adds a natural sweetness when softened and creates depth in flavor.
- Celery: Brings a mild crunch and an aromatic touch, balancing the richness.
- Carrots: Julienned for a subtle sweetness and vibrant color.
- Garlic: Infuses the soup with a warm, savory note that awakens the palate.
- All-purpose flour: Helps thicken the soup to the perfect creamy consistency.
- Half-and-half: Provides creaminess without being too heavy, making the soup silky smooth.
- Chicken broth: The heart of the soup, delivering savory depth and umami.
- Thyme: Offers a subtle herbal essence that complements chicken beautifully.
- Mustard powder: A pinch adds a gentle tang and complexity to the broth.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: The tender protein star in the soup, either fresh or pre-cooked diced.
- Salt and pepper: For seasoning and enhancing every layer of flavor.
- Potato gnocchi: Soft little dumplings that soak up the broth, making every spoonful chewy and delightful.
- Fresh spinach: Adds a pop of green color and freshness to finish the soup.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): A hint of heat for those who like a gentle kick in their soup.
You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.
How to Make Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Begin by melting butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onions, celery, and julienned carrots, cooking them until they soften and release their natural sweetness, about 5 minutes. Toss in the minced garlic and cook for another minute. This base is what brings the soup its inviting aroma and delicate flavor.
Step 2: Build the Roux
Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour, stirring constantly to combine. Keep cooking for 2 minutes or until the flour develops a slight golden hue. This step is crucial; it thickens the soup, giving it that luscious, creamy texture you’ll adore.
Step 3: Add Liquids and Seasonings
Gradually pour in the chicken broth and half-and-half in small splashes while stirring to keep the mixture smooth. Add thyme and mustard powder, infusing the broth with subtle herbal and tangy notes. Patience here prevents lumps and ensures a perfect consistency.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Season your chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then add them to the gently simmering broth. Keep the heat low and let the chicken cook through in 10 to 15 minutes; avoid boiling vigorously to maintain tenderness. Once cooked, remove the chicken, let it rest for 5 minutes, then dice it and return it to the pot.
Step 5: Add Gnocchi and Spinach
Stir in the gnocchi and simmer for about 5 minutes or according to package instructions until they puff up and get tender. Reduce the heat to low, add chopped fresh spinach along with optional red pepper flakes, and simmer just until the spinach wilts—this keeps the greens vibrant and fresh in every bite.
How to Serve Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Finish your soup with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or basil to add a burst of color and brighten the flavors. A little freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top adds a savory, salty touch that makes the dish feel even more special.
Side Dishes
Serve this Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe alongside crusty bread or garlic rolls to soak up the creamy broth. A light side salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness and adds a refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in mini bread bowls or hollowed-out sourdough loaves—edible bowls that add texture and extra flavor. You can also layer some soup into a clear glass bowl to showcase the colorful veggies, gnocchi, and spinach, making it as beautiful as it is delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let your Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, it will keep well for up to 3 days. This makes for easy weekday lunches or a quick dinner pick-me-up.
Freezing
While this soup is best fresh due to the gnocchi’s texture changes, you can freeze it without the gnocchi. Freeze the broth, chicken, and vegetables separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Add fresh gnocchi when reheating to retain that perfect pillowy softness.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add fresh spinach and gnocchi towards the end to keep them from becoming overcooked and mushy, preserving the soup’s wonderful textures and flavors.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe?
Absolutely! Using pre-cooked, diced chicken speeds up the process. Simply add it after the broth and half-and-half have combined, warming it through without further cooking to avoid drying out the chicken.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
You can easily adapt this Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe by substituting vegetable broth for chicken broth and adding hearty vegetables like mushrooms or white beans for protein. Omit the chicken and you’ll still enjoy a creamy, satisfying soup.
What can I substitute for half-and-half?
If you don’t have half-and-half, a mixture of equal parts whole milk and heavy cream works wonderfully. For a lighter version, you can use whole milk alone, though the soup will be less creamy.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes! Begin by sautéing your vegetables and making the roux on the stove, then add everything to the slow cooker with the broth and seasonings. Cook on low for 3-4 hours and add gnocchi and spinach in the last 15 minutes.
Why is my soup too thick or too thin?
If your soup turns out too thick, simply thin it with a splash of chicken broth or milk while reheating. If it’s too thin, simmer it a bit longer uncovered to reduce and thicken naturally.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe is one of those cozy dishes you’ll want in your regular rotation—rich, creamy, and packed with delicious, comforting flavors. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this soup always feels like a special treat that’s surprisingly simple to make. Dive into a bowl, and you might just find your new favorite comfort food.
PrintChicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
This creamy and comforting Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a perfect hearty meal ready in just 30 minutes. Tender chicken, soft potato gnocchi, fresh vegetables, and a rich broth made with half-and-half come together to create a deliciously satisfying soup that’s easy to prepare on the stovetop.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 1 stick celery, diced
- ½ cup carrots, julienned
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups half-and-half
- 4 cups chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon thyme
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder
Chicken
- 1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts (or 2 cups diced cooked chicken)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Other Ingredients
- 16 oz potato gnocchi
- 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the base vegetables: Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onions, celery, and carrots and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to release its aroma.
- Make the roux: Stir in the all-purpose flour and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the flour begins to take on a golden color. This step helps thicken the soup later.
- Add liquids carefully: Gradually add the chicken broth and half-and-half in splashes, stirring continuously to incorporate. Take care not to add too quickly to avoid breaking the roux and creating lumps.
- Season the broth: Add the thyme and mustard powder to the soup mixture and stir well.
- Cook the chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then add them to the soup. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat. Avoid rapid boiling as this could toughen the chicken. Simmer until the chicken is cooked through, about 10-15 minutes depending on thickness.
- Dice the chicken: Remove the chicken breasts and let them rest for 5 minutes. Then dice into bite-sized pieces and return to the soup. Allow the soup to continue simmering until it thickens to your preferred consistency.
- Cook the gnocchi: Add the potato gnocchi to the pot and simmer for about 5 minutes, or according to package instructions, until the gnocchi are tender and cooked through.
- Finish with greens and spice: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the chopped fresh spinach and red pepper flakes if using. Simmer for about 1 minute until the spinach wilts. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and enjoy immediately for a satisfying, creamy chicken gnocchi soup experience.
Notes
- If using cooked chicken, simply dice and add it during the last few minutes of simmering to heat through.
- A crock pot method can be used by cooking the vegetables, adding all ingredients except spinach and gnocchi, cooking on low for 4–6 hours, then adding spinach and gnocchi near the end to cook until tender.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute half-and-half with coconut milk or your preferred non-dairy cream alternative.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to control spice level or omit if you prefer a milder soup.
