Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a creamy, hearty soup made with chicken breasts, gnocchi, vegetables, and a rich broth base. The soup features tender chunks of chicken, soft potato gnocchi, and fresh spinach, creating a wholesome dish that’s both filling and flavorful. The combination of chicken broth, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese adds richness, while dried herbs like thyme and rosemary enhance the depth of flavor.
The total time needed to prepare Chicken Gnocchi Soup is approximately 30 to 40 minutes. It’s a quick and easy recipe that doesn’t take much effort to make. The most time-consuming part is cooking the chicken, which usually takes 10-15 minutes, followed by simmering the vegetables and gnocchi for another 10 minutes. Once everything is combined and cooked through, the soup is ready to serve.
Creating Chicken Gnocchi Soup offers a great balance of flavors and textures. The soft gnocchi complements the tender chicken, and the creaminess of the broth makes it feel like a warm hug in a bowl. It’s a dish that feels homemade but is simple enough for anyone to make, even on a busy weeknight. The addition of fresh spinach provides a burst of color and nutrients, enhancing both the flavor and presentation.
Why You’ll Love It Chicken Gnocchi Soup
- Comforting and Hearty: Chicken Gnocchi Soup is perfect for cold days. Its creamy texture and tender chicken create a warm, filling meal that satisfies hunger and boosts comfort. The gnocchi adds a soft, pillowy element to every bite.
- Packed with Nutrients: With fresh vegetables, lean chicken, and rich broth, Chicken Gnocchi Soup offers a balance of vitamins and protein. It’s not only delicious but also a healthy choice for those seeking a nourishing meal.
- Easy and Quick to Make: This soup is simple to prepare, even for beginners. With just a few ingredients and less than an hour, you can have a flavorful and satisfying meal ready to enjoy.
Ingredient Notes for Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Here’s a breakdown of the main ingredients used in making a delicious Chicken Gnocchi Soup:
- Chicken Breasts: Chicken breasts provide lean protein that adds a tender and mild flavor to the soup. They’re easy to cook and shred, making them a perfect base for this dish.
- Olive Oil: Olive oil is used to sauté the vegetables and start building the soup’s base. It adds a subtle, healthy fat and flavor.
- Onion: Onion offers a savory depth of flavor to the soup. It’s typically sautéed with garlic for a fragrant start to the dish.
- Carrots: Carrots bring natural sweetness and color to the soup. They cook down to add flavor and texture, balancing the savory elements of the dish.
- Celery Stalks: Celery adds a slight crunch and earthy flavor. It’s a key component in the classic mirepoix, which is the foundation for many soups and stews.
- Garlic: Garlic gives a rich and aromatic taste that complements the chicken and vegetables in the soup.
- Chicken Broth: Chicken broth is the base liquid that adds depth and warmth to the soup. It enhances the chicken flavor and creates a comforting, savory soup base.
- Heavy Cream: Heavy cream makes the soup rich and creamy. It adds a velvety texture that brings all the flavors together for a luxurious finish.
- Dried Thyme: Thyme gives the soup a herby, earthy flavor. It pairs well with chicken and vegetables, giving the soup a warm and fragrant taste.
- Dried Rosemary: Rosemary adds a piney, woody flavor to the soup. Its strong taste complements the other herbs and enhances the savory notes.
- Salt & Black Pepper: These two ingredients are essential for seasoning the soup. Salt brings out the flavors of the ingredients, and black pepper adds a mild heat.
- Gnocchi: Gnocchi are soft, pillowy dumplings made from potatoes and flour. They soak up the flavors of the soup and add a satisfying texture.
- Baby Spinach: Baby spinach adds a fresh, slightly bitter taste. It wilts nicely in the soup, offering both color and a boost of nutrients.
- Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan cheese is sprinkled on top for a rich, nutty finish. It melts into the soup, adding depth and enhancing the flavor profile.
Helpful Tips and Add Your Touch
Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a comforting, hearty meal perfect for any time of the year. To make it even better, don’t hesitate to add your personal twist. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can elevate the flavor. You can also swap vegetables to fit your preference, like adding spinach or mushrooms for extra texture.
