Chicken Gnocchi Soup

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I’ve always had a soft spot for creamy, comforting soups that feel like a hug in a bowl, and this Chicken Gnocchi Soup has quickly become one of my all-time favorites. It’s rich and hearty, filled with tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, vibrant vegetables, and fresh greens, all simmered in a velvety broth that’s infused with herbs and just the right amount of garlic. It reminds me of something you’d order at a cozy Italian bistro — but better, because it’s homemade.

What I love most about making this soup is how it brings everything together in one pot. It’s a weeknight dream: fast, filling, and surprisingly easy to pull off, even when I’m short on time. Whether you’re feeding a family, prepping for lunch, or just need something soul-warming on a chilly day, this Chicken Gnocchi Soup never disappoints.

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Why You’ll Love This Chicken Gnocchi Soup

This isn’t just another soup — it’s an experience. The combination of fluffy gnocchi and juicy chicken in a creamy herb broth makes it incredibly satisfying. It’s packed with texture and flavor, and you don’t need a ton of fancy ingredients to make it happen. It’s perfect for those who love classic comfort food with a slightly gourmet twist. Whether you’re craving something cozy or want to impress with minimal effort, this recipe checks all the boxes.

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What Kind of Gnocchi Should I Use?

For this Chicken Gnocchi Soup, I usually reach for shelf-stable potato gnocchi from the pasta aisle. It cooks quickly right in the soup and adds a soft, chewy texture that soaks up the creamy broth beautifully. If you have access to fresh gnocchi — even better! Just remember it cooks faster, so you’ll want to add it toward the end of the cooking time. Avoid frozen gnocchi if possible, as it can sometimes fall apart or become gummy in the soup.

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Options for Substitutions

This soup is flexible, and that’s part of its charm. Here are some smart swaps you can make:

• Chicken: Rotisserie chicken or leftover roasted chicken works great. You can also use turkey in a pinch.
• Gnocchi: Try cauliflower gnocchi or gluten-free gnocchi for dietary needs.
• Heavy cream: Half-and-half or whole milk can be used for a lighter version, though it will be slightly less rich.
• Spinach: Kale or Swiss chard makes a great substitute if you want something heartier.
• Carrots and celery: If you’re out, diced zucchini or bell peppers can fill in.
• Butter and flour: For gluten-free, use a butter-alternative and a gluten-free flour blend for thickening.

This soup adapts well to what you have on hand without losing its essence.

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Ingredients for This Chicken Gnocchi Soup

• Olive Oil or Butter
  This is the flavorful base for sautéing the vegetables and creating richness in the broth.
• Yellow Onion
  Adds savory depth and sweetness that builds the soup’s foundational flavor.
• Garlic
  Essential for aromatic warmth and subtle bite—don’t skip it!
• Carrots & Celery
  These classic soup veggies bring sweetness and texture, helping round out the broth.
• Cooked Chicken
  Diced or shredded, it’s the protein that makes the soup hearty and filling. Leftovers or rotisserie chicken work perfectly.
• Potato Gnocchi
  The star! These pillowy dumplings are satisfying, soak up flavor, and turn this into a full meal.
• Low Sodium Chicken Broth
  Forms the soup’s flavorful base—opt for low sodium so you can control the salt.
• Heavy Cream
  Adds richness and smooth texture to create that luxurious, creamy consistency.
• All-Purpose Flour
  Just a touch helps thicken the soup so it clings beautifully to each spoonful.
• Fresh Spinach
  Adds color, nutrients, and a fresh bite that balances the creamy texture.
• Salt, Pepper & Italian Seasoning
  A must for seasoning—this trio elevates the entire dish with herby, savory goodness.
• Chopped Fresh Parsley or Chives (Optional for Garnish)
  Brightens the finished bowl and adds a pop of fresh color.

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Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until the vegetables are tender and the onion is translucent, about 5–6 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

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Step 2: Build the Base

Sprinkle in the flour and stir to coat the vegetables evenly, forming a roux. Cook for 1–2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste, then slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking to avoid lumps.

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Step 3: Add the Chicken and Seasonings

Stir in the cooked chicken, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let everything simmer for 5–7 minutes so the flavors can meld.

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Step 4: Stir in the Gnocchi

Add the potato gnocchi directly into the simmering soup. Cook according to the gnocchi package instructions (usually 3–4 minutes), or until they float and are tender.

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Step 5: Make It Creamy

Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Let the soup gently simmer for another 5 minutes. Be careful not to boil once the cream is added.

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Step 6: Finish with Greens

Add fresh spinach and stir until wilted. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley or chives if desired.

