Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Name: Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and diced; 1 stalk of celery, chopped; ½ white onion, diced; 2 teaspoons minced garlic; ½ cup shredded carrots; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 teaspoon thyme; 16 ounces potato gnocchi; 2 cups half and half (or substitute with milk/heavy cream); 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

There’s something special about a warm, creamy bowl of soup that brings comfort on a chilly day. The first time I made this Chicken Gnocchi Soup, I was craving something cozy but didn’t want to go through the hassle of dining out. I had all the ingredients in my kitchen, and within 30 minutes, I was enjoying a homemade version of one of my favorite restaurant dishes—without leaving my house.

This recipe is perfect for beginners because it’s simple, quick, and requires minimal effort. With just one pot and a handful of basic ingredients, you’ll have a rich, hearty soup that tastes like it came from a restaurant. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover chicken or introduce yourself to the wonders of gnocchi.

Why This Recipe is Special

Beginner-Friendly – No complicated techniques, just straightforward steps.

One-Pot Meal – Minimal cleanup means more time to enjoy your meal.
Rich and Creamy – A velvety broth with tender chicken and soft gnocchi.
Quick to Make – Ready in about 30 minutes, perfect for weeknight dinners.

Customizable – Easily adaptable to different dietary preferences.

Ingredients and Their Roles

Chicken – Provides protein and heartiness. Cooked and diced chicken works best, but rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut.
Gnocchi – These soft, pillowy potato dumplings add texture and make the soup extra satisfying.

Celery, Carrots, Onion – Classic soup aromatics that bring depth of flavor.
Garlic – Enhances the overall taste with a warm, savory note.
Olive Oil – Used to sauté the vegetables, adding richness.

Chicken Broth – Forms the flavorful base of the soup. Low-sodium is recommended for better control over seasoning.
Half and Half – Gives the soup its creamy consistency. You can swap it with milk for a lighter version or heavy cream for extra richness.
Spinach – Adds a pop of color and freshness, balancing the creaminess.

Thyme, Salt, and Pepper – Simple seasonings that bring out the flavors.

Substitutions:

Use turkey instead of chicken for a post-holiday meal.

Swap spinach with kale for a heartier green.
Replace half and half with coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
Try cauliflower gnocchi for a lower-carb alternative.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped celery, diced onions, minced garlic, and shredded carrots. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onions become translucent and fragrant.

Step 2: Add the cooked, diced chicken to the pot. Pour in the chicken broth and season with salt, pepper, and thyme. Bring everything to a gentle boil.

Step 3: Stir in the gnocchi and let it cook for 3-4 minutes. The gnocchi will start to float when it’s done. Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Step 4: Pour in the half and half, stirring gently to combine. Add the roughly chopped spinach and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the spinach wilts. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 5: Remove from heat and serve hot. Optionally, top with grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of flavor.

Beginner Tips and Notes

How to Tell When Gnocchi is Cooked: Gnocchi will float to the top of the soup when they’re done. Avoid overcooking, as they can become mushy.

Thickening the Soup: If you prefer a thicker soup, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the soup before adding the half and half. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes until thickened.
Avoiding Curled Milk: When adding the half and half, make sure the soup isn’t boiling. Stir it in over low heat to prevent separation.
Shortcuts: Use store-bought shredded rotisserie chicken to save time. Pre-chopped vegetables also work if you’re in a hurry.

Serving Suggestions

This soup pairs wonderfully with:

Garlic Bread or Breadsticks – Perfect for dipping into the creamy broth.
Side Salad – A simple Caesar or mixed greens salad balances the richness of the soup.

Parmesan Croutons – Add crunch by topping the soup with homemade or store-bought croutons.

Storage Tips:

Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat to prevent the cream from separating.

Freeze: This soup doesn’t freeze well due to the dairy and gnocchi, but if you want to try, freeze it before adding the half and half. When reheating, stir in fresh half and half before serving.

Conclusion

This creamy chicken gnocchi soup is proof that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, even beginner cooks can make a restaurant-quality meal at home. If you give this recipe a try, let me know how it turned out in the comments below. What variations did you make? I’d love to hear your tips and feedback.

Keywords: easy sheet pan dinner, lemon herb chicken recipe, quick and healthy meals, creamy gnocchi soup, beginner-friendly recipes.

FAQ About Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Can I use store-bought gnocchi for this recipe?

Yes, store-bought gnocchi works perfectly and saves time. If you prefer homemade gnocchi, ensure it’s cooked until it floats before adding it to the soup.

What can I use instead of half and half?

For a lighter version, use whole milk. For extra creaminess, swap half and half for heavy cream. A dairy-free alternative is coconut milk or cashew cream.

How do I thicken the soup if it’s too thin?

Mix one tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the soup while simmering. Allow it to cook for a few minutes until thickened.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, but gnocchi can absorb liquid over time, making it softer. If preparing ahead, cook the soup without gnocchi and add it fresh when reheating.

More Relevant Recipes

Crispy Air Fryer Gnocchi