Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a comforting and hearty dish featuring tender chicken pieces, soft potato gnocchi, fresh vegetables, and a rich creamy broth infused with savory herbs. Perfect for cozy meals all year round, this soup warms the soul and offers a deliciously satisfying experience.
- Author: Nina
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Protein
- 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, diced or shredded
Gnocchi
- 1 package (about 16 oz) potato gnocchi
Dairy and Liquids
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 4 cups chicken broth
Vegetables
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 cups fresh spinach or kale
Herbs and Seasonings
- 1–2 tbsp fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, or parsley), chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Cooking Fats
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, minced garlic, celery, and carrots. Cook until the vegetables are soft and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes, creating a flavorful base for the soup.
- Cook Chicken: Add chicken breasts or thighs to the pot and sear briefly on both sides. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook until the chicken is fully cooked, approximately 15 minutes. Remove chicken from the pot and shred or cube it.
- Add Gnocchi and Vegetables: Return shredded chicken to the pot. Stir in the potato gnocchi and fresh spinach or kale. Allow the gnocchi to cook through, about 2-3 minutes; it will float when ready.
- Make it Creamy: Pour in the heavy cream or half-and-half and stir gently to combine. Heat the soup through without bringing it to a boil to prevent curdling. Add fresh herbs, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Final Touches: Stir well, adjust seasonings if needed, and serve hot. Optionally garnish with chopped fresh parsley, grated Parmesan cheese, or crispy bacon bits for added flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use fresh gnocchi for best texture and quicker cooking time.
- Avoid boiling the soup after adding cream to keep it silky smooth.
- You may cook chicken separately by poaching or roasting for more control over texture.
- Adjust soup thickness by adding more broth or simmering longer as desired.
- Fresh herbs provide the brightest flavor; use dried only if fresh are unavailable.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup, Chicken Soup, Comfort Food, Gnocchi Soup, Easy Soup Recipe