I’ll never forget the first time I tasted chicken gnocchi soup at a restaurant and immediately thought, “I need to make this at home.” That pillowy gnocchi swimming in a rich, creamy broth with tender chicken pieces was pure comfort in a bowl.
After several attempts (including one where I accidentally overcooked the gnocchi into mush), I’ve perfected this chicken gnocchi soup recipe that rivals any restaurant version. The best part is that it comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you’re craving something hearty and satisfying.
This soup has become my go-to whenever someone in my family feels under the weather or when we just need a cozy meal to warm us up from the inside out.
| Quick Recipe Summary | |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 20 minutes |
| Total Time | 30 minutes |
| Servings | 6 servings |
| Difficulty Level | Easy |
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
This soup delivers restaurant-quality results without the hefty price tag or long hours in the kitchen. The creamy broth coats each tender gnocchi pillow perfectly, while the vegetables add color, nutrition, and a pleasant texture contrast.
I love that you can have this on the table faster than ordering takeout. The ingredients are straightforward, and you probably already have most of them in your pantry.
Here’s what makes this recipe truly special:
- Quick and easy: Ready in just 30 minutes from start to finish
- One-pot wonder: Minimal cleanup means more time to enjoy your meal
- Customizable: Easily adaptable to dietary preferences and what you have on hand
- Crowd-pleaser: Even picky eaters love the pillowy gnocchi and creamy broth
- Budget-friendly: Uses affordable ingredients without sacrificing flavor
- Meal prep friendly: Makes great leftovers for easy lunches throughout the week
- Nutritious: Packed with protein from chicken and vegetables for a balanced meal
This pairs beautifully with my homemade biscuit recipe for the ultimate comfort food experience.
Ingredients
The ingredient list is simple and uses items you can find at any grocery store. I’ve found that using fresh vegetables makes a noticeable difference in the final flavor, though frozen spinach works in a pinch.
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
- 1 pound (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 3 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cups (960ml) chicken broth, low-sodium preferred
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- 1 pound (450g) potato gnocchi, shelf-stable or refrigerated
- 3 cups (90g) fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, plus more to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, freshly grated if possible
- 1/2 cup (50g) Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 2 tablespoons (16g) all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
Kitchen Equipment Needed
Having the right tools makes this recipe even easier to prepare. Don’t worry if you don’t have everything on this list, as most items are standard kitchen equipment.
- Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed soup pot (at least 6 quarts)
- Sharp chef’s knife for chopping vegetables
- Cutting board
- Wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula for stirring
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Ladle for serving
- Grater for fresh Parmesan cheese
Recommended Products for This Recipe
After making this soup countless times, I’ve discovered a few products that truly elevate the final result and make the cooking process smoother.
1. Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven
I’ve been using my Le Creuset for years, and it distributes heat so evenly that nothing sticks or burns. The heavy lid traps moisture perfectly, creating the creamiest broth texture. This pot will last you decades and works for everything from soups to bread baking.
2. De Cecco Potato Gnocchi
Not all gnocchi is created equal, and I learned this the hard way. De Cecco makes incredibly tender gnocchi that holds its shape without becoming mushy or falling apart in the soup. The texture is just like fresh homemade gnocchi but without all the work.
3. Pacific Foods Organic Chicken Broth
The quality of your broth makes or breaks this soup. Pacific Foods uses organic ingredients and has a rich, full-bodied flavor that tastes homemade. I always keep several cartons in my pantry for recipes like this.
4. Microplane Premium Zester Grater
Freshly grated nutmeg transforms this soup from good to extraordinary. This grater makes it effortless to add that warm, aromatic touch that sets restaurant-style soups apart. It’s also perfect for grating fresh Parmesan right into the bowl.
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Follow these detailed steps for perfect results every time. I’ve included all the little tips I’ve learned through trial and error so you can avoid my mistakes.
1. Prepare the Chicken and Vegetables
- Dice the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch (2.5cm) cubes for even cooking.
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to help it brown properly instead of steaming.
- Finely dice the onion, keeping the pieces small so they melt into the soup.
- Mince the garlic cloves, or use a garlic press for even finer texture.
- Peel and dice the carrots into uniform pieces about 1/4-inch (6mm) thick.
- Dice the celery stalks to match the carrot size for consistent cooking.
- Roughly chop the fresh spinach if the leaves are large, or leave smaller leaves whole.
- Grate the Parmesan cheese fresh for the best melting quality and flavor.
2. Sauté the Chicken
- Heat the olive oil in your Dutch oven or large pot over medium-high heat until it shimmers.
- Add the diced chicken in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pot.
- Season the chicken with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown on most sides and cooked through.