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How Long to Cook the Chicken Gnocchi Soup

From start to finish, this soup takes about 30 to 35 minutes to make:

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Sautéing and simmering: 15–20 minutes
• Gnocchi and cream finish: 5 minutes

If you’re using pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken, you’ll save even more time — making this an ideal weeknight recipe.

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Tips for Perfect Chicken Gnocchi Soup

• Use fresh gnocchi if possible: It cooks faster and holds its shape beautifully in the soup.
• Don’t overcook the gnocchi: Once they float, they’re done — overcooking can make them mushy.
• Add cream at the end: To prevent curdling, always add the dairy after the heat is reduced.
• Cut veggies uniformly: This ensures even cooking and a consistent texture in each spoonful.
• Taste before serving: Seasoning can shift as the soup simmers, so adjust salt and pepper at the end.
• Use a heavy-bottomed pot: It distributes heat better and reduces the risk of scorching the base.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Skipping the roux step: If you don’t cook the flour into the veggies first, your soup won’t thicken properly and may taste raw.
• Boiling after adding cream: This can cause the soup to separate or curdle — keep it to a gentle simmer.
• Overcrowding with gnocchi: Adding too much can make the soup starchy and overly thick. Stick to the recommended amount.
• Undercooked aromatics: Make sure your onions, carrots, and celery are soft before moving on — they won’t cook much more once the broth is added.
• Under-seasoning: Gnocchi and cream are mild, so make sure you balance with enough salt, pepper, and herbs.

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What to Serve With Chicken Gnocchi Soup?

Crusty Garlic Bread

A golden, buttery slice of garlic bread is the perfect side for dunking into that creamy broth.

Simple Green Salad

Keep it light with a crisp salad of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a vinaigrette.

Cheddar Biscuits

Soft, cheesy biscuits pair beautifully with the soup’s richness.

Roasted Vegetables

Try oven-roasted broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts to add color and nutrition to the meal.

Caprese Salad

A fresh contrast — tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil add a bright Italian touch.

Glass of Chardonnay

If you’re in the mood, a chilled glass of white wine balances the creaminess perfectly.

Lemon-Parmesan Asparagus

Citrusy and cheesy, this veggie side adds a zesty twist.

Olive Tapenade and Crackers

A small antipasto-style bite that’s salty and satisfying before the main soup.

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Storage Instructions

Leftovers of Chicken Gnocchi Soup store really well. Let the soup cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container.

• Refrigerator: Store for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave — you may need to add a splash of broth or milk to loosen it up as it thickens when chilled.
• Freezer: It’s not ideal for freezing due to the cream and gnocchi, which can both change texture. If you must freeze, do so before adding the cream and gnocchi, then finish the soup after thawing.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per 1 ½ cup serving (approximate):

• Calories: 370
• Protein: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fat: 17g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 4g
• Cholesterol: 75mg
• Sodium: 620mg
• Serving Size: 1 ½ cups

Keep in mind these values can vary depending on the brand of gnocchi, the cut of chicken, and any substitutions used.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I thicken Chicken Gnocchi Soup if it’s too thin?

If your soup turns out thinner than you’d like, mix 1 tablespoon of flour or cornstarch with a bit of cold broth or water, then stir it into the simmering soup. Let it cook for a few more minutes until it thickens.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, absolutely. For best results, cook everything except the gnocchi and cream, then add those just before serving. This keeps the texture fresh and prevents soggy gnocchi.

Can I use frozen gnocchi?

You can, but be cautious — some frozen gnocchi varieties fall apart or become gummy in soup. If you use them, add directly from frozen and cook just until they float.

How do I make this soup dairy-free?

Swap the heavy cream for canned full-fat coconut milk or any unflavored, unsweetened dairy-free alternative. The flavor will shift slightly but still be delicious.

What type of chicken works best?

Shredded rotisserie chicken is fast and flavorful, but any cooked, diced chicken breast or thigh will work. Even leftover grilled chicken adds a nice smokiness.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not by default, since it uses regular gnocchi and flour. However, you can easily make it gluten-free by using gluten-free gnocchi and substituting a gluten-free flour blend for the roux.

Can I add mushrooms or other vegetables?

Yes! Mushrooms, zucchini, or corn make excellent additions. Just sauté them with the onions, carrots, and celery to blend the flavors.

How do I make this soup more filling?

Add more protein like extra chicken or white beans. You can also stir in grated Parmesan cheese for richness and body.

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Conclusion

Chicken Gnocchi Soup is the kind of recipe you’ll want on repeat — comforting, simple, and endlessly adaptable. It’s creamy without being heavy, packed with nourishing ingredients, and full of flavor that gets better with every spoonful. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy dinner or meal prepping for the week, this soup checks all the boxes: fast, hearty, and soul-warming. Try it once, and you’ll be hooked.

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