The Best Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe: A 30-Minute Comfort Meal
Indulge in the ultimate creamy comfort food with our incredible Chicken Gnocchi Soup recipe! This delightful one-pot meal is designed for busy weeknights, coming together in just 30 minutes. Each spoonful is packed with tender chicken, pillowy potato gnocchi, and a medley of fresh, vibrant vegetables, all swimming in a rich, savory, and incredibly smooth broth. It’s a taste of homemade goodness that feels like it took hours, but truly fits into your tight schedule, making it the perfect family dinner or a cozy treat for yourself.
Author’s Note
A 30-Minute Dinner That Tastes Like Hours of Work!
Not too long ago, I reached out to my wonderful community on Instagram, asking what kind of recipes you were craving. The resounding response? Easy soup recipes! And honestly, I couldn’t agree more. There’s nothing quite like a warm, satisfying bowl of soup to bring comfort and joy to a meal, especially when it’s simple to prepare and comes together quickly.
That’s precisely where this Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup comes in. It’s everything you asked for in a simple, weeknight-friendly soup: creamy, incredibly cozy, and bursting with delightful flavors. I’ve incorporated a few clever shortcuts to keep the preparation lightning-fast. While this recipe does involve a few extra minutes to create a rich roux for that irresistibly creamy base, I promise it still comes together in 30 minutes or less. The small effort for the roux is absolutely worth it for the luxurious texture it provides, transforming simple ingredients into a truly special dish that tastes like it simmered all day.
If you’re new to my recipes and share my love for quick and comforting soups, you’ll definitely want to explore some other reader favorites. Be sure to try my 20-Minute Chicken Parmesan Soup and my beloved Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup. Both are fantastic options that are ready in about 20 minutes and have been go-to meals for many of my readers for years, proving that delicious doesn’t have to mean complicated!
What Makes This Chicken Gnocchi Soup So Special?
This isn’t just any soup; it’s a culinary hug in a bowl, designed for maximum flavor with minimal fuss. Here’s why this creamy chicken gnocchi soup will quickly become a staple in your kitchen and a favorite at your dinner table:
- Speedy Preparation: From your first chop to the final garnish, you’re looking at just 30 minutes of total time. This makes it an ideal solution for busy weeknights when you need a wholesome, delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
- One-Pot Wonder: Everything, from sautéing the vegetables to simmering the creamy broth and cooking the gnocchi, happens in a single pot. This drastically reduces cleanup, giving you more time to relax and enjoy your cozy dinner.
- Rich & Creamy Texture: The secret to its incredible indulgence lies in a simple homemade roux. This creates a beautifully thick, velvety broth that coats every ingredient and provides that luxurious mouthfeel you crave in true comfort food.
- Pillowy Gnocchi: Soft, delicate potato gnocchi adds a unique, satisfying chewiness that sets this soup apart from typical noodle soups. They soak up the flavors of the broth, becoming irresistible little dumplings of deliciousness.
- Hearty & Wholesome: Loaded with tender, shredded chicken, fresh, nutrient-rich spinach, and a classic blend of carrots and celery, it’s a well-balanced meal that’s both filling and incredibly nutritious.
- Effortlessly Customizable: This recipe serves as an excellent base. Easily adapt the vegetables, swap the protein, or adjust the seasonings to suit your family’s unique preferences and what you have on hand.
Gnocchi Unveiled: What is it, and How to Say It?
Quick Tip
Gnocchi (pronounced “nyow-kee,” with a soft ‘y’ sound at the start) are small, soft dumplings, traditionally made from potato, flour, or semolina. They are a beloved staple of Italian cuisine, often served with various sauces. In this soup, they add a delightful, tender chewiness that makes every spoonful incredibly satisfying and unique. You can easily find them in the pasta aisle of most grocery stores, either shelf-stable (often vacuum-sealed) or frozen. Both types work wonderfully in this recipe!