- The chicken doesn’t need to be completely cooked at this point since it will continue cooking in the soup.
- Remove the chicken from the pot using a slotted spoon and set it aside on a plate.
3. Build the Soup Base
- In the same pot with the remaining oil and chicken drippings, add the diced onion.
- Sauté the onion for 3-4 minutes over medium heat until it becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Add the minced garlic and stir constantly for about 30 seconds until aromatic but not browned.
- Toss in the diced carrots and celery, stirring to coat them in the flavorful oil.
- Cook the vegetables for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften slightly.
- The carrots should still have some firmness since they’ll continue cooking in the broth.
Another favorite: Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe
4. Add the Liquids and Seasonings
- Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot with your wooden spoon to release any browned bits.
- Those browned bits (fond) add incredible depth of flavor to your soup.
- Stir in the dried thyme, dried basil, remaining salt, black pepper, and nutmeg.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
- This allows the vegetables to become tender and the flavors to meld together.
5. Cook the Gnocchi
- Add the gnocchi directly to the simmering soup, stirring gently to prevent sticking.
- Fresh or shelf-stable gnocchi will cook in about 3-4 minutes.
- You’ll know the gnocchi is done when it floats to the surface of the soup.
- Be careful not to overcook the gnocchi, or it will become mushy and fall apart.
- Stir occasionally but gently to avoid breaking the delicate gnocchi pillows.
6. Finish with Cream and Greens
- Return the cooked chicken to the pot along with any accumulated juices from the plate.
- Pour in the heavy cream, stirring gently to incorporate it throughout the soup.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, whisk the flour with a few tablespoons of broth until smooth, then stir it into the soup.
- Add the chopped spinach and stir until it wilts, which takes about 1-2 minutes.
- The residual heat will cook the spinach perfectly without overcooking it.
- Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into the creamy broth.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
Read Also: Best Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe
7. Serve and Enjoy
- Ladle the hot soup into bowls, making sure each serving gets plenty of gnocchi, chicken, and vegetables.
- Garnish with extra grated Parmesan cheese and a crack of fresh black pepper if desired.
- Serve immediately while the soup is hot and the gnocchi is at its best texture.
- The soup will thicken slightly as it sits, so add a splash of broth or cream when reheating if needed.
Tips for The Best Chicken Gnocchi Soup
After making this soup dozens of times, I’ve picked up some tricks that guarantee perfect results every time.
- Don’t skip browning the chicken: This step creates a flavorful fond that adds richness to the entire soup.
- Use fresh spinach when possible: Fresh spinach has better texture and flavor than frozen, though frozen works in a pinch.
- Add gnocchi just before serving: If making ahead, cook the gnocchi separately and add it when reheating to prevent mushiness.
- Grate your own Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
- Season in layers: Add salt and pepper at different stages rather than all at once for more complex flavor.
- Control the thickness: Use more or less cream depending on your preference, or add the optional flour slurry.
- Choose quality broth: Since broth is a main component, use low-sodium, high-quality chicken broth for best results.
- Cut vegetables uniformly: This ensures everything cooks at the same rate.
- Keep the simmer gentle: Aggressive boiling can break up the gnocchi and make the soup cloudy.
- Taste before serving: Every batch needs slightly different seasoning adjustments.
- Use room temperature cream: This prevents the soup from cooling down too much when you add it.
You might also enjoy: Italian Wedding Soup Recipe
Serving Suggestions
This hearty soup works beautifully as a complete meal, but pairing it with the right sides takes it to the next level.
Serve this chicken gnocchi soup with crusty bread for dipping into that creamy broth. I love serving it alongside Sourdough Focaccia or warm garlic bread.
For a lighter accompaniment, try these options:
- A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness
- Coleslaw for a crunchy, tangy contrast
- Garlic breadsticks for dunking
- A crisp Caesar salad with homemade croutons
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon for added vegetables
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes at the table
- A glass of crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc
Variations of Chicken Gnocchi Soup
One of the best things about this recipe is how easily you can customize it to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
Feel free to experiment with these delicious variations:
- Tuscan-style: Add sun-dried tomatoes and white beans for an Italian twist.
- Mushroom lovers: Sauté 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms with the vegetables for earthy depth.
- Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño with the garlic.
- Kale instead of spinach: Use chopped kale for a heartier green that holds up better.
- Turkey version: Swap chicken for leftover turkey, perfect for post-Thanksgiving meals.
- Dairy-free: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free option.
- Vegetarian: Omit the chicken, use vegetable broth, and add extra vegetables or white beans for protein.
- Cauliflower gnocchi: Use cauliflower gnocchi for a lower-carb version.
- Sweet potato gnocchi: Try sweet potato gnocchi for added nutrients and a subtle sweetness.
