Imagine a chilly evening when all you want is something warm, hearty, and delicious to soothe your soul. Chicken and Gnocchi Soup is the perfect dish to wrap you in that cozy feeling. This creamy soup, brimming with tender chicken, pillowy potato gnocchi, and fresh vegetables, is not only satisfying but also surprisingly easy to make.
Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner, preparing a crowd-pleaser for guests, or meal-prepping for the week ahead, this soup is guaranteed to hit the spot. Let’s dive into how you can create this comforting classic right in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love Chicken and Gnocchi Soup
- Creamy and Flavorful: The combination of chicken, gnocchi, and a creamy broth creates a rich, satisfying dish.
- One-Pot Wonder: It’s all cooked in one pot, making cleanup a breeze.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 40 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Nutritious: Packed with protein, vegetables, and spinach for a balanced meal.
- Family-Friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike.
Ingredients for Chicken and Gnocchi Soup
Here’s what you’ll need to gather for this delicious soup:
Main Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Olive oil | 1 tablespoon | For sautéing vegetables. |
| Onion | 1 small, diced | Adds a savory base to the soup. |
| Celery | 3 stalks, diced | Provides crunch and flavor. |
| Garlic | 3 cloves, minced | Enhances the overall taste. |
| Carrots | 2, shredded | Adds sweetness and color. |
| Chicken breast | 1 pound, cooked and cubed | Rotisserie chicken works too! |
| Chicken broth | 4 cups | Forms the flavorful soup base. |
| Mini potato gnocchi | 16 ounces | Store-bought for convenience. |
| Baby spinach | 6 ounces | Adds freshness and nutrients. |
| Half-and-half | 2 cups | For a creamy consistency. |
| Cornstarch (optional) | 1 tablespoon | To thicken the soup if desired. |
| Cold water (optional) | 2 tablespoons | For mixing with cornstarch. |
| Salt and black pepper | To taste | Balances and enhances flavors. |
How to Make Chicken and Gnocchi Soup
1. Prepare Your Ingredients
Before you start cooking, take a moment to prep your ingredients:
- Dice the onion and celery.
- Mince the garlic.
- Shred the carrots using a box grater.
- Cube the cooked chicken breast into bite-sized pieces.
Having everything ready will make the cooking process smooth and stress-free.
2. Sauté the Vegetables
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion, celery, carrots, and minced garlic.
- Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is translucent and the vegetables are tender.
3. Add the Chicken and Broth
- Stir in the cubed chicken breast and 4 cups of chicken broth.
- Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
4. Cook the Gnocchi
- Stir the gnocchi into the simmering soup.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the gnocchi float to the surface. This is a sign that they’re perfectly cooked.
5. Add the Spinach
- Stir in the bag of baby spinach.
- Let it cook for about 3 minutes, or until the spinach is wilted and well incorporated into the soup.
6. Thicken the Soup (Optional)
If you prefer a thicker soup:
- In a small measuring cup, whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water until smooth.
- Stir the cornstarch mixture into the soup and simmer for about 5 minutes, or until the soup thickens slightly.
7. Add the Cream and Seasonings
- Slowly stir in 2 cups of half-and-half.
- Season the soup with salt and ground black pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed.
8. Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the soup into bowls and serve it warm. For an extra indulgent touch, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top or serve with a slice of crusty bread.
Tips for the Best Chicken and Gnocchi Soup
- Use Fresh Gnocchi: Store-bought gnocchi works well, but fresh gnocchi will elevate the dish even further.
- Save Time with Rotisserie Chicken: If you’re short on time, use shredded rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breast from scratch.
- Don’t Overcook the Gnocchi: Gnocchi cooks quickly. As soon as they float, they’re done—overcooking can make them mushy.
- Customize the Vegetables: Feel free to add other veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or diced tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrients.
- Make It Dairy-Free: Substitute the half-and-half with unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
Nutritional Information
Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutritional content per serving (based on 6 servings):
| Nutrient | Per Serving (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 |
| Total Fat | 12g |
| Saturated Fat | 6g |
| Carbohydrates | 30g |
| Protein | 20g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sodium | 750mg |