For a creamier texture, try using half-and-half instead of regular milk. This will give your Chicken Gnocchi Soup a rich, smooth consistency. You can also experiment with different types of broth—chicken, vegetable, or even bone broth—to enhance the taste.
Season the soup to your liking. Taste it throughout cooking, and add salt, pepper, or garlic powder to suit your palate. If you prefer a spicy kick, a pinch of red pepper flakes can make all the difference. Just be careful not to overpower the natural flavors of the chicken and gnocchi.
Chicken Gnocchi Soup Variations
Chicken Gnocchi Soup is versatile, and you can make it your own by adding different ingredients or changing the flavor profile. Here are some variations:
- Spinach or Kale: Add fresh spinach or kale for extra greens. Stir them in at the end to wilt them into the soup.
- Mushrooms: For a richer taste, add sautéed mushrooms along with the vegetables.
- Spicy Version: Spice it up by adding red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Low-Carb: Use cauliflower gnocchi or skip the gnocchi entirely to make a low-carb version of the soup.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative to make the soup suitable for those avoiding dairy.
How to Serve Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Serving Chicken Gnocchi Soup can be simple and stylish. Consider pairing it with:
- Crusty Bread: A side of warm, crusty bread is perfect for dipping into the creamy broth. You can use sourdough or a baguette.
- Salad: Serve alongside a light salad with greens, tomatoes, and a vinaigrette to balance the richness of the soup.
- Grilled Cheese: For an extra comforting meal, pair your soup with a grilled cheese sandwich.
For a more elegant presentation, garnish the soup with fresh herbs, like thyme or parsley, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
Storage Options
Chicken Gnocchi Soup can be stored and reheated, making it a great make-ahead meal. Here’s how you can store it:
- In the Refrigerator: Allow the soup to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. The gnocchi may absorb some of the broth, so you might want to add a little more liquid when reheating.
- In the Freezer: If you want to store it for a longer period, you can freeze the soup. Just be aware that freezing may cause the gnocchi to change in texture. To freeze, allow the soup to cool completely, then place it in a freezer-safe container. It will last up to 3 months in the freezer.
- Reheating: To reheat, warm the soup on the stove over medium heat. Add a bit of broth or cream if the soup has thickened too much. Stir occasionally until heated through.
FAQs About Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Can I make Chicken Gnocchi Soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can make Chicken Gnocchi Soup ahead of time. Store it in the fridge for up to three days, but add the gnocchi just before serving to prevent it from getting too soft.
What type of chicken is best for Chicken Gnocchi Soup?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are ideal for Chicken Gnocchi Soup. They cook quickly and stay tender, making them perfect for this creamy soup.
Can I use a different type of gnocchi?
Yes, you can use gluten-free gnocchi if you’re looking for a gluten-free version. You can also try potato or cauliflower gnocchi for a different texture and flavor.
How do I store leftovers of Chicken Gnocchi Soup?
Store leftover Chicken Gnocchi Soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove and add a little extra broth if it has thickened too much.
Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook the Chicken: Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large pot or Dutch oven. Add the chicken (if using whole chicken breasts, cook until browned on both sides and fully cooked through, about 6-8 minutes). Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside to rest. If you're using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken, skip this step and add it directly later.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add the diced onions, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
- Add the Broth and Cream: Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together to combine. Bring the soup to a simmer.
- Cook the Gnocchi: Add the gnocchi to the simmering soup and cook according to package instructions. Typically, gnocchi will float to the top when they’re cooked through (usually within 2-3 minutes for fresh gnocchi, and about 4-5 minutes for frozen).
- Shred the Chicken: While the gnocchi cooks, shred the cooked chicken (if you haven’t already). Add the shredded chicken back into the pot along with the spinach, and stir to combine. Let the spinach wilt into the soup.
- Final Simmer: Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 5 minutes, giving all the flavors time to meld together. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and enjoy!