Key Ingredients for the Perfect Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Crafting this flavorful and comforting soup requires a simple list of readily available, fresh ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need, along with some helpful tips and potential swaps to ensure your soup is absolutely perfect every time:
| Ingredient | Swaps / Tips for Best Results |
|---|---|
| Gnocchi | You have flexibility here! Use frozen, shelf-stable, or even homemade gnocchi. Shelf-stable varieties (often found near dry pasta) typically cook the fastest. Remember that cook time may vary slightly depending on the type you choose, so always refer to package instructions and reduce the cooking time by about a minute to achieve al dente perfection in the soup. |
| Chicken | For ultimate speed and convenience, a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is your best friend. Simply shred it and add it towards the end. If you have leftover grilled or baked chicken, those work beautifully too. You can also cook raw chicken breast or thighs (diced or shredded) directly in the pot before adding vegetables, then remove, shred, and add back later. |
| Spinach | Fresh baby spinach wilts quickly and adds a fresh, vibrant green hue and a touch of iron without overpowering the flavor. For sturdier greens with a slightly bitter note and more chew, consider swapping in chopped kale or Swiss chard. If using kale or chard, add it a few minutes earlier than the spinach to allow it ample time to soften. |
| Cream & Milk | This combination is crucial for creating the soup’s signature rich, creamy base. Whole milk offers the best richness and body, but 2% milk can also work in a pinch for a slightly lighter consistency. For an even lighter soup, opt for half & half instead of heavy cream. If you’re seeking extra indulgence and a truly decadent soup, don’t hesitate to add a little more heavy cream! |
| Seasoning Blend | Our blend includes a classic Italian seasoning mix, dried oregano, and dried thyme, which together provide a warm, herbaceous, and deeply aromatic foundation for the soup. For a delightful variation, a pinch of dried rosemary can add a lovely piney aroma, or a tiny grating of fresh nutmeg can elevate the creamy notes beautifully. Salt and freshly ground black pepper are, of course, essential to taste and balance all the flavors. |
| Aromatics (Mirepoix) | Diced yellow onion, celery, and carrots form the traditional “mirepoix,” a foundational aromatic base that is key to building deep flavor in many soups and stews. Freshly minced garlic adds an indispensable pungent and savory kick that truly makes the soup sing. |
| Flour & Butter (Roux) | These two ingredients are crucial for creating the roux, which is what thickens the soup into its luxurious, creamy consistency. Using unsalted butter allows you to have precise control over the overall saltiness of your finished dish. |
| Chicken Broth | Reduced-sodium chicken broth is recommended as it gives you more control over the salt content, ensuring your soup is perfectly seasoned without becoming overly salty. For an even richer, homemade taste, consider using homemade chicken broth if available. |
| Bay Leaf | A single bay leaf adds a subtle, earthy, and slightly floral aroma to the soup as it simmers. It infuses a background depth of flavor that is essential to many classic soup recipes. Remember to remove it before serving, as it’s not meant for consumption! |
Step-by-Step Guide: How To Make Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Making this delightful soup is incredibly straightforward, even for novice cooks. Follow these easy, step-by-step instructions for a perfect, creamy bowl of Chicken Gnocchi Soup every single time:
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced yellow onion, celery, and carrots. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 7-9 minutes, or until the vegetables have softened and become translucent. Stir in 2 teaspoons of minced garlic and cook for just another 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning and release its delightful, fragrant aroma.
- Build the Flavor Base and Roux: Add the salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, chicken bouillon powder, dried parsley, dried oregano, and dried thyme to the softened vegetables. Stir these spices for about 15 seconds, allowing them to bloom in the hot oil and release their full flavor. Add 5 tablespoons of unsalted butter and stir until it completely melts, coating all the vegetables and seasonings. Sprinkle 6 tablespoons of all-purpose flour evenly over the vegetables and melted butter. Whisk constantly for 1 minute. This crucial step cooks out the raw flour taste and creates the roux, which will thicken your soup beautifully.
- Create the Creamy Broth: Gradually pour in 3 cups of reduced-sodium chicken broth, a little at a time, continuing to whisk vigorously until the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened, with no lumps remaining. Add the bay leaf, 2 cups of whole milk, and 1/3 cup of heavy cream. Stir well to combine all ingredients. Bring the entire mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Gnocchi: Once the soup mixture is boiling, add the 16-ounce package of gnocchi. Cook according to the package instructions, but aim to reduce the cooking time by about 1 minute. This ensures the gnocchi will be perfectly tender-chewy (al dente) and not overly soft or mushy, as they will continue to absorb liquid and cook slightly once the heat is reduced.
- Finish with Freshness and Protein: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in 2 cups of fresh baby spinach and 2 cups of shredded rotisserie chicken. Cook for just 1-2 minutes, or until the spinach has wilted and the chicken is thoroughly heated through. Remove and discard the bay leaf. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt or pepper if desired to achieve your perfect flavor balance.
- Serve Warm: Ladle the steaming hot soup into individual bowls. If you like, garnish each serving with a sprinkle of fresh thyme, a touch of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, or some crusty breadcrumbs for an extra layer of flavor and texture. Serve immediately with hearty buttered bread for dipping.
