If you’re craving something warm, creamy, and comforting, this Chicken & Gnocchi Soup is about to become your new go-to. It’s like the best of both worlds—light and hearty at the same time. The tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and creamy broth all come together in a rich, savory soup that’s perfect for a chilly day or anytime you need a little extra comfort. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll want it on repeat!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This soup has all the flavors and textures you want in a bowl: tender chicken, soft gnocchi, and a luscious, creamy broth that’s just the right amount of rich. It’s filling enough to be a meal on its own but still light enough that you won’t feel overly stuffed. Plus, it’s so simple to make, and everything cooks in one pot, so cleanup is a breeze. You can also easily make it ahead of time for a quick and satisfying dinner during the week.
Ingredients
Here’s a sneak peek at what you’ll need (full list below):
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Gnocchi (store-bought or homemade—your choice!)
- Carrots, celery, and onion for the classic soup base
- Garlic and fresh thyme for that aromatic boost
- Chicken broth and heavy cream for the creamy, flavorful broth
- Baby spinach (optional, but it adds a nice pop of color and freshness)
- Salt and pepper for seasoning
The full list with exact measurements is below. Let’s get started!
Directions
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Start by heating a little olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Season your chicken with salt and pepper, then cook it for 6-7 minutes per side until it’s golden brown and cooked through. Once it’s done, remove it from the pot and set it aside to cool for a few minutes. After that, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Sauté the Veggies
In the same pot, add a bit more oil if necessary, and toss in your chopped carrots, celery, and onion. Sauté the veggies for about 5 minutes, until they start to soften and the onion becomes translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and fresh thyme. Sauté for another minute until the garlic becomes fragrant.
Step 3: Add the Broth and Simmer
Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the broth has absorbed all those delicious flavors.
Step 4: Add the Gnocchi and Chicken
Next, add the gnocchi to the pot, along with the shredded chicken. Stir everything together and let it cook for another 3-4 minutes. The gnocchi should float to the top once they’re cooked, which means it’s time to add the cream.
Step 5: Stir in the Cream and Spinach
Now, pour in the heavy cream and give everything a good stir. If you’re adding spinach, toss it in at this point, and let it wilt into the soup. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, and taste for seasoning. Add salt, pepper, or more thyme as needed.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot! You can sprinkle a little grated Parmesan on top for an extra burst of flavor, or enjoy it as-is. Either way, it’s sure to warm you right up.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Chicken Tip: If you want to save time, you can use rotisserie chicken. Just shred it and add it in after the veggies cook.
- Gnocchi Tip: If you’re using frozen gnocchi, there’s no need to thaw them. Just drop them straight into the soup, and they’ll cook right there.
- Creamy Factor: If you prefer a lighter version of the soup, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or even whole milk. The soup won’t be as rich, but it will still be delicious.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Add Veggies: You can easily sneak in extra veggies like zucchini, peas, or corn for added flavor and nutrition.
- Use Different Protein: If you don’t have chicken or prefer something else, try using cooked turkey, rotisserie chicken, or even cooked sausage.
- Herb Options: If you don’t have fresh thyme, you can use dried thyme or even a bit of Italian seasoning for a slightly different flavor profile.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
This Chicken & Gnocchi Soup is already hearty on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a side of crusty bread for dipping or a light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette. For extra flavor, try serving it with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan or a drizzle of olive oil.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Storage: Leftovers will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. It’s one of those soups that actually gets better the next day!
- Reheating: To reheat, simply warm it up in a pot over low heat. If the soup has thickened too much, you can add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen it up.
FAQs
Can I make this soup ahead of time? Yes! This soup is great for meal prep. You can make it the day before and store it in the fridge. It reheats beautifully, and all the flavors meld together even more after a day.
Can I freeze Chicken & Gnocchi Soup? While the soup is best fresh, you can freeze it. However, the gnocchi may become a little soft after freezing and reheating. If you plan to freeze, I recommend cooking the gnocchi separately and adding them just before serving.
Can I use store-bought gnocchi? Absolutely! Store-bought gnocchi is a perfect time-saver. You can find it in the refrigerated section of most grocery stores. No need to make your own!
How do I know when the gnocchi is done? Gnocchi cooks quickly, usually within 3-4 minutes. When they float to the top of the soup, that’s your cue that they’re done. Just don’t overcook them, as they can become mushy.
Conclusion
This Chicken & Gnocchi Soup is the ultimate comfort food. It’s warm, creamy, and filled with tender chicken, soft gnocchi, and vibrant vegetables. Perfect for chilly evenings, lazy weekends, or any time you need a cozy meal, this soup is sure to become a family favorite. Plus, it’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy—what’s not to love?
Print
Chicken & Gnocchi Soup: Comfort in a Bowl
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Chicken & Gnocchi Soup combines tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a creamy, flavorful broth for the perfect comforting meal. Easy to make, hearty, and delicious, this soup is a bowl of cozy comfort ideal for any chilly day.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 package of gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 medium carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups baby spinach (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Grated Parmesan (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then cook for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove chicken, set aside, and shred into bite-sized pieces.
- Sauté the Veggies: In the same pot, add more oil if needed, and sauté carrots, celery, and onion for 5 minutes until softened. Add garlic and thyme, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the Broth and Simmer: Pour in chicken broth, bring to a simmer, and cook for 10 minutes until veggies are tender.
- Add the Gnocchi and Chicken: Stir in the gnocchi and shredded chicken, cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes until gnocchi floats to the top.
- Stir in the Cream and Spinach: Add heavy cream and spinach (if using), stirring well. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes and taste for seasoning, adding salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve: Ladle into bowls and serve hot, optionally garnished with grated Parmesan.
Notes
- Chicken Tip: To save time, use rotisserie chicken.
- Gnocchi Tip: If using frozen gnocchi, no need to thaw them; add them directly to the soup.
- Creamy Factor: For a lighter soup, substitute half-and-half or whole milk for heavy cream.
- Freezing: If you plan to freeze, cook the gnocchi separately and add just before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 85mg