If you’re looking to warm up your weeknight dinner rotation, look no further than this incredibly cozy Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup. It’s the kind of bowl you dream about on chilly evenings: pillowy potato gnocchi, tender chunks of chicken, a medley of carrots, celery, and onion all swirling in a rich, velvety broth dotted with fresh spinach. A sprinkle of Parmesan gives it irresistible depth, resulting in a homemade meal that envelops you like a hug from the inside out. Whether you’re chasing memories of your favorite restaurant or just want pure comfort in a bowl, this is the soup to make.

Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The charm of Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup comes from simple, honest ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. Each one brings something special, from the aromatic start to the creamy finish, making this soup satisfying and full of flavor.

Olive oil: Adds depth and helps sauté the veggies for a delicious flavor base.
Unsalted butter: Brings richness and sweet notes that meld beautifully with the olive oil.
Onion (diced): Gives a gentle sweetness and classic soup flavor.
Carrots (diced): Offer subtle sweetness and vibrant orange color.
Celery (diced): Balances the sweetness of the carrots and offers an herby brightness.
Garlic (minced): Delivers irresistible aroma and savory punch that ties everything together.
Boneless skinless chicken breasts (cubed): Provides protein and hearty texture with every bite.
Low-sodium chicken broth: Forms the flavorful base without overcrowding the other flavors with salt.
Half-and-half or heavy cream: Makes the soup lush and creamy—choose heavy cream for ultimate indulgence.
Potato gnocchi (16-ounce package): The star ingredient; their tender chew is the heart of each spoonful.
Fresh spinach (chopped): Adds color, nutrients, and a fresh twist that keeps the soup from feeling heavy.
Dried thyme: Provides gentle earthiness and pairs beautifully with chicken and vegetables.
Italian seasoning: A mix of herbs for the classic comfort-food taste.
Ground nutmeg: A tiny bit elevates the creamy base with subtle warmth—don’t skip it.
Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to bring all the flavors into harmony.
All-purpose flour: Slightly thickens the broth, making it satisfyingly creamy. Use gluten-free flour, if needed.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the soup for nutty flavor and a lovely finishing touch.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Step 1: Build the Flavor Base

Start by heating olive oil and butter together in a large pot over medium heat. This combination creates a flavorful foundation for your vegetables. Add in the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté them gently for about 5 minutes, stirring often, until all the vegetables are soft and fragrant. This sets the stage for the comforting flavors that make Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup so inviting.

Step 2: Stir in the Aromatics

Once the vegetables have softened, add the minced garlic. Let it cook for about 1 minute until it’s just fragrant (you’ll smell it!), being careful not to let it brown. Garlic’s savory aroma is your signal that it’s time for the next step.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken and Season

Add the cubed chicken to the pot, and season it right away with salt, pepper, dried thyme, and Italian seasoning. Stir everything well, and cook until the chicken pieces are no longer pink, just a few minutes. The chicken will continue cooking in the soup, so don’t worry about it being 100 percent cooked through at this point.

Step 4: Add Flour to Thicken

Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the chicken and veggies, stirring continuously. This step coats everything in a thin, floury layer, which will later thicken the soup and give it that signature creamy texture.

Step 5: Pour in Broth and Simmer

Slowly pour in the chicken broth, stirring steadily to avoid lumps. Bring the soup up to a gentle simmer, not a rolling boil, and let it cook for about 10 minutes. The flavors start to meld here, and the soup begins to take shape.

Step 6: Add Cream and Gnocchi

Turn the heat down to medium-low, and pour in your half-and-half or heavy cream, then add the potato gnocchi. Let everything cook together for 5 to 7 minutes, giving the gnocchi time to become perfectly tender while the broth thickens and turns luxuriously creamy.

Step 7: Add Spinach and Nutmeg

Toss in the chopped spinach and a sprinkle of ground nutmeg. Stir gently until the spinach is wilted and the nutmeg is well incorporated. The spinach brightens the soup, and the nutmeg brings a subtle, cozy warmth, making this Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup extra special.

Step 8: Finish with Parmesan and Adjust Seasoning

Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it’s completely melted and the soup is creamy and glossy. Now’s the moment to taste and add a little more salt and pepper if you like, making sure all the flavors pop before you serve.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Garnishes

A handful of fresh baby spinach leaves right before serving adds a pretty green pop, while extra grated Parmesan cheese never hurt anyone! For a dash of spiciness, a few grinds of black pepper or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can wake things up. Try finishing with a drizzle of good olive oil or some fresh herbs like chopped parsley or basil for true kitchen magic.

Side Dishes

What’s better than dunking a crusty slice of sourdough bread or a buttery homemade garlic knot straight into your Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup? For a lighter meal, a simple green salad with sharp vinaigrette can balance the richness, while roasted vegetables or a classic Caesar salad stand up beautifully alongside a steaming bowl.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress guests or make a weeknight feel special? Serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls for an ultra-cozy touch. Or, ladle smaller portions into espresso cups for soup shooters at a dinner party. You can even encourage everyone to customize their bowls with a little “garnish station” on the table for toppings and add-ins.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow any leftover Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup to cool to room temperature, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. As the soup sits, it tends to thicken, but don’t worry—a splash of extra broth or water when reheating will bring it right back to that silky consistency.

Freezing

This soup can be frozen, but keep in mind that the texture of the gnocchi and cream may change a bit. If freezing, consider leaving out the gnocchi and spinach, then adding fresh when you reheat. Freeze in single portions for easy lunches on demand; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring frequently. If it’s too thick, add extra chicken broth or a splash of cream to loosen. If using the microwave, heat in 1-minute bursts, stirring in between, to prevent the cream from breaking and keeping the gnocchi tender.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken in Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut. Just shred it and add it when you add the gnocchi, since it’s already cooked. This saves time and still gives you plenty of flavor.

Can I make this soup gluten-free?

Yes, you can make Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup gluten-free by using gluten-free gnocchi and substituting the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free blend. Double-check that your broth is gluten-free as well.

What should I do if the soup becomes too thick?

If your soup thickens up too much as it sits, just stir in a bit more chicken broth or water when reheating. It will loosen right up and return to that perfect creamy consistency you love.

Can I use milk instead of cream or half-and-half?

You can swap in whole milk for a lighter soup, but you’ll lose some of the silkiness that makes Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup such a treat. The texture will be a little thinner, but still tasty!

How do I keep the gnocchi from getting mushy?

Add the gnocchi near the end of cooking and don’t overcook it; it needs just 5 to 7 minutes to become tender and pillowy. If reheating leftovers, try not to boil the soup, and add a splash of broth if needed to keep everything just right.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm embrace, Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup fits the bill every time. It’s easy enough for any cook yet special enough to share. Try it once, and you might just find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again—comfort and joy are only a pot away!

Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

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4.8 from 27 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in a comforting bowl of Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup, a hearty and satisfying dish perfect for cooler days. This rich and creamy soup is loaded with tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and nutritious spinach in a flavorful broth.

Ingredients

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For the Soup:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 small onion, diced
2 medium carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into small cubes
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup half-and-half or heavy cream
1 (16-ounce) package potato gnocchi
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery, sauté until softened.
Add Chicken: Stir in garlic, then add chicken cubes with salt, pepper, thyme, and Italian seasoning. Cook until no longer pink.
Thicken: Sprinkle flour, stir to coat. Slowly pour in chicken broth, stir to avoid lumps. Simmer for 10 minutes.
Finish Soup: Add half-and-half, gnocchi, cook until tender. Stir in spinach, nutmeg, and Parmesan until melted. Adjust seasoning and serve.