Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Cozy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe: A Heartwarming Bowl of Comfort

Comfort arrives in a steaming bowl of rich chicken gnocchi soup that promises warmth and satisfaction.

Soft potato dumplings drift through a creamy landscape of tender chicken pieces.

Herbs and spices weave unexpected flavor dimensions into each spoonful.

Hearty ingredients mingle like old friends catching up after years apart.

Mediterranean influences whisper through delicate seasonings that dance across your palate.

Kitchen magic happens when simple components transform into something extraordinary.

We promise this recipe will become your new cold-weather companion.

Chicken Gnocchi Soup Italian Style Ingredients

Vegetables:
  • Celery, Onions, Carrots: Aromatic base that provides depth of flavor and classic soup foundation. Choose fresh, crisp vegetables for best texture and taste.
  • Garlic: Adds robust, pungent flavor to enhance overall soup profile. Fresh garlic cloves recommended for most intense taste.
  • Spinach: Light green leafy vegetable that adds nutrition and color. Fresh baby spinach works best for tender texture.
Protein:
  • Chicken: Lean protein that creates hearty soup base. Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for convenience.
Starch and Liquid Base:
  • Gnocchi: Soft Italian potato dumplings that provide comforting texture. Store-bought or fresh gnocchi work well in this recipe.
  • Chicken Broth: Essential liquid that creates soup's foundational flavor. Low-sodium varieties allow better seasoning control.
  • Half and Half: Creamy dairy component that adds richness and smooth consistency. Whole milk can be substituted if needed.
Seasonings:
  • Salt, Pepper, Thyme: Classic seasoning blend that elevates soup's overall taste profile. Fresh thyme provides more aromatic flavor than dried.

Chicken Gnocchi Soup Italian Comfort Method

Step 1: Sizzle Aromatic Vegetables

Drizzle olive oil into a spacious pot positioned over medium heat.

Toss in diced:
  • Celery
  • Onions
  • Garlic
  • Carrots

Gently sauté these vegetables for 2-3 minutes until onions become translucent and release their sweet fragrance.

Step 2: Introduce Protein And Soft Pillows

Add shredded chicken, chicken broth, salt, pepper, and thyme to the pot.

Bring the liquid to a robust boil.

Carefully drop soft gnocchi into the bubbling mixture.

Allow gnocchi to dance in the broth for 3-4 minutes, then lower heat and let the soup simmer peacefully for 10 minutes.

Step 3: Create Creamy Luxurious Finish

Pour in half and half and scatter fresh spinach leaves across the surface.

Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until spinach wilts and becomes tender.

Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with extra salt and pepper if desired.

Ladle into warm bowls and enjoy this comforting Italian-inspired creation.

Cozy Cooking Tips for Chicken Gnocchi Soup

  • Cook celery, onions, garlic, and carrots until onions turn translucent to develop rich, deep flavor without burning.
  • Choose fresh or vacuum-sealed gnocchi for better texture and taste compared to frozen varieties.
  • Adjust liquid by adding more chicken broth if soup becomes too thick during simmering.
  • Swap chicken with rotisserie chicken, turkey, or plant-based protein for dietary variety.
  • Replace spinach with kale, Swiss chard, or arugula to add different nutritional profiles and flavor dimensions.

Chicken Gnocchi Soup Storage

  • Transfer leftover soup to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to cool the soup completely before sealing.
  • Warm the soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add a splash of chicken broth or water if the soup seems too thick.
  • Freeze the soup without the cream or spinach for best results. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat, then stir in fresh cream and spinach before serving.
  • The gnocchi may become softer when reheated, so enjoy the soup within the first couple of days for the best texture and flavor.

Comfort Bites for Chicken Gnocchi Soup

  • Pair Rustic Red Wine: Select a medium-bodied Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the soup's creamy texture and rich chicken flavors.
  • Match Crusty Garlic Bread: Serve warm, toasted sourdough or Italian bread brushed with garlic butter to soak up the delicious broth and add crispy contrast.
  • Enhance with Fresh Herb Salad: Create a light side salad with arugula, basil, and parsley dressed in a light lemon vinaigrette to cut through the soup's richness.
  • Elevate with Crisp White Wine: Choose a Pinot Grigio or Vermentino to provide a refreshing counterpoint to the soup's creamy and hearty profile.

Chicken Gnocchi Soup With Creamy Combinations

  • Dairy-Free Version: Replace half and half with coconut milk or almond milk for a creamy, lactose-free alternative. Use plant-based chicken substitute for a vegan option.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap traditional gnocchi with cauliflower gnocchi or sweet potato gnocchi to make the soup gluten-free. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
  • Low-Carb Swap: Substitute gnocchi with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrate content. Use rotisserie chicken for added protein and faster preparation.
  • Spicy Chicken Gnocchi: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for extra heat. Incorporate smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to elevate the soup's flavor profile and give it a spicy kick.

