Chicken gnocchi soup is the cozy comfort food you didn’t know you needed. Loaded with tender chicken, fluffy gnocchi, baby spinach, and a creamy herb-infused broth, it’s like a hug in a bowl. Whether you’re looking for a satisfying weeknight dinner or an impressive yet easy meal for guests, this creamy soup delivers every time. It’s simple to make, incredibly flavorful, and ready in under 45 minutes—making it a true hero for busy home cooks who love comforting meals without the fuss.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creamy and comforting without being too heavy
- One-pot wonder — easy cleanup
- Ready in 45 minutes
- Versatile ingredients and substitutions
- Meal-prep friendly and stores well
- Gluten-free and dairy-free options included
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 3 large carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or ½ teaspoon dried)
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 lb dried gnocchi
- 1 (5 oz) container baby spinach, chopped
- 1 cup half-and-half
Instructions
- Sauté vegetables: Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook 10–12 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook 1 more minute.
- Make roux: Sprinkle flour over veggies and stir constantly for 1 minute to cook out the raw taste.
- Simmer broth: Slowly pour in chicken broth, stirring to combine. Add chicken, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer for 5–6 minutes.
- Cook gnocchi: Stir in dried gnocchi, cover, and cook 4–5 minutes until gnocchi are tender.
- Finish soup: Add spinach and half-and-half. Cook 1–2 more minutes until the spinach wilts and the soup is creamy. Adjust salt and pepper.
- Serve: Ladle into bowls and enjoy hot with crusty bread or fresh herbs.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 6–8
Nutrition Facts (Approximate per serving)
- Calories: 420
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 26g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Vitamin A: 60% DV
- Vitamin C: 20% DV
Tips & Variations
- Make it lighter: Use half whole milk and half Greek yogurt instead of cream
- Dairy-free: Use coconut milk instead of half-and-half
- Gluten-free: Use GF flour and gnocchi
- Add-ins: Mushrooms, zucchini, or kale work great
- Spicy version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes
- Protein swap: Chicken breast or rotisserie chicken can be used
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Add shredded rotisserie chicken after simmering the broth.
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, but leave out spinach and cream until reheating for best texture.
What’s the best way to reheat?
Stovetop over low heat is best. Add a splash of broth if too thick.
Can I use fresh gnocchi?
Yes, but reduce cooking time by 1–2 minutes.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Absolutely! It’s mild, creamy, and easy to adjust for picky eaters.
Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Equipment
- – Dutch oven or large pot
- Ladle
- – Chef’s knife
- – Cutting board
Ingredients
- – 2 tbsp olive oil
- – 1 large onion diced
- – 3 carrots chopped
- – 2 celery stalks diced
- – 4 garlic cloves minced
- – ¼ cup flour
- – 6 cups chicken broth
- – 1½ lbs chicken thighs chopped
- – 1 tsp fresh thyme
- – ½ tsp salt
- – ½ tsp pepper
- – 1 lb gnocchi
- – 1 5 oz baby spinach, chopped
- – 1 cup half-and-half
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté 10–12 mins.
- Stir in garlic, then flour. Cook 1 min, stirring constantly.
- Slowly add broth. Add chicken, thyme, salt, pepper. Simmer 5–6 mins.
- Add gnocchi. Cover and cook 4–5 mins.
- Stir in spinach and half-and-half. Cook 1–2 mins until creamy.
- Adjust seasoning and serve hot.
Notes
– Coconut milk works for dairy-free version
– Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat
Conclusion
This creamy chicken gnocchi soup has everything you want in a bowl—warmth, flavor, and satisfying texture. It’s a reliable go-to for cozy nights, potlucks, or lunch leftovers that actually get better the next day. Whether you stick to the classic version or try a variation, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.