Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

There's nothing quite like a warm, comforting bowl of Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup on a chilly evening. The combination of tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a rich, creamy broth makes this dish a true crowd-pleaser. With its cozy texture and indulgent flavor, it's like a hug in a bowl.

I first discovered this recipe during a trip to my favorite Italian restaurant, and after one spoonful, I knew I had to recreate it at home. After a bit of experimenting, I perfected this version that's not only easy to make but also tastes just as good—if not better—than the restaurant favorite.

Why You'll Love This Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup

This Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. It's packed with comforting flavors, and it's surprisingly simple to make.

First off, this recipe is quick and easy. It comes together in just about 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknights when you want something hearty but don't have hours to spend in the kitchen.

It's also budget-friendly. You can feed a whole family using basic, affordable ingredients, and you'll still get a restaurant-quality meal without the hefty price tag.

Plus, it's versatile. You can easily swap out ingredients to suit your dietary preferences or use up what you already have in your pantry. Whether you want to make it vegetarian or add an extra protein boost, this soup adapts beautifully.

Most importantly, this soup is pure comfort food. The creamy broth, soft gnocchi, and savory chicken create a flavor combination that feels like home.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each component plays a key role in making the soup as delicious and satisfying as possible.

Chicken is the star of this dish. I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, as they remain tender and juicy while cooking. If you're in a pinch, rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saving alternative.

Gnocchi adds that signature pillowy texture. You can find fresh, refrigerated, or shelf-stable gnocchi in most grocery stores. If you're feeling adventurous, homemade gnocchi will take this soup to the next level.

The broth is a rich combination of chicken stock and heavy cream. This creates the velvety, luxurious base that makes this soup so irresistible. For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half or even whole milk.

Vegetables like carrots, celery, and spinach provide balance and nutrition. They add subtle sweetness and freshness that complement the creamy richness of the soup.

To tie it all together, garlic and Italian seasoning bring in a deep, aromatic flavor that makes this dish truly unforgettable.

How To Make This Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Making this soup is incredibly simple, and it all comes together in just a few steps.

Start by cooking the chicken. In a large pot, heat a bit of olive oil over medium heat and add the diced chicken. Cook until it's golden brown on the outside and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set it aside.

In the same pot, sauté the vegetables. Add diced onions, carrots, and celery, cooking until they soften. Stir in minced garlic and Italian seasoning, letting the flavors bloom for about a minute.

Next, add the broth and bring to a simmer. Pour in the chicken broth and let it come to a gentle boil. This allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Once the broth is simmering, stir in the gnocchi and chicken. The gnocchi will cook directly in the broth, becoming soft and tender in just a few minutes.

Finally, add the cream and spinach. Pour in the heavy cream and toss in fresh spinach leaves, stirring until the spinach wilts and the soup becomes rich and creamy. Give it a final taste test and adjust the seasoning as needed.

This entire process takes about 30 minutes from start to finish, making it a perfect meal for busy weeknights.

Storage Options

This Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup stores beautifully, making it great for meal prep.

If you have leftovers, allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

For longer storage, you can freeze it. However, keep in mind that dairy-based soups can sometimes separate when frozen. If you plan to freeze it, consider leaving out the cream and adding it when reheating. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

To reheat, warm the soup over low heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally. If it thickens too much, simply add a splash of broth or milk to bring back the creamy consistency.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this soup is its flexibility! Here are a few easy ways to switch things up:

If you’re looking for a vegetarian version, skip the chicken and use vegetable broth instead. You can also add more veggies like mushrooms or bell peppers for extra flavor and texture.

For a low-carb alternative, swap the gnocchi for cauliflower florets or zucchini noodles. This keeps the dish creamy and satisfying without the added carbs.

Want to add a bit more protein? Try tossing in some crumbled Italian sausage or crispy bacon for an extra layer of savory goodness.

To make it dairy-free, use coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative. The flavor will be slightly different, but it will still be creamy and delicious.

Experiment with different herbs and seasonings! Fresh basil, thyme, or a pinch of red pepper flakes can add an extra burst of flavor.

No matter how you customize it, this Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup is sure to become a family favorite!

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