FAQs

  • What ingredients make this soup unique?

The combination of soft potato gnocchi, tender chicken, and fresh spinach creates a hearty and flavorful base, while half and half adds richness and creaminess to the soup.

  • Is this soup nutritionally balanced?

Yes, the recipe includes protein from chicken, vegetables like carrots and spinach for nutrients, and potato gnocchi for carbohydrates, making it a well-rounded meal.

  • Can I use different types of chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! You can use rotisserie chicken, shredded chicken breast, or leftover grilled chicken to add protein and enhance the soup’s flavor.

  • How difficult is this recipe for home cooks?

This soup is beginner-friendly and requires basic cooking skills like sautéing vegetables, boiling ingredients, and simple seasoning, making it easy for most home cooks to prepare.

Chicken Gnocchi Soup With Creamy Italian Comfort

  • Whip Up Comfort in Minutes: This creamy chicken gnocchi soup delivers restaurant-quality taste with minimal kitchen effort.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Family Feast: Packed with tender chicken, soft gnocchi, and colorful vegetables, the recipe appeals to both kids and adults, making mealtime a delightful shared experience.
  • Quick Weeknight Winner: From start to finish, this soup comes together in just 25-30 minutes, perfect for busy families seeking a nutritious and satisfying dinner solution.
  • Adaptable Culinary Canvas: Easily customize the soup by swapping spinach for kale, adding different herbs, or using rotisserie chicken to streamline preparation.
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Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe


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4.6 from 27 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 10 1x

Description

Creamy chicken gnocchi soup brings Italian comfort straight to your kitchen, blending tender chicken, pillowy potato dumplings, and rich, velvety broth. Warm spices and fresh herbs elevate this hearty dish, promising a soul-satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Proteins:

  • 34 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cooked and diced

Vegetables:

  • 1 stalk of celery, chopped
  • 1/2 white onion, diced
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 1/2 cup shredded carrots
  • 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped

Liquid and Seasonings:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 4 cups (32 ounces) low sodium chicken broth
  • 2 cups (16 ounces) half and half
  • 16 ounces potato gnocchi
  • 1 teaspoon thyme
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Warm olive oil in a spacious cooking vessel over moderate temperature, introducing diced celery, finely chopped onions, minced garlic, and julienned carrots. Sauté the vegetable medley until onions transform into a translucent, soft texture.
  2. Incorporate shredded chicken, aromatic chicken broth, carefully measured seasonings, and fragrant thyme into the pot. Elevate the mixture to a vigorous boil, then gently fold in pillowy gnocchi.
  3. Allow gnocchi to dance in the bubbling liquid for 3-4 minutes, then reduce thermal intensity to a gentle simmer. Let the soup harmonize its flavors for approximately 10 minutes.
  4. Introduce velvety half and half and delicate spinach leaves, stirring carefully to integrate. Continue cooking briefly until spinach wilts and becomes tender.
  5. Perform a final flavor assessment, adjusting salt and pepper to personal preference. Ladle the creamy, comforting soup into warm serving bowls, presenting a rustic Italian-inspired culinary experience.

Notes

  • Swap chicken with tofu or beans for a vegetarian version that maintains the soup’s creamy, comforting texture.
  • Use gluten-free gnocchi to make the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities without compromising flavor.
  • Enhance the soup’s nutrition by adding extra vegetables like kale or zucchini for more depth and vitamins.
  • Prep ingredients in advance and store gnocchi separately to keep its texture perfect and prevent mushiness when reheating.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 10
  • Calories: 305
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 500 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 32 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 16 g
  • Cholesterol: 60 mg
Katherine Pierce

Katherine Pierce

Recipe Curator & Food Educator

Expertise

  • Curating diverse recipe collections
  • Educating on global culinary traditions
  • Developing informative food content

Education

Boston University Metropolitan College
Certificate Program in the Culinary Arts
Focus: French and international cuisine techniques, Hands-on culinary training with industry professionals, Food industry insights and operations


Katherine grew up believing every dish has a story. She studied the art of food at Boston University and explored the history behind it. She loves pulling easy recipes from every corner of the world and putting them at your fingertips.
When Katherine’s not writing or testing new flavors, she’s teaching cooking classes, baking colorful mooncakes, or dreaming up new ways to mix old favorites with new twists.

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