Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Introduction
Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a warm, comforting dish perfect for cozy evenings. This hearty soup combines tender chicken, soft gnocchi, and fresh spinach in a rich, creamy broth that’s easy to make and sure to satisfy.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small white onion, diced
- 1 stalk celery, chopped
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 3 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 16 oz package potato gnocchi
- 2 cups half-and-half (or 1 cup half-and-half + 1 cup heavy cream)
- 1½ cups fresh spinach, chopped
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, chopped celery, shredded carrots, and minced garlic. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until vegetables soften.
- Step 2: Stir in the cooked chicken, chicken broth, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Step 3: Add the potato gnocchi to the boiling soup and cook until they float to the surface, about 4–5 minutes.
- Step 4: Reduce the heat to low, stir in the half-and-half and chopped spinach. Let the soup simmer gently for 2–3 minutes until heated through and spinach wilts.
- Step 5: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve the soup hot for a comforting meal.
Tips & Variations
- For a richer soup, use all heavy cream instead of half-and-half.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg to enhance the creamy flavors.
- Swap fresh spinach for kale or Swiss chard for a different green.
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick and easy protein shortcut.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat to prevent the cream from curdling. Avoid freezing as the texture of the cream and gnocchi may change.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen gnocchi in this soup?
Yes, frozen gnocchi works well and can be added directly to the boiling soup. Just follow the cooking times until they float to ensure they’re fully cooked.
Is there a dairy-free alternative for the cream?
You can substitute the half-and-half with coconut milk or a plant-based cream to make this soup dairy-free, though the flavor and texture will be slightly different.
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Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This creamy chicken gnocchi soup is a comforting and hearty meal perfect for any day of the week. Packed with tender chicken, tender gnocchi, fresh spinach, and a creamy broth, it’s simple to prepare and full of rich flavors. Ready in just 30 minutes, this soup makes a satisfying lunch or dinner that the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients
Sauté Base
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small white onion, diced
- 1 stalk celery, chopped
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 16 oz package potato gnocchi
Finishing Ingredients
- 2 cups half-and-half (or 1 cup half-and-half + 1 cup heavy cream)
- 1½ cups fresh spinach, chopped
Instructions
- Heat the aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, chopped celery, shredded carrots, and minced garlic. Sauté the mixture for 3 to 4 minutes until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.
- Add chicken and broth: Add the cooked chicken breast, low-sodium chicken broth, dried thyme, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Cook the gnocchi: Stir in the potato gnocchi and cook until they float to the surface, which usually takes about 4 to 5 minutes, indicating they are fully cooked.
- Add cream and spinach: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the half-and-half (or half-and-half plus heavy cream mixture) along with the chopped fresh spinach. Let the soup simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the spinach to wilt.
- Final seasoning and serve: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve the soup hot for a creamy, comforting meal.
Notes
- For a richer soup, use a mix of half-and-half and heavy cream as suggested.
- Gnocchi can be store-bought or homemade depending on preference.
- Make sure to cook the gnocchi until they float, which ensures they are fully cooked.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to better control the salt content of the soup.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently to preserve creaminess.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Creamy chicken gnocchi soup, chicken soup, gnocchi soup, easy weeknight soup, comfort food, creamy soup
