Name: Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons butter; 1 small onion, diced; 2 carrots, sliced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1 pound chicken breast or thighs, diced; 4 cups chicken broth; 1 pound potato gnocchi; 1 cup heavy cream; 2 cups fresh spinach; Salt and pepper, to taste

Craving a bowl of something warm, creamy, and soul-hugging? This Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup is the answer to chilly evenings or whenever comfort food calls your name. It wraps you in a blanket of soft gnocchi, tender chicken, and cozy vegetables, all swimming in a luxurious, herb-scented cream broth.

This isn’t just your average soup. It’s the kind that makes you want seconds and maybe thirds. Whether you’re curled up with a book, feeding the family, or trying to impress with a rustic, homestyle dish, this one hits the mark. Let’s dive into the how and why of making it your go-to soup recipe.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into the pot, gathering your tools is key to a smooth experience. Here’s what you’ll need:

Large Dutch Oven or Soup Pot: Essential for layering flavors and allowing the soup to simmer evenly without scorching.
Sharp Chef’s Knife: A must for prepping your veggies and slicing your cooked chicken cleanly.
Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: For gentle stirring without damaging the gnocchi.
Ladle: Makes serving tidy and portioned.
Cutting Board: Preferably a large one with a groove to catch any juices from the chicken or vegetables.

These basic but important tools keep things efficient and enjoyable. With your station ready, making this comforting soup will feel as cozy as the dish itself.

Ingredients for the Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Each ingredient in this soup serves a purpose, creating a harmony of textures and flavors:

Chicken Breasts or Thighs: Tender and protein-rich, this is the heart of the soup.
Potato Gnocchi: These pillowy dumplings add comforting carbs and a chewy bite.
Carrots: For sweetness and a vibrant pop of color.
Celery: Adds earthiness and depth to the soup base.
Fresh Spinach: Stirred in at the end for color, nutrients, and balance.
Onion & Garlic: The classic aromatic base for building flavor.
Chicken Broth: The savory liquid backbone of the soup.
Heavy Cream: Makes the broth lusciously smooth and rich.
Olive Oil & Butter: Used to sauté and build a flavorful fat base.
Dried Thyme & Italian Seasoning: These herbs bring warmth and dimension.
Salt & Pepper: For seasoning and enhancing every layer.

How To Make the Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat olive oil and butter in your Dutch oven. Add chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté until they soften and release their fragrance.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Herbs

Stir in minced garlic, dried thyme, and Italian seasoning. Cook briefly to bloom the herbs and infuse the oil.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Add the diced chicken pieces and season with salt and pepper. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink on the outside.

Step 4: Pour in Broth and Simmer

Pour in chicken broth and bring everything to a simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

Step 5: Add the Gnocchi

Stir in the gnocchi. Simmer for another 3-4 minutes or until they float and become tender.

Step 6: Finish with Cream and Spinach

Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Add fresh spinach and cook just until wilted. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 7: Serve Warm

Ladle into bowls and top with cracked black pepper or a sprinkle of Parmesan, if you like. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Serving and Storing This Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Serve this soup steaming hot with crusty bread or a light salad for a complete meal. It makes a fantastic cozy dinner on its own or can be the star of a larger comfort-food spread.

For storing, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you plan to freeze it, note that the texture of gnocchi may change slightly upon reheating. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream to revive its silkiness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking raw chicken?

Absolutely. Just add the shredded rotisserie chicken during the simmer phase to warm it through without overcooking.

What kind of gnocchi should I use?

Shelf-stable potato gnocchi works great and holds up well in soup. You can also use refrigerated or homemade gnocchi if you have it on hand.

Can I make this soup dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with canned coconut milk or a dairy-free alternative like oat cream. It changes the flavor slightly but still offers creaminess.

Is it possible to make this vegetarian?

Definitely. Swap the chicken with white beans or mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Why did my gnocchi dissolve?

If you overcook the gnocchi, it can become mushy and break apart. Be sure to simmer it only until it floats—a sign it’s ready.

Can I add cheese to the soup?

Yes! Stir in grated Parmesan at the end or sprinkle on top when serving for a delicious cheesy finish.

Want More Soup Ideas?

If you’re all about hearty, comforting bowls, here are a few more soup recipes to keep you warm and satisfied:

You might love the Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup for a velvety veggie-forward option. Or cozy up with the Hearty Tuscan Bean Soup when you’re craving a meatless yet filling dinner.

Need a Crockpot twist? The Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup lets you set it and forget it. And for sausage fans, don’t miss the Creamy Sausage Gnocchi Soup—a bolder cousin of this recipe.

Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

You can save this to your dinner or soup boards for next time. Just click the Pin button.

If you make it, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Did you use rotisserie chicken? Did you add mushrooms or try a dairy-free twist? Drop a comment below—I’m always curious how others make it their own.

You can also follow me on Pinterest where I share daily recipes on LadyPlate—come join the table!

Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Author: Julia Koch
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 6 servings

Print Recipe

Description

Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a rich, comforting bowl layered with tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, fresh vegetables, and herbs, all enveloped in a silky cream broth. It’s a satisfying one-pot dinner perfect for chilly nights or cozy family meals.

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil and butter in a large Dutch oven over medium heat.
Add diced onions, carrots, and celery
. Sauté until softened, about 5–6 minutes.
Stir in minced garlic, thyme, and Italian seasoning.
Let it cook for 1 minute to release the aromatics.
Add diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until the chicken is no longer pink on the outside. Pour in chicken broth. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 10 minutes until the chicken is tender and cooked through. Stir in the gnocchi.
Simmer for another 3–4 minutes, until the gnocchi float and are cooked.
Reduce the heat and stir in the heavy cream.
Add the spinach and cook just until wilted.
Taste and adjust seasoning.
Serve warm, optionally with cracked black pepper or grated Parmesan.