- Italian sausage: Replace half the chicken with cooked, crumbled Italian sausage for more flavor.
- Lemon brightness: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end for a bright, fresh finish.
- Bacon addition: Top with crispy bacon bits for a smoky, savory garnish.
For a lighter option, try: Lentil and Vegetable Soup Recipe
Storage and Reheating
Proper storage keeps this soup delicious for several days, though the gnocchi texture changes slightly over time.
Here’s how to store and reheat your chicken gnocchi soup:
- Refrigerator storage: Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: This soup doesn’t freeze particularly well because the gnocchi and cream can separate and become grainy. If you want to freeze it, prepare the soup without the gnocchi and cream, then add fresh gnocchi and cream when reheating.
- Freezer storage: If freezing the base without gnocchi, store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
- Reheating on stovetop: Transfer the soup to a pot and reheat gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or cream to thin if needed, as the soup thickens when refrigerated.
- Microwave reheating: Heat individual portions in a microwave-safe bowl for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Preventing absorption: The gnocchi will absorb liquid as it sits, making the soup thicker. Add extra broth when reheating to restore the original consistency.
- Storing gnocchi separately: For best results when meal prepping, cook the gnocchi fresh each time and add it to reheated soup base.
- Freshness check: Discard the soup if it develops an off smell, unusual color, or has been refrigerated for more than 4 days.
Nutritional Facts
Here’s the approximate nutritional information per serving (based on 6 servings):
- Calories: 420
- Total Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
- Sodium: 780mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 26g
- Vitamin A: 85% DV
- Vitamin C: 15% DV
- Calcium: 18% DV
- Iron: 12% DV
Note that these values are estimates and will vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes. Using low-fat cream or reducing the amount of cheese will lower the calorie and fat content.
Read Also: Lasagna Soup Recipe
Health Benefits of Key Ingredients
While this soup is definitely comfort food, it also contains several nutritious ingredients that offer real health benefits.
Here’s what makes this soup more than just delicious:
- Chicken: Provides lean protein for muscle building and repair, plus B vitamins for energy metabolism.
- Spinach: Packed with iron, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants that support immune function and eye health.
- Carrots: Rich in beta-carotene, which converts to vitamin A and supports vision and skin health.
- Celery: Contains antioxidants and beneficial plant compounds that may reduce inflammation.
- Garlic: Has antimicrobial properties and may support heart health and immune function.
- Onions: Contain quercetin, an antioxidant that may help reduce inflammation and support heart health.
- Parmesan cheese: Provides calcium for bone health and is a good source of protein.
- Olive oil: Rich in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants that support heart health.
- Thyme: Contains compounds with antimicrobial properties and is rich in vitamin C.
- Nutmeg: Has been used traditionally to aid digestion and may have anti-inflammatory properties.
FAQs About Chicken Gnocchi Soup
1. Can I use frozen gnocchi instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen gnocchi works perfectly in this recipe. Add it directly to the simmering soup without thawing, but you may need to cook it for an extra minute or two. The texture will be just as good as fresh or shelf-stable gnocchi.
2. Why is my soup too thin or too thick?
Soup thickness varies based on how long you simmer it and how much the gnocchi absorbs. If it’s too thin, mix 2 tablespoons of flour with 1/4 cup of broth until smooth, then stir it into the soup and simmer for 5 minutes. If it’s too thick, simply add more broth or cream until you reach your desired consistency.
3. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
You can prepare the soup base ahead of time, but it’s best to cook the gnocchi fresh when serving. The gnocchi absorbs liquid and becomes mushy when stored. Prepare everything except the gnocchi and cream, then add those ingredients when you’re ready to serve.
4. What can I substitute for heavy cream?
Half-and-half works well for a lighter version, though the soup will be less rich. For dairy-free options, try full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream. You can also use milk thickened with a bit of flour, though the texture won’t be quite as creamy.
5. How do I prevent the gnocchi from getting mushy?
The key is not to overcook the gnocchi and to serve the soup soon after adding it. Cook gnocchi just until it floats to the surface, which typically takes 3-4 minutes. If making ahead, store the gnocchi separately and add it to individual bowls when reheating the soup.
For more comfort food ideas, try: Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe
Final Thoughts
This chicken gnocchi soup recipe has become one of my most treasured comfort food recipes, and I hope it brings as much warmth to your table as it does to mine. The combination of tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and that rich, creamy broth creates something truly special that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.
Don’t be intimidated by making soup from scratch. This recipe is actually quite forgiving, and even if you make small adjustments along the way, it will still turn out delicious. I’d love to hear how your soup turns out, so feel free to leave a comment below with your experience or any creative variations you tried!
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