Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

If you’re craving a bowl of pure comfort and flavor, this Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. It blends tender shredded chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and fresh spinach in a creamy, herb-infused broth that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. This soup has a beautiful balance of textures and aromas, making it one of my absolute favorite dishes to prepare when I want something cozy yet special. Every spoonful is packed with wholesome goodness and a delightful mix of savory notes that will have you coming back for seconds without hesitation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these simple but essential ingredients is the first step to creating this delicious Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe. Each one plays a vital role, whether it’s adding depth, creaminess, freshness, or just the perfect seasoning to elevate the dish.

• 2 tablespoons olive oil: This is the flavorful base for sautéing vegetables, ensuring nothing sticks and adding a subtle richness.
• 1 medium onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and a savory foundation for the soup’s flavor.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Provides aromatic depth that makes the broth irresistible.
• 1 cup carrots, diced: Offers a touch of natural sweetness and vibrant color.
• 2 celery stalks, diced: Adds a subtle crunch and fresh undertone to the broth.
• 4 cups chicken broth: The heart of the soup’s liquid, delivering savory umami notes.
• 2 cups half-and-half: Brings creamy texture without overpowering the subtle flavors.
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Infuses earthy herbal warmth.
• 1 teaspoon dried basil: Adds a sweet, slightlypeppery aroma that livens the broth.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Provides mild heat and complexity.
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes: Optional, but offers a gentle spicy kick.
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded: The protein star of the dish, tender and flavorful.
• 1 pound gnocchi: Delightfully soft potato dumplings that soak up the soup’s creamy goodness.
• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped: Adds fresh, vibrant green color and nutrition.
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds salty, nutty richness that melts into the soup creating silky texture.

How to Make Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about five minutes. This step releases the natural sweetness of the onion and forms a flavorful base for your soup.

Step 2: Add the Garlic

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Garlic’s fragrance will fill your kitchen and contribute that essential savory note to the broth. Be careful not to let it burn, as that can introduce bitterness.

Step 3: Cook the Vegetables

Toss in the diced carrots and celery. Let them cook for about five minutes, stirring occasionally so they soften slightly but still keep some bite. These veggies boost the soup’s texture and sweetness, creating a nice balance.

Step 4: Pour in the Broth and Cream

Next, add the chicken broth and half-and-half to the pot. Stir everything together to combine these liquids smoothly. This mixture will become the luscious, creamy base your gnocchi and chicken will swim in.

Step 5: Season the Soup

Add the dried thyme, basil, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. These herbs and spices layer in warmth and subtle heat, making the flavor profile well-rounded and inviting.

Step 6: Simmer to Develop Flavors

Bring the soup to a gentle simmer and cook for 10 to 15 minutes until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded beautifully. This simmering step ensures every spoonful is packed with hearty, comforting goodness.

Step 7: Add Chicken and Gnocchi

Stir the shredded cooked chicken into the pot, letting it warm through. Then carefully drop the gnocchi into the simmering soup. Cook according to the package instructions, usually 2 to 3 minutes until the gnocchi float to the top, signaling they are perfectly cooked and ready.

Step 8: Stir in Spinach and Parmesan

Finally, fold in the chopped fresh spinach and grated Parmesan cheese. The spinach will gently wilt, adding freshness and color, while the Parmesan melts in to create that signature creamy, cheesy finish that makes this Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe so wonderfully satisfying.

Step 9: Adjust and Serve

Taste your soup and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if you like a bit more kick. Then ladle it into bowls and get ready to enjoy a bowl of comforting magic.

How to Serve Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Garnishes

Adding garnishes can turn this hearty soup into a true experience. Try sprinkling some additional grated Parmesan cheese and a few fresh basil leaves on top for a burst of freshness and an inviting look. A drizzle of good olive oil or cracked black pepper can also elevate the flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs exceptionally well with crusty artisan bread or garlic breadsticks, perfect for mopping up every last bit. A simple green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette also provides a refreshing contrast to the soup’s creamy richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe in rustic bowls and add a sprinkle of crispy fried onions or toasted pine nuts for added texture. For a fun twist, try serving it inside a hollowed-out bread bowl. It not only keeps the soup warm longer but also adds an edible accompaniment that doubles the deliciousness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This soup stores wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure it cools completely before sealing to maintain freshness and avoid condensation creating mushy gnocchi.

Freezing

Freezing chicken gnocchi soup can be a bit tricky because gnocchi tends to change texture when frozen, sometimes becoming a bit mushy upon thawing. For best results, freeze the soup without the gnocchi and add fresh gnocchi when reheating.

Reheating

When reheating, warm the soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If frozen without gnocchi, add fresh gnocchi during reheating and cook until just tender for best texture. Adjust seasoning before serving.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken for this soup?

Absolutely! Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken makes this Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe even more convenient and flavorful, saving you time without sacrificing quality.

Is it possible to make this soup dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute the half-and-half with coconut milk or a creamy non-dairy milk, and replace Parmesan with a dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast for a delicious dairy-free version.

Can I make this soup vegan?

To make a vegan-friendly version, swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth, omit the chicken, and use non-dairy milk along with vegan gnocchi. Add tofu or chickpeas for protein.

What if I don’t have gnocchi? Is there a substitute?

If gnocchi isn’t available, small pasta shapes like mini shells or orecchiette work well too. Just adjust cooking time according to the pasta you choose so it doesn’t get mushy.

How spicy is this soup with the crushed red pepper flakes?

The soup has a gentle hint of heat from the red pepper flakes that complements the other flavors without overpowering them. You can easily omit or increase the amount based on your spice preference.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly heartwarming about a bowl of Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe straight from your own kitchen. It’s that perfect blend of creamy, savory, and fresh elements that feels like a little comfort wrapped in a bowl. I hope you give this recipe a try soon and enjoy every spoonful as much as I do—trust me, it’s the kind of soup that turns any ordinary day into something special.

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