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Warm up with a bowl of pure comfort! This creamy chicken gnocchi soup recipe brings the cozy, satisfying flavors of a restaurant favorite right to your kitchen. Imagine tender chicken, soft potato gnocchi, and fresh spinach nestled in a rich, velvety broth. This easy-to-follow recipe promises a delicious, hearty meal perfect for any night of the week. You’ll love how simple it is to achieve such incredible taste!
Why You’ll Love This Gnocchi Soup
- Rich & Creamy Texture: Every spoonful boasts a luxurious, velvety consistency that’s incredibly comforting.
- Hearty & Satisfying: Loaded with chicken and gnocchi, this soup makes for a complete and fulfilling meal.
- Quick & Easy Preparation: From start to finish, you can have this flavorful gnocchi soup recipe on the table in under 30 minutes.
- Perfect for Family Meals: It’s a crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters will adore, making weeknight dinners stress-free.
- Customizable Ingredients: Easily adapt the vegetables or protein to suit your preferences and what you have on hand.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients for your delightful gnocchi soup recipe. Fresh, high-quality components make all the difference in achieving that rich, comforting flavor you crave.
- 3-4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cooked and diced
- 1 stalk of celery, chopped
- ½ white onion, diced
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- ½ cup shredded carrots
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cups low sodium chicken broth
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 16 ounces potato gnocchi
- 2 cups half and half (see note below)
- 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
Notes & Substitutions
You can easily adapt this creamy gnocchi soup to your liking. For protein, swap diced chicken with cooked turkey, ham, or even Italian sausage. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a delicious vegetarian version. If you prefer, substitute half and half with whole milk for a lighter option, or heavy cream for an extra-rich soup. Feel free to add other vegetables like corn, peas, or diced bell peppers. Fresh herbs like rosemary or sage can replace thyme for a different aroma, or use dried herbs if fresh are unavailable.
Equipment
You won’t need much specialized equipment for this straightforward gnocchi soup. Just a few kitchen essentials will get the job done efficiently.
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Chopping board and knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Stirring spoon or ladle
Instructions
Creating this comforting gnocchi soup recipe is straightforward with these step-by-step directions. You’ll be enjoying a hearty meal in no time.
- Prep Vegetables: Begin by preparing all your vegetables. Chop the celery, dice the white onion, mince the garlic, and ensure your carrots are shredded. Also, have your cooked and diced chicken ready.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped celery, diced onions, minced garlic, and shredded carrots to the pot. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions become translucent and the vegetables start to soften.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in the cooked and diced chicken, chicken broth, salt, pepper, and thyme. Give everything a good stir to combine all the flavors.
- Bring to a Boil: Increase the heat slightly and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Add Gnocchi: Once boiling, gently stir in the 16 ounces of potato gnocchi. Make sure they are submerged in the broth. Boil for 3-4 minutes longer. The gnocchi will float to the top when they are almost done.
- Simmer Soup: Reduce the heat to a simmer and continue cooking for another 10 minutes. This allows the gnocchi to fully cook through and the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Stir in Dairy & Spinach: Stir in the half and half. Then, add the fresh, roughly chopped spinach to the pot. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring gently, until the spinach wilts and becomes tender.
- Season and Serve: Taste the creamy chicken gnocchi soup and adjust the seasonings as needed, adding more salt or pepper if desired. Serve hot immediately and savor every delicious spoonful.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Achieve the best creamy chicken gnocchi soup with these expert tips. Avoid overcooking the gnocchi; they only need a few minutes to become tender and soft. To speed up cooking, use a store-bought rotisserie chicken or pre-cook your chicken breasts in advance. When adding dairy, ensure your soup is simmering, not boiling vigorously, to prevent the half and half from curdling. Sauté the vegetables until they are tender and slightly translucent to build a strong flavor base. If your soup is too thick, thin it with a little extra broth; if too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few more minutes to reduce. Always taste and adjust seasonings at the end for perfect balance.
Serving, Storage & Variations
This versatile gnocchi soup recipe pairs well with many sides and stores beautifully for later enjoyment.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your warm bowls of gnocchi soup with a side of crusty bread or garlic rolls for dipping. A fresh green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette makes for a perfect balance to the rich soup. Garnish individual servings with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and a dash of fresh parsley for added flavor and color.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftover creamy chicken gnocchi soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or in the microwave. Freezing this gnocchi soup recipe is generally not recommended as the gnocchi can become mushy and the dairy might separate upon thawing.
Flavor Variations
Experiment with different herbs like fresh basil or oregano for a Mediterranean twist. Boost the vegetable content by adding zucchini, green beans, or mushrooms during the sautéing stage. For a little heat, stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes with the seasonings. You can also swirl in a spoonful of cream cheese or mascarpone at the end for an even richer texture.
Nutrition Information
Please note that the following nutrition information is an estimate based on the ingredients and serving size for this chicken gnocchi soup recipe. Actual values may vary depending on specific brands and preparation methods.
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving (estimated) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420-480 kcal |
| Total Fat | 18-22 g |
| Saturated Fat | 8-10 g |
| Cholesterol | 70-80 mg |
| Sodium | 600-700 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 35-40 g |
| Fiber | 3-4 g |
| Sugars | 5-7 g |
| Protein | 25-30 g |
This creamy gnocchi soup provides a good source of protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins from the vegetables.
FAQ
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the soup base (vegetables, chicken, broth) a day in advance. Add the gnocchi and half and half just before serving to maintain the best texture.
Can I use homemade gnocchi?
Absolutely! Homemade gnocchi will make this creamy chicken gnocchi soup even more special. Just follow the cooking times specified in the instructions.
Is this soup freezer-friendly?
Unfortunately, this soup isn’t ideal for freezing. The gnocchi can become mushy, and the dairy may separate upon thawing and reheating.
How can I make it vegetarian/vegan?
For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken with cannellini beans or chickpeas, and use vegetable broth. For vegan, also swap half and half with a full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream, and ensure gnocchi is egg-free.
What if my soup is too thin/thick?
If your soup is too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce. If it’s too thick, simply stir in a splash more chicken broth or water until it reaches your desired consistency.
Conclusion
This creamy chicken gnocchi soup recipe is truly a masterpiece of comfort food, proving that restaurant-quality dishes are easily achievable at home. Its velvety texture, tender gnocchi, and savory chicken make it an instant favorite for any meal. We encourage you to try this delightful and easy gnocchi soup for yourself and experience its heartwarming appeal. Don’t forget to share your creations and comments with us!
The most famous potato gnocchi known and loved worldwide date back to the sixteenth or, more likely, seventeenth century; for more on its origins, see this article about the history of gnocchi.
When incorporating dairy into soups, it’s crucial to understand how to prevent curdling, which can be caused by heat and acidity; learn more about preventing milk from curdling in cooking.
Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board
- knife
- measuring cups and spoons
- ladle or stirring spoon
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cooked and diced
- 1 stalk celery, chopped
- 0.5 white onion, diced
- 2 tsp minced garlic
- 0.5 cup shredded carrots
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cups low sodium chicken broth
- to taste salt and pepper
- 1 tsp thyme
- 16 oz potato gnocchi
- 2 cups half and half
- 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
Instructions
- Chop celery, onion, and shred carrots. Mince garlic. Dice cooked chicken if not prepped.
- Heat olive oil in a large pot. Sauté celery, onion, garlic, and carrots over medium heat for 2–3 minutes until soft.
- Add diced chicken, chicken broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
- Bring soup to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
- Stir in gnocchi. Cook for 3–4 minutes until gnocchi floats.
- Reduce heat to simmer. Cook for 10 more minutes so flavors combine.
- Stir in half and half and spinach. Simmer 1–2 minutes until spinach wilts.
- Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Serve hot and garnish if desired.
