Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

If you’re craving a cozy, hearty soup that’s bursting with flavor and just the right amount of creaminess, you’ve got to try this Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe. I absolutely love this because it’s like a warm hug in a bowl—perfect for chilly evenings or whenever you want something comforting that feels special. Keep reading because this fan-freaking-tastic recipe is not only easy to make but also packed with tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and vibrant greens—trust me, it’s a winner every time!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients in this Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe work together to create a beautiful balance of textures and flavors. A few tips before you shop: choose fresh baby spinach for a nice pop of color and nutrients, and if possible, get freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano—that added depth makes a big difference!

• Unsalted butter: For that silky base; I like unsalted so I can control salt precision.
• Regular olive oil: Adds a subtle fruitiness and helps cook the veggies without burning.
• Chopped yellow onion: Sweetness and aromatics that build your soup’s flavor.
• Shredded carrots: Adds earthiness and a bit of natural sweetness.
• Celery: A classic soup veg for a mild, fresh crunch.
• Minced garlic cloves: Essential aromatic that gives this soup warmth and depth.
• Dry white wine: Pinot Grigio works beautifully to deglaze and add layers of flavor.
• All-purpose flour: Creates the roux that thickens the soup perfectly.
• Chicken stock or broth: Low sodium gives you control, so you don’t overdo the salt.
• Half-and-half: For that creamy, luscious texture without being too heavy.
• Fresh thyme leaves: Bring bright herbal notes; fresh is best but dried works in a pinch.
• Dried Italian seasoning: Adds complexity with oregano, basil, and rosemary flavors.
• Potato gnocchi: Pillowy little pillows that soak up all the delish broth.
• Grated Parmigiano Reggiano: Adds a salty, nutty pop; the real deal makes a difference.
• Cooked chicken breast: Rotisserie chicken is a lifesaver here—super easy and flavorful.
• Baby spinach leaves: Fresh greens that wilt just right at the end.
• Grated nutmeg (optional): Just a pinch wakes up the creaminess subtly.
• Kosher salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning throughout the cooking process.

Variations

I love how versatile this Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe is, so I often tweak it depending on what I have on hand or what my family’s craving. Feel free to make this recipe your own—it’s forgiving and delicious no matter what!

• Vegetarian Version: Swap the chicken stock for vegetable broth and leave out the chicken—adding mushrooms or white beans fills in the protein nicely.
• Extra Veggies: Add chopped kale instead of spinach or toss in some peas for a pop of sweetness; it’s a great way to sneak in more greens.
• Spicy Kick: A pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce can elevate the soup with some heat—I love this touch on colder days.
• Cheese Swap: Try Pecorino Romano for a sharper, saltier cheese flavor if you want a change from Parmigiano.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics to Build Flavor

Start by heating the butter and olive oil together over medium-high heat until the foam settles down. Then, add your onion, carrots, and celery with a pinch of salt and pepper. I usually cook these until they’re tender and just starting to take on some golden color—around 6-8 minutes. This step is key because those browned bits bring so much rich depth to the soup. When you add the garlic, cook for just about a minute until fragrant—don’t let it burn or you’ll get bitterness.

Step 2: Deglaze and Create a Roux

Pour in the white wine and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. This is a flavor jackpot that I always make sure to get! Let the wine simmer and reduce until almost all the liquid evaporates—about 2-3 minutes. Then sprinkle in the flour and cook it for a minute or two, stirring constantly. This cooks off the raw flour taste and sets you up for a perfectly thickened soup.

Step 3: Add the Broth and Cream to Build the Base

Gradually whisk in the chicken stock to avoid lumps and let it simmer to thicken slightly. Then, stir in the warmed half-and-half along with the thyme and Italian seasoning. I always bring the soup slowly to a gentle simmer here—never a rolling boil—to keep the cream from breaking or curdling.

Step 4: Cook the Gnocchi and Finish with Cheese, Chicken & Spinach

Add your gnocchi and simmer for about 3-5 minutes until they float to the surface, which means they’re perfectly cooked. Then stir in the Parmesan, shredded chicken, and spinach. The spinach wilts quickly, so only cook it for a couple more minutes. This timing is important because overcooking can make it mushy.

Step 5: Season and Serve Warm

Finish seasoning with a touch of nutmeg if you like—it adds a cozy hint of warmth—and adjust salt and pepper to your taste. The soup thickens as it sits, so if you like yours thinner, serve right away. For a heartier option, let it rest for 5-10 minutes, reheating gently if needed before serving. Always top with extra Parmigiano and freshly cracked black pepper—it’s the best touch!

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Garnishes

For garnishes, I’m all about extra grated Parmigiano for that savory hit on top. A sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper adds a nice bite, and sometimes I toss on a few torn fresh thyme leaves for a fragrant finish. A drizzle of good-quality olive oil can also add a lovely richness when serving.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs beautifully with crusty Italian bread or a warm baguette for dipping and soaking up every last bit of that creamy broth. For a fuller meal, a simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

I’ve served this soup in mini bread bowls for a cozy party appetizer, which everyone loved—it feels fancy but easy! Also, ladling it into individual ramekins and topping with a Parmesan crisp makes for a great presentation if you want to impress guests without much fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover soup in airtight containers in the fridge and find it lasts beautifully for up to 3 days. As the soup sits, it thickens quite a bit, so sometimes I stir in a splash of broth or water before reheating to bring back that perfect creamy consistency.

Freezing

Freezing Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe can be a bit tricky because the cream and gnocchi may change texture when thawed. However, if you want to freeze it, I recommend leaving out the gnocchi and adding it fresh when reheating. Freeze the soup base in portion-sized containers for easy meal prep.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the soup over low heat, stirring often. If it’s too thick, add a splash of chicken stock or water to loosen it. Add fresh gnocchi at this point if you froze the soup base separately, and cook until they float. This keeps the texture perfect.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe has become one of my go-to comforting meals whenever I want something quick but nourishing. It feels a little fancy, but really, it’s so attainable for any home cook. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—the way the gnocchi soaks up every bit of that rich broth is pure magic. Next time you’re craving a bowlful of comfort, this soup’s got your back!

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