Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

There’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting bowl of creamy chicken gnocchi soup on a chilly day. With its rich, velvety broth, tender chunks of chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a medley of hearty vegetables, this soup is the ultimate cozy meal.

I first fell in love with this dish after trying it at a small Italian café on a rainy afternoon. It was so warm and satisfying that I knew I had to recreate it at home. After a few tweaks, I came up with a version that’s just as indulgent but incredibly easy to make—perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.

If you're looking for a quick, one-pot meal that the whole family will love, this creamy chicken gnocchi soup is the answer. Let's dive into what makes it so special!

Why You'll Love This Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Get ready to fall in love with a soup that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. This creamy chicken gnocchi soup is pure comfort food in a bowl.

First, it’s a quick and effortless meal. With just a handful of ingredients and a single pot, you can have this soup ready in under 30 minutes—perfect for those busy evenings when you need something fast but satisfying.

It's also budget-friendly. This recipe uses simple, affordable pantry staples like chicken, broth, and cream, making it an economical choice without sacrificing flavor.

The creamy texture and pillowy gnocchi make every bite irresistible. If you’re a fan of rich, velvety soups, this one will quickly become a staple in your meal rotation.

Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover rotisserie chicken or veggies you have in the fridge. This soup is incredibly versatile, so you can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your taste.

Once you try this creamy chicken gnocchi soup, you’ll find yourself making it again and again!

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this soup lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each one plays a key role in creating the perfect balance of creamy, savory goodness.

Start with boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs. While both work well, I prefer thighs because they stay extra tender and juicy. If you're short on time, shredded rotisserie chicken is an easy shortcut.

Gnocchi is the star of this dish. These little potato dumplings add a deliciously soft, pillowy texture to the soup. You can use store-bought gnocchi, or if you’re feeling adventurous, homemade gnocchi takes it to the next level.

For a rich and flavorful broth, use a combination of chicken broth and heavy cream. The broth adds depth, while the cream gives the soup its signature velvety texture. If you want a lighter version, half-and-half or whole milk can be substituted, though the soup won’t be quite as creamy.

Fresh vegetables like carrots, celery, and spinach add color, flavor, and nutrition. The spinach wilts beautifully into the broth, giving the soup a pop of freshness. If you’re not a fan of spinach, kale is a great alternative.

A touch of garlic, onion, and Italian seasoning brings everything together with a warm, aromatic depth. Don’t skip these—they make all the difference in flavor!

You’ll also need a large soup pot or Dutch oven to cook everything in one go. Keeping it all in one pot makes cleanup a breeze!

How To Make This Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Making this soup is easier than you think. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a rich, creamy bowl of comfort ready to enjoy.

Start by heating a drizzle of olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté until softened. This step helps release their natural sweetness and builds a flavorful base for the soup. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Next, add your chopped chicken to the pot. If using raw chicken, cook until it's no longer pink, stirring occasionally. If using rotisserie chicken, simply stir it in and let it warm through. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper, coating everything in those delicious flavors.

Pour in the chicken broth and bring the soup to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This is when the magic starts to happen—the broth absorbs all the savory goodness from the chicken and veggies.

Once the broth is ready, add the gnocchi. These little dumplings cook quickly, usually in just 3-4 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they float to the surface. Be careful not to overcook them, or they’ll become too soft.

Finally, stir in the heavy cream and fresh spinach. The cream thickens the soup into a luscious, velvety consistency, while the spinach wilts beautifully into the broth. Let everything heat through for another 2 minutes, then taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Your creamy chicken gnocchi soup is now ready to serve! From start to finish, this entire dish comes together in just about 30 minutes—perfect for a cozy, fuss-free dinner.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers, you’re in luck—this soup stores beautifully!

To refrigerate, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep in mind that the gnocchi may absorb some of the broth, so you might need to add a splash of chicken broth or cream when reheating.

For longer storage, you can freeze this soup, but with one small adjustment—it's best to freeze it without the gnocchi. Since gnocchi can become mushy after freezing, simply prepare the soup up until the point of adding them. Let it cool, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, reheat the soup, then add fresh gnocchi and cook until tender.

To reheat, warm the soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If it’s too thick, just add a little extra broth or cream to loosen it up.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this creamy chicken gnocchi soup is how easy it is to customize. Here are some fun variations to try:

For a lighter version, swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk. It won’t be quite as thick, but it will still be deliciously creamy.

If you want to add extra protein, try using Italian sausage instead of chicken. The bold flavors of sausage pair beautifully with the creamy broth, making for an even heartier dish.

For a vegetarian-friendly option, simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead. You can add more vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers for extra flavor and texture.

Love spice? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to give the soup a little heat.

You can also experiment with different greens—while spinach is classic, kale or Swiss chard add a slightly earthier flavor and hold up well in the creamy broth.

No matter how you customize it, this creamy chicken gnocchi soup is a guaranteed hit. So grab a bowl, cozy up, and enjoy every spoonful!

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