Expert Tips for the Best Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Achieving the perfect bowl of creamy chicken gnocchi soup is simple with a few insider tips:
- Don’t Overcook the Gnocchi: Gnocchi cooks surprisingly quickly! Overcooking them will result in a mushy, less appealing texture. Always aim to reduce the package’s suggested cook time by about a minute, and remove them from the heat as soon as they float and are tender-chewy.
- Building the Roux is Key: The roux is your secret weapon for a truly creamy soup. Whisking the flour and butter together for a full minute before adding the broth is essential. This not only cooks out the raw flour taste but also ensures a smooth, lump-free, and perfectly thickened base.
- Gradually Add Broth: When adding the chicken broth, pour it in slowly, a little at a time, while continuously whisking vigorously. This technique is vital for preventing lumps and achieving a perfectly smooth, velvety soup consistency.
- Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Always taste your soup before serving and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. Different brands of broth and even different types of pre-cooked chicken can vary significantly in their sodium content.
- Fresh Herbs for Garnish: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or thyme just before serving not only brightens the flavors but also adds an appealing visual touch, making your homemade soup look as good as it tastes.
- Using Raw Chicken: If you prefer to use raw chicken instead of rotisserie, simply cube 1 to 1.5 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, season them with a pinch of salt and pepper, and sauté them in the pot with a tablespoon of oil until cooked through before adding the vegetables. Remove the cooked chicken, proceed with the recipe, and then add the chicken back into the pot along with the spinach.
What To Serve With Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup: Complementary Sides
This hearty and satisfying soup is fantastic on its own, but pairing it with the right side dishes can elevate your meal into a truly memorable experience. Here are some delicious ideas to complement your creamy chicken gnocchi soup:
- Crusty Bread or Dinner Rolls: A warm, crusty loaf of no-knead bread, a fresh baguette, or soft, fluffy dinner rolls are absolutely perfect for soaking up every last drop of the rich, creamy broth. A slice of garlic bread is also a fantastic, flavorful choice!
- Fresh Side Salad: To cut through the richness of the soup and add a refreshing element to your meal, a light and crisp Olive Garden copycat salad or a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette makes an excellent accompaniment.
- Roasted Vegetables: A side of tender, slightly caramelized roasted vegetables, such as broccoli florets, asparagus spears, or colorful bell peppers, adds extra nutrients and a lovely textural contrast to the hearty soup.
- Cheesy Biscuits: Warm, flaky, and intensely cheesy biscuits, like these delicious Red Lobster copycat cheddar biscuits, are an indulgent pairing that’s incredibly satisfying for dipping.
- Light Fruit Salad: For a refreshing finish or a lighter side dish, a vibrant Winter Fruit Salad or any seasonal fruit salad provides a sweet, tangy, and palate-cleansing contrast to the savory soup.
Storage, Reheating, and Freezing Tips for Gnocchi Soup
Storage & Reheating
Chicken Gnocchi Soup, like many dishes featuring pasta or dumplings, is truly best enjoyed fresh on the day it’s made. The gnocchi, being made of potato, tends to soak up liquid and can become quite soft or even mushy if stored directly in the soup for too long. If you anticipate having leftovers or are preparing this soup ahead of time, here’s my top tip:
- Cook Gnocchi Separately: For optimal texture, cook the gnocchi separately and add them to individual servings of soup just before eating. This preserves their perfect tender-chewy consistency.
- Storing Leftovers: If you do have leftover soup with gnocchi already added, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. You might find that the soup has thickened considerably; if so, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to thin it out to your desired consistency.
Freezing
Freezing this soup is possible, but it comes with a caveat regarding texture. The gnocchi will almost certainly change when frozen and thawed, becoming much softer, potentially crumbly, or even dissolving a bit into the broth. Additionally, dairy-based soups can sometimes separate or become slightly grainy after being frozen and reheated. For the best possible results if you wish to freeze this soup, I highly recommend making and freezing only the creamy base (without the gnocchi or spinach) and then cooking fresh gnocchi and stirring in fresh spinach when you reheat the thawed soup base.
Variations and Customizations for Your Gnocchi Soup
Make It Your Own!
This creamy chicken gnocchi soup recipe is incredibly versatile and can be easily adapted to suit various tastes, dietary preferences, or simply whatever ingredients you have on hand. Don’t hesitate to get creative!
- Vegetarian Gnocchi Soup: To make this recipe vegetarian, simply omit the chicken entirely and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can add extra vegetables like diced zucchini, sliced mushrooms, green beans, or even a can of drained cannellini beans or chickpeas for added plant-based protein and fiber.
- Different Proteins: Instead of chicken, try a delicious sausage gnocchi soup version using Italian sausage (mild or spicy). Cook the sausage first, then remove it, drain any excess fat, and proceed with the recipe, adding the cooked, crumbled sausage back in with the spinach. Cooked shrimp, pre-cooked turkey, or even small pre-made meatballs could also be interesting and tasty additions.
- Add More Greens: Beyond spinach, consider incorporating other leafy greens like baby kale, Swiss chard, or even finely chopped collard greens for an extra nutritional boost. Remember to add heartier greens a few minutes earlier to ensure they soften properly.
- Spice It Up: For those who enjoy a bit of a kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the other seasonings in step 2. You can increase the amount to your desired level of heat.
- Cheese Please: For an even richer, cheesier flavor profile, stir in some freshly grated Parmesan cheese, Pecorino Romano, or a dollop of creamy mascarpone cheese at the very end of cooking. These cheeses melt beautifully into the broth, adding depth and decadence.
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Print Recipe
Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Chelsea Lords
This Chicken Gnocchi Soup is the ultimate creamy comfort food! Ready in just 30 minutes, this one-pot meal is generously packed with tender gnocchi, fresh vegetables, and succulent chicken, making it ideal for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner.
20 minutes
10 minutes
30 minutes
6 servings
Video Overview
A video tutorial for this recipe would typically be embedded here, offering a visual guide to the cooking process.
Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
Ingredients
(Amounts listed below are for 6 servings)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup diced yellow onion
- 3/4 cup diced celery
- 3/4 cup diced carrot
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 (16-ounce) package gnocchi
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
- fresh thyme (optional, for garnish)
- Hearty buttered bread (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced yellow onion, celery, and carrots. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 7–9 minutes until the vegetables are tender and slightly softened. Stir in 2 teaspoons of minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring constantly until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Build the Flavor Base and Roux: Stir in 1/8 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon powder, 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley, 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, and 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme. Cook for 15 seconds, stirring to lightly toast the spices and release their aroma. Add 5 tablespoons of unsalted butter and stir until it completely melts, coating all the vegetables and seasonings. Sprinkle 6 tablespoons of all-purpose flour evenly over the vegetables and melted butter. Whisk constantly for 1 minute. This step creates the roux and cooks out the raw flour taste, essential for a smooth, thick soup.
- Create the Creamy Broth: Gradually pour in 3 cups of reduced-sodium chicken broth, a little at a time, continuing to whisk vigorously until the mixture is completely smooth and slightly thickened, with no lumps. Add the bay leaf, 2 cups of whole milk, and 1/3 cup of heavy cream. Stir well to combine all ingredients thoroughly. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Cook the Gnocchi: Once the soup mixture is boiling, add the entire 16-ounce package of gnocchi. Cook according to the package instructions, but it is recommended to reduce the cooking time by 1 minute. This ensures the gnocchi will be perfectly tender-chewy (al dente) and prevents them from becoming mushy, as they will continue to absorb liquid once the heat is reduced.
- Finish with Freshness and Protein: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in 2 cups of fresh baby spinach and 2 cups of shredded rotisserie chicken. Cook for just 1–2 minutes until the spinach is wilted and the chicken is thoroughly heated through. Remove and discard the bay leaf. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning (salt and pepper) as needed to achieve your perfect flavor balance.
- Serve Warm: Ladle the steaming hot soup into individual bowls. If desired, garnish with a sprinkle of fresh thyme or freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an extra touch of flavor and visual appeal. Serve immediately with hearty buttered bread on the side for dipping.
Recipe Notes
Storage: To store Chicken Gnocchi Soup leftovers, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Be aware that the gnocchi will continue to absorb liquid and may become softer and expand over time, affecting their texture. For best gnocchi texture, consider cooking the gnocchi separately and adding them to individual servings of soup just before eating.
Reheating: When reheating leftover soup with gnocchi already added, do so gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently, or in the microwave in short bursts. You might find that the soup has thickened considerably; if so, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to thin it out to your desired consistency. Avoid boiling rapidly, which can further break down the gnocchi.
Freezing: Freezing this soup is possible, but it comes with a caveat regarding texture. The gnocchi will almost certainly change when frozen and thawed, often becoming much softer, potentially crumbly, or even dissolving a bit into the broth. Additionally, dairy-based soups can sometimes separate or become slightly grainy after being frozen and reheated. For the best possible results if you wish to freeze this soup, I highly recommend making and freezing only the creamy soup base (without the gnocchi or spinach) and then cooking fresh gnocchi and stirring in fresh spinach when you reheat the thawed soup base.
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 1 serving | Calories: 440kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 30g | Fat: 27g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 0.4g | Cholesterol: 128mg | Sodium: 456mg | Potassium: 442mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 4292IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 152mg | Iron: 2mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation.