The creamy broth of Chicken Gnocchi Soup swirls around tender, pillowy gnocchi, and every bite feels like a warm hug from the inside. There’s something about the delicate balance of flavors that makes this soup feel like comfort in a bowl. The chicken, slow-cooked until it’s juicy and succulent, adds a satisfying depth, while the spinach offers a fresh pop of color and earthy taste. The garlic and onions sautéed in butter give the base that irresistible savory aroma that fills the kitchen, pulling you right into the moment. As the soup simmers, the gnocchi soften and soak up all those flavors, turning the dish into an indulgent, velvety experience that’s hard to resist. If you’re craving something that feels like a hug on a cold day or just need a comforting meal to share with friends and family, this soup is always the answer. And let’s not forget—when you dip that first spoonful, the way the creamy texture coats your tongue and the subtle hints of nutmeg and thyme play off each other, it’s pure magic.
Key Ingredients in Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Now that you’ve got the picture of how amazing this soup is, let’s dive into the ingredients that come together to create this magical, creamy bowl of comfort. Each one plays a key role, adding layers of flavor and texture to the soup that’ll have you coming back for more.
- Olive oil: The foundation of the soup’s flavor starts here. It’s used to sauté the garlic and onion, giving a rich, aromatic base that infuses the entire dish.
- Onion: This humble vegetable becomes sweet and tender as it cooks, adding depth and a savory backbone to the soup’s flavor profile.
- Garlic: A couple of cloves might seem simple, but garlic is a flavor powerhouse. It lends that irresistible aroma and savory punch that balances out the creaminess.
- Carrots: Diced carrots bring a subtle sweetness and vibrant color to the soup. They’re tender yet hold their shape, offering a nice contrast in texture.
- Celery: Along with the carrots, celery adds a fresh, slightly earthy taste and crunch that pairs beautifully with the soft gnocchi.
- Chicken broth: The base liquid of the soup, it imparts rich, savory notes, creating a flavorful foundation that the other ingredients can build upon.
- Half-and-half: This creamy addition makes the broth smooth and velvety, creating the perfect comforting texture that defines the soup’s indulgence.
- Dried thyme: A classic herb in chicken soups, thyme adds a subtle, earthy fragrance that enhances the savory components of the dish.
- Dried basil: Basil brings a slightly sweet and aromatic flavor, complementing the richness of the cream and the herbs in the soup.
- Salt: A pinch of salt brings out the natural flavors of the ingredients, balancing the soup and making each bite feel perfectly seasoned.
- Black pepper: Freshly ground pepper adds a bit of heat and sharpness, cutting through the creaminess for a more well-rounded flavor.
- Crushed red pepper flakes: Just a hint of spice! These little flakes add warmth and a touch of heat to keep things interesting without overpowering the dish.
- Cooked chicken: The shredded chicken adds protein and a hearty texture, soaking up the flavors of the broth while keeping the dish satisfying and comforting.
- Gnocchi: These little dumplings are the heart of the soup. Soft, pillowy, and soaking up all that flavorful broth, they’re what make each spoonful feel like pure bliss.
- Fresh spinach: A handful of fresh spinach adds a burst of color and a subtle, earthy flavor that balances out the richness of the creamy broth.
- Parmesan cheese: A sprinkle of grated Parmesan at the end brings a salty, nutty flavor that melts into the soup, creating an irresistible finish.
How to Make Chicken Gnocchi Soup
- STEP 1: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
Once the oil is hot, you’ll notice it shimmer. This is your cue to start building that flavor base! - STEP 2: Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes.
The onion should become translucent and tender. This is where that savory foundation for the soup really starts to take shape. - STEP 3: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute, until fragrant.
Once the garlic hits the pan, you’ll smell that irresistible aroma filling your kitchen. Be careful not to burn it; just let it cook until it’s nice and fragrant. - STEP 4: Add the diced carrots and celery to the pot, and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
These veggies will soften up just a bit and begin to release their natural sweetness, making the base even more flavorful. - STEP 5: Pour in the chicken broth and half-and-half, stirring to combine.
The chicken broth brings a rich, savory depth, while the half-and-half makes everything luxuriously creamy. Stir it all together to get that perfect broth base. - STEP 6: Add the dried thyme, dried basil, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes, and mix well.
These seasonings are key to the soup’s flavor profile. The thyme and basil add earthy notes, while the salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper balance the richness and add a subtle kick. - STEP 7: Bring the soup to a simmer over medium heat, and cook for 10-15 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
This is when the soup really starts to come together. Keep it at a gentle simmer to let all the flavors marry and for the veggies to soften. - STEP 8: Add the shredded cooked chicken to the pot and stir to incorporate.
Once the chicken is added, stir it in well so it can absorb all the flavors of the broth. The chicken will add heartiness and texture to the soup. - STEP 9: Carefully drop the gnocchi into the soup and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 2-3 minutes, until they float to the top.
