There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of soup to bring comfort and joy on a chilly day, and if you’re a fan of creamy, hearty dishes, this recipe is for you. Imagine tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and fresh vegetables swimming in a luscious, creamy broth. This Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup is not only a restaurant-quality dish you can make at home, but it also combines flavor, texture, and nutrition in one pot.
Perfect for family dinners or cozy nights, this recipe will quickly become a favorite. Whether you’re a seasoned home chef or new to the kitchen, you’ll love how easy it is to prepare and how satisfying it is to eat.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 40 minutes, this soup is perfect for busy weeknights.
- Family-Friendly: The creamy texture and comforting flavors make it a hit with kids and adults alike.
- Nutritious: Packed with protein, veggies, and hearty gnocchi, it’s a well-rounded meal.
- Versatile: Easily adaptable to different dietary preferences.
- Restaurant-Quality: Impress your guests with this gourmet soup made at home.
Nutrition Information:
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 pound chicken breast, cooked and shredded
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 pound gnocchi
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Ingredients and Substitutions
- Chicken: Use shredded rotisserie chicken for convenience or substitute with turkey for a post-holiday twist.
- Gnocchi: Regular potato gnocchi works best, but cauliflower gnocchi is a great gluten-free option.
- Spinach: Swap with kale or Swiss chard for a different leafy green.
- Heavy Cream and Milk: For a lighter version, use half-and-half or unsweetened almond milk.
- Parmesan Cheese: Nutritional yeast can be used as a dairy-free alternative.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup (Step-by-Step)
- Prep Your Ingredients: Begin by dicing your vegetables, shredding the chicken, and measuring out the liquids and spices. Prepping ahead saves time and ensures a smooth cooking process.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot and sauté the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery until fragrant and softened. This step builds a flavorful base for the soup.
- Build the Broth: Add the shredded chicken, chicken broth, cream, and milk to the pot. Stir in the thyme, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Cook the Gnocchi: Stir in the gnocchi and cook for 3-5 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they float to the top.
- Finish with Spinach and Parmesan: Stir in the spinach and Parmesan cheese. Cook for another 2 minutes until the spinach is wilted and the soup is creamy.
- Taste and Serve: Adjust the seasoning if needed and serve hot. Garnish with extra Parmesan if desired.
Expert Tips for Success
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and high-quality Parmesan cheese make all the difference in flavor.
- Don’t Overcook the Gnocchi: Overcooking can make them mushy. Keep an eye on them as they cook.
- Season incrementally: tasting as you proceed and adjusting to suit your preferences.
- Add Spinach at the End: Adding spinach too early can make it lose its vibrant green color and texture.
- Thicken to Your Liking: If you prefer a thicker soup, use a cornstarch slurry or mash a few cooked gnocchi into the broth.
Variations and Customizations
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free gnocchi and ensure the broth is gluten-free.
- Vegetarian: Replace chicken with chickpeas or tofu, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Incorporate red pepper flakes or a touch of hot sauce to enhance the dish with a spicy kick.
- Herbaceous: Add fresh basil or parsley for a burst of freshness.
- Lighter Version: Use low-fat milk and omit the heavy cream for a lighter soup.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Storing: Ensure the soup has fully cooled before placing it in an airtight container for storage. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: While the soup can be frozen, note that the texture of the gnocchi and cream may change slightly. Freeze in individual portions for convenience.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even reheating. Add a splash of broth or milk to thin it out if needed.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with crusty bread or garlic knots for dipping.
- Serve alongside a crisp Caesar salad for a complete meal.
- Top with freshly cracked black pepper and a drizzle of olive oil for extra flavor.
- Add a side of roasted vegetables for an additional nutritional boost.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! This soup reheats beautifully. Simply store it in the refrigerator and reheat it when ready to serve.
Q: Can I use frozen spinach?
A: Yes, frozen spinach works well. Thaw and drain it before adding to the soup.
Q: How can I make this dairy-free?
A: Use coconut milk or almond milk instead of heavy cream and milk, and replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast.
Q: Can I use fresh gnocchi instead of packaged?
A: Definitely! Fresh gnocchi cooks even faster and adds an extra layer of texture.
Q: Is this soup suitable for meal prep?
A: Yes! Make a big batch and store individual servings in the fridge or freezer for quick meals.
Related Recipes
- Creamy Tomato Basil Soup
- Loaded Potato Soup
- Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
- Spinach and Tortellini Soup
- Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Conclusion
This Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup is the perfect combination of comfort and convenience. With its rich, velvety broth, tender chicken, and hearty gnocchi, it’s a dish that will leave everyone at the table satisfied. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or impressing guests, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your home. Try it today and enjoy the warmth and flavor it brings to your table!
Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 po chicken breast, cooked and shredded
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 po gnocchi
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5 minutes until vegetables are softened.
- Stir in shredded chicken, chicken broth, heavy cream, and milk. Add thyme, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add gnocchi to the pot and cook for 3-5 minutes or until the gnocchi floats to the top.
- Stir in spinach and Parmesan cheese, cooking for another 2 minutes until spinach is wilted.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot with extra Parmesan on top, if desired.
Notes
- For a thicker soup, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir it into the soup before adding the spinach.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.