Creamy Homemade Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe: Comfort in a Bowl

Whipping up a comforting 30-minute homemade chicken gnocchi soup feels like wrapping yourself in a warm culinary hug.

Soft potato dumplings dance alongside tender chicken pieces in a creamy broth.

Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a soul-warming meal that speaks directly to comfort food lovers.

Mediterranean traditions inspire this quick and satisfying recipe that comes together faster than most complex soups.

Fragrant herbs and rich textures make each spoonful a delightful experience for anyone seeking a nourishing meal.

Kitchen novices and seasoned cooks alike can master this simple yet impressive dish with minimal effort.

Grab a ladle and let’s turn ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary lunch that will have everyone asking for seconds.

30-Minute Homemade Chicken Gnocchi Soup Highlights

• Whip Up Quick Comfort: Dive into a hearty soup that comes together faster than ordering takeout, perfect for busy weeknights when you want something deliciously satisfying.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like switching chicken for turkey or adding different veggies, making this recipe incredibly flexible for personal taste preferences.
• Nourish Your Family: Packed with protein from chicken, vegetables for nutrition, and creamy texture that appeals to both kids and adults, this soup becomes an instant family favorite.
• One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup with everything cooked in a single pot, reducing kitchen mess and saving precious time after meal preparation.

Ingredients for Homemade Chicken Gnocchi Soup

• Chicken: A protein-rich ingredient that provides hearty flavor and substance to the soup.
• Gnocchi: Soft potato dumplings that add a comforting and filling element to the soup.
• Heavy Cream: A creamy ingredient that brings richness and smooth texture to the dish.

• Onions, Garlic, Carrots, Celery: A classic mirepoix base that builds depth of flavor and provides nutritional vegetables to the soup.
• Spinach: A leafy green that adds color, nutrients, and a fresh taste to the final dish.

• Chicken Broth: The primary liquid base that creates the soup's foundation and enhances overall flavor.
• Dried Thyme, Parsley, Salt, Pepper: Herbs and spices that season and complement the soup's ingredients.
• Olive Oil or Butter: A fat used for sautéing vegetables and adding initial flavor to the soup.

How to Make Chicken Gnocchi Soup Quickly

Step 1: Warm Up the Cooking Vessel

Select a large pot and heat olive oil or butter over medium flame until it shimmers or melts smoothly.

Step 2: Create Flavor Base

• Onions
• Garlic
• Carrots
• Celery

Sauté these vegetables until they become tender and release their aromatic qualities, approximately 5 minutes.

Step 3: Build the Soup Foundation

• Dried thyme
• Parsley
• Salt
• Black pepper

Increase heat and bring the liquid to a rolling boil.

Step 4: Add Protein and Pillowy Dumplings

Introduce shredded chicken and gnocchi into the bubbling broth.

Reduce heat to a gentle simmer and let the ingredients meld together for 10 minutes.

Step 5: Enrich and Finish

Stream heavy cream into the soup and fold in fresh spinach leaves.

Continue simmering for an additional 5 minutes until spinach wilts and soup becomes creamy.

Step 6: Final Touches

Taste and adjust seasonings as desired.

Ladle into warm bowls and serve immediately for maximum comfort and flavor.

Helpful Tips for Chicken Gnocchi Soup

• Roast vegetables before sautéing to enhance their natural sweetness and add complexity to the soup's taste profile.
• Avoid overcooking gnocchi by adding them in the last 10 minutes of simmering to maintain their soft, pillowy consistency.
• Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version without sacrificing creamy richness.
• Prepare shredded chicken in advance and freeze in portion-sized bags for quick and easy soup assembly.
• Replace chicken with plant-based protein like white beans or tofu for a vegetarian-friendly alternative that still delivers satisfying protein.

Flavor Variations for Chicken Gnocchi Soup

• Vegetarian Gnocchi Soup: Replace chicken with plant-based protein like tofu, tempeh, or white beans. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute traditional wheat gnocchi with potato-based or gluten-free gnocchi varieties. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Swap gnocchi with cauliflower gnocchi or zucchini noodles. Reduce cream quantity and add more vegetables for a lighter soup.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of heavy cream. Choose dairy-free milk alternatives to maintain creamy texture while accommodating lactose-intolerant diets.

Serving Suggestions for Chicken Gnocchi Soup

• Cozy Comfort Bowl: Pair this hearty soup with a crusty sourdough bread for dipping, soaking up all those delicious creamy broth flavors.
• Gourmet Garnish Paradise: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley, cracked black pepper, or grated parmesan cheese on top to elevate the soup's presentation and add extra layers of taste.
• Balanced Meal Companion: Serve alongside a crisp green salad with light vinaigrette to balance the soup's rich and creamy texture, creating a complete and satisfying dinner experience.
• Winter Warmth Ritual: Enjoy this soup in deep ceramic mugs while wearing soft sweaters, making it perfect for chilly evenings when you crave something comforting and nourishing.

Storage Tips for Chicken Gnocchi Soup

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for 2-3 months. Avoid freezing gnocchi separately as they might become mushy.
• Warm soup over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture and prevent sticking. Heat until steaming hot.
• Pour soup into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Stop when soup reaches desired temperature.

FAQs

• Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken from scratch?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saving option and adds delicious flavor to the soup.

• Is this soup freezer-friendly?

Yes, you can freeze the soup without the cream. Add the cream after reheating for the best texture and taste.

• Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Replace chicken with plant-based chicken alternatives or add extra vegetables like mushrooms for protein and flavor.

• What type of gnocchi works best in this recipe?

Potato gnocchi is ideal, but you can also use whole wheat or gluten-free gnocchi depending on your dietary preferences.

30-minute Homemade Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

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4.8 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Olive Garden-inspired chicken gnocchi soup brings comforting Italian flavors to home kitchens with incredible ease. Creamy, hearty ingredients combine in one pot, delivering a restaurant-quality meal that satisfies you completely.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups chicken, shredded
• 1 package (16 ounces / 450 grams) gnocchi
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream

Vegetables:

• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 cup carrots, diced
• 1 cup celery, diced
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 2 garlic cloves, minced

Seasonings and Fats:

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil or butter in a spacious cooking vessel over medium-high temperature, creating a fragrant base for the soup.
2. Gently sauté diced aromatic vegetables – onions, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and chopped celery – until they become translucent and tender, approximately 4-5 minutes.
3. Pour chicken broth into the pot, introducing dried thyme, fresh parsley, salt, and ground black pepper for depth of flavor. Elevate heat and bring the liquid to a robust rolling boil.
4. Introduce shredded tender chicken and pillowy potato gnocchi into the bubbling broth. Reduce heat to a gentle simmer and allow ingredients to meld together for 8-10 minutes, ensuring gnocchi becomes perfectly soft.
5. Stream rich heavy cream into the soup, creating a luxurious, velvety texture. Fold in fresh spinach leaves, which will wilt and add vibrant color and nutrients. Continue simmering for an additional 3-4 minutes.
6. Taste and fine-tune seasoning with additional salt and pepper as desired. Ladle the steaming, creamy soup into warmed bowls, ready to be savored immediately.

Notes

• Create a dairy-free version by substituting coconut cream or cashew cream for heavy cream to maintain richness while accommodating lactose-intolerant diets.
• Enhance flavor depth by roasting vegetables before adding them to the pot, which caramelizes natural sugars and intensifies overall taste profile.
• Prep ingredients beforehand to streamline cooking process, especially chopping vegetables and shredding chicken in advance for quicker assembly.
• Store leftover soup in airtight containers for up to 3-4 days, reheating gently to prevent gnocchi from becoming mushy or losing texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 350 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg