Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

If you’re craving something cozy, comforting, and downright delicious, you’ve got to try this Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe. I absolutely love how this soup comes together with tender chunks of chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a rich, creamy broth that warms the soul. Whether you’re making it on a chilly evening or just want a flavorful meal that feels like a hug in a bowl, this recipe is a total game-changer. Stick around, because I’m about to share all my tips and tricks to make it perfect for you every time!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe come together in harmony to deliver a rich, creamy, and hearty bowl of soup. The key is in using fresh veggies and half-and-half to get that luscious texture, plus gnocchi for a delightfully chewy bite.

• Butter: Essential for sautéing and building the base flavor with that lovely richness.
• Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth when softened—make sure to dice it small so it cooks evenly.
• Celery: Provides a subtle crunch and fresh herbal note; diced works best here.
• Carrots: Julienned carrots bring a bit of sweetness and color to brighten up the soup.
• Garlic cloves: Fresh minced garlic amp up the aroma and flavor—don’t skip it!
• All-purpose flour: This is your thickening agent to create that creamy, velvety broth.
• Half-and-half: Perfectly creamy without being too heavy—gives the soup its signature smooth texture.
• Chicken broth: The backbone of the soup’s savory flavor; homemade or store-bought both work.
• Thyme: Adds an herby earthiness that pairs beautifully with chicken.
• Mustard powder: A little secret ingredient that brightens the creaminess with a gentle zip.
• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Tender, lean protein; you can use cooked chicken to save time.
• Salt and pepper: To taste, for seasoning perfectly.
• Potato gnocchi: Found in the pasta aisle—these soft potato dumplings soak up flavor wonderfully.
• Fresh spinach: Adds a fresh, green pop and a bit of nutrition, chopped roughly for easy eating.
• Red pepper flakes (optional): If you like a little mild heat, these add that perfect touch.

Variations

I love to mix things up with this Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe depending on the season or pantry status—you should definitely experiment and make it your own!

• Vegetarian Version: I once swapped the chicken for hearty white beans and doubled the spinach, and it was just as comforting and filling.
• Spicy Kick: If you’re like me and love a little heat, adding extra red pepper flakes or even a splash of hot sauce kicks the soup up a notch.
• Slow Cooker Option: Throw all the ingredients except the half-and-half and gnocchi into a crock pot on low for 4 hours, then stir in at the end—perfect for busy days.
• Veggie Boost: Swap or add mushrooms, kale, or peas for extra texture and nutrition—trust me, it helps keep the family happy and well-fed.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Your Veggies with Butter

Start by melting butter in a large pot over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, add the diced onion, celery, and julienned carrots. Cook until the onions are translucent and the veggies begin to soften, about 5 minutes. This step builds the flavor foundation, so don’t rush it—you want those veggies tender and sweet!

Step 2: Add Garlic and Flour to Thicken

Next, toss in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, careful not to burn it. Sprinkle the flour over the veggies and stir it all together. Cooking the flour for a minute or so eliminates the raw taste and sets the stage for a creamy soup base.

Step 3: Pour in Broth and Half-and-Half

Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and half-and-half, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Then add the thyme, mustard powder, salt, and pepper. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer—this is where your soup starts to thicken and get that dreamy texture.

Step 4: Add Chicken and Gnocchi

Now stir in the diced chicken breasts (if raw, make sure they’re cut small so they cook quickly) and add the gnocchi. The gnocchi cooks fast—usually in 2 to 3 minutes once added, so keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking. When the gnocchi floats to the top, that’s your cue it’s done!

Step 5: Stir in Spinach and Finish

Just before serving, stir in the roughly chopped fresh spinach. It wilts quickly and adds a fresh contrast to the creamy soup. If you want a little heat, sprinkle in a pinch of red pepper flakes now. Taste test for seasoning and adjust salt and pepper as needed.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Garnishes

I like to top mine with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a generous grating of Parmesan cheese—it adds a touch of brightness and a savory finish. A little cracked black pepper on top is always nice, and if you love a bit of heat, a dash of extra red pepper flakes really wakes it up.

Side Dishes

This soup is hearty but I love pairing it with crunchy garlic bread or a simple side salad for some freshness. Sometimes, I’ll serve it alongside roasted veggies or crusty artisan bread to soak up every last bit of that creamy broth.

Creative Ways to Present

For special dinners, try serving this soup in mini bread bowls—that always gets “oohs” and “aahs” from guests! Or ladle it into pretty white bowls garnished with a swirl of cream and a sprig of thyme to make it look restaurant-worthy without extra effort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator, and they usually last about 3 to 4 days. You might notice the gnocchi absorbs some liquid after chilling, so sometimes I add a splash of broth or half-and-half when reheating to refresh the soup’s creamy consistency.

Freezing

Freezing this soup can be tricky because the gnocchi changes texture when thawed. I personally prefer to freeze the broth and chicken mixture without the gnocchi, then cook fresh gnocchi when reheating. That keeps the texture spot-on!

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring often. Adding a little broth or half-and-half helps loosen the soup if it thickened too much in the fridge. Avoid boiling to keep the cream from curdling—slow and steady wins the race here.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites over the years. It’s just so satisfying and easy to pull together that I find myself reaching for it on busy nights or when I need some extra comfort food in my life. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how it quickly becomes a go-to in your kitchen too. Trust me, once you make it, you’ll be hooked on the perfect balance of creamy, savory, and just a little bit indulgent—all in one bowl. Enjoy every spoonful!

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