As the gnocchi cooks, it will soak up the flavors from the broth, becoming pillowy and soft, the star of the dish. - STEP 10: Add the chopped fresh spinach and stir until wilted, about 2 minutes.
The spinach will add that beautiful burst of green and a fresh, earthy flavor that perfectly complements the creamy broth. - STEP 11: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and combined.
The Parmesan adds a nutty, salty finish that rounds out the soup beautifully. Stir it in until it’s fully melted and incorporated into the soup. - STEP 12: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more salt, pepper, or crushed red pepper flakes to suit your preferences.
This is your chance to make the soup truly yours. Add a pinch more salt or pepper if it needs a little extra oomph. - STEP 13: Serve the soup hot, ladling it into bowls and optionally garnishing with extra Parmesan cheese.
Top with a little extra Parmesan for that extra cheesy touch, and get ready to enjoy your comforting, creamy bowl of Chicken Gnocchi Soup!
Serving Suggestions for Chicken Gnocchi Soup
1. Crusty Bread for Dipping
There’s something magical about dipping a warm, crusty loaf of bread into this creamy soup. Whether it’s a baguette, sourdough, or even a rustic whole grain, the bread soaks up the rich broth beautifully, making every bite feel even more satisfying. It’s like the perfect sidekick to your comforting bowl of soup.
2. A Simple Green Salad
To balance out the richness, a light, refreshing green salad on the side is the way to go. A simple mix of arugula, spinach, or baby kale with a light vinaigrette will add a pop of freshness and a little crunch, making each spoonful of soup feel even more indulgent.
3. A Sprinkle of Fresh Herbs
Want to elevate the flavor even more? Top each bowl of soup with a handful of freshly chopped herbs like parsley or basil. The fresh herbs bring a burst of color and a little extra pop of flavor, making the soup look as good as it tastes! Plus, it’s a great way to add that final touch of homemade charm.
How to Store Chicken Gnocchi Soup
If you happen to have leftovers of this delicious soup (which, let’s be honest, is a real treat!), you’ll want to store it properly to keep that creamy goodness fresh for the next time you’re craving a bowl. The best way to store Chicken Gnocchi Soup is by letting it cool to room temperature before transferring it into an airtight container. This helps preserve the soup’s rich flavor without trapping moisture inside. Keep the container in the fridge, where it’ll stay good for about 3-4 days.
Now, if you’re thinking ahead and want to stash some away for later, you can freeze it! Just remember that gnocchi tends to absorb the broth and might get a little mushy once thawed, but it’ll still taste amazing. To freeze, place the soup in a freezer-safe container, leaving a little space at the top for expansion. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if it’s too thick.
One last tip: if you don’t want to freeze the whole batch, consider freezing just the broth and chicken mixture separately from the gnocchi. That way, you can cook fresh gnocchi when you’re ready to serve, giving you that just-made feel with every bite!
Conclusion
Well, there you have it! From the rich, creamy broth to the tender gnocchi and the satisfying chunks of chicken, this Chicken Gnocchi Soup is sure to become your go-to comfort food. Whether you’re making it for a cozy night in or sharing it with friends and family, it’s the kind of dish that brings everyone together and leaves you feeling warm and happy. I hope you enjoyed walking through the recipe with me, and I’d love to hear how your version turns out! Maybe you’ll add a little twist of your own—I’m always curious to know how others put their personal spin on things.
If you give this recipe a try (or maybe have already), don’t hesitate to drop a comment with your thoughts, questions, or feedback. I’m here to chat if you need any help, whether it’s with the recipe or any other kitchen adventures you’re embarking on. Enjoy the cozy vibes of this soup and happy cooking!
Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Description
A creamy, comforting bowl of Chicken Gnocchi Soup filled with tender chicken, soft pillowy gnocchi, fresh spinach, and a rich, savory broth. Each spoonful is a perfect balance of warmth, flavor, and heartiness that will leave you craving more!
Ingredients
Instructions
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Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
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Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes.
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Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute, until fragrant.
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Add the diced carrots and celery to the pot, and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
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Pour in the chicken broth and half-and-half, stirring to combine.
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Add the dried thyme, dried basil, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes, and mix well.
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Bring the soup to a simmer over medium heat, and cook for 10-15 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
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Add the shredded cooked chicken to the pot and stir to incorporate.
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Carefully drop the gnocchi into the soup and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 2-3 minutes, until they float to the top.
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Add the chopped fresh spinach and stir until wilted, about 2 minutes.
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Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and combined.
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Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more salt, pepper, or crushed red pepper flakes to suit your preferences.
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Serve the soup hot, ladling it into bowls and optionally garnishing with extra Parmesan cheese.
Note
- Be sure to use freshly shredded chicken for the best texture and flavor.
- For a creamier soup, you can substitute heavy cream for the half-and-half.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes.
- For added depth, sauté the carrots and celery with a pinch of salt to draw out their natural sweetness.
- To prevent gnocchi from becoming too soft, avoid overcooking them once they float to the top.
