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 velvety broth, tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a blend of aromatic herbs, this soup is pure comfort in a bowl. Each spoonful is packed with rich, creamy goodness that will have your family coming back for more.

I first fell in love with this recipe after tasting a similar version at a local Italian restaurant. Determined to recreate it at home, I played around with ingredients and techniques until I landed on this perfect balance of flavors. Now, it's a go-to dish in my household—especially during the colder months when we crave something hearty and satisfying.

Why You'll Love This Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite cozy meal. This Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup is more than just a delicious dinner—it's a lifesaver for busy nights and a surefire crowd-pleaser.

First, it's quick and easy to make. You can have this restaurant-quality soup on the table in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknights when time is tight.

Second, it's incredibly comforting. The combination of tender chicken, fluffy gnocchi, and a rich, creamy broth creates a texture and taste that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.

This recipe is also budget-friendly. Using simple, pantry-staple ingredients like chicken broth, cream, and gnocchi, you can create a hearty meal without spending a fortune.

Lastly, it's versatile and customizable. Whether you want to add extra veggies, swap out the protein, or make it dairy-free, there are plenty of ways to adapt this soup to suit your dietary needs.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup lies in its simple, high-quality ingredients. Each one plays a key role in delivering that signature rich and comforting flavor.

Chicken: I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs for this recipe. They cook quickly and stay tender, making them perfect for a quick soup. Rotisserie chicken is also a great shortcut if you're short on time.

Gnocchi: These soft, pillowy dumplings are the heart of this dish. You can use store-bought potato gnocchi for convenience or make your own from scratch if you have extra time.

Heavy Cream: The key to achieving a luscious, creamy texture is heavy cream. If you prefer a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or whole milk, though the soup will be less rich.

Chicken Broth: A good-quality chicken broth provides depth of flavor. If you want an even richer taste, use homemade chicken stock instead of store-bought broth.

Vegetables and Seasonings: Onions, garlic, carrots, and spinach add texture, color, and nutrition to this soup. A dash of Italian seasoning and black pepper enhances the flavor profile beautifully.

How To Make This Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Making this soup is easier than you might think. Follow these simple steps, and you'll have a steaming bowl of deliciousness ready in no time.

Start by sautéing your aromatics. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onions, minced garlic, and chopped carrots, cooking until they soften and become fragrant.

Next, add the chicken. If using raw chicken, dice it into bite-sized pieces and add it to the pot. Let it cook until it's no longer pink. If you're using rotisserie chicken, simply shred it and stir it in later.

Pour in chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This helps develop the soup's flavor and ensures all the ingredients meld together beautifully.

Now, add the gnocchi. These little dumplings cook quickly—usually within 3-4 minutes. You'll know they're ready when they float to the top of the soup.

Reduce the heat and stir in the heavy cream and spinach. The cream adds a luxurious texture, while the spinach brings a fresh pop of color and nutrients. Let everything simmer for a few more minutes until the spinach wilts and the flavors meld.

Finally, taste and adjust the seasoning. A sprinkle of salt, black pepper, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes can enhance the soup’s flavor. Serve hot and enjoy!

Storage Options

This soup stores well, making it great for meal prep. Here’s how to keep it fresh:

For refrigeration, let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days.

For freezing, portion the soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little space at the top for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. Keep in mind that the gnocchi may soften slightly upon reheating, but the flavor will remain delicious.

To reheat, warm the soup over medium-low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally. If the consistency is too thick, add a splash of broth or cream to loosen it up.

Variations and Substitutions

The beauty of this soup is how adaptable it is. Here are a few ideas to change things up:

Want to make it dairy-free? Swap the heavy cream for coconut milk or a plant-based alternative. The flavor will change slightly but remain creamy and delicious.

Looking for a low-carb option? Replace the gnocchi with cauliflower florets or zucchini noodles to cut down on the carbs while keeping it hearty.

Need more protein? Stir in some crumbled Italian sausage or bacon bits for extra flavor and richness.

Prefer a veggie-packed version? Add diced mushrooms, bell peppers, or peas to bulk up the soup with more nutrients.

Craving extra spice? A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce can give the soup a subtle kick.

However you choose to make it, this Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup is sure to become a staple in your home. Enjoy experimenting with different ingredients and flavors to make it your own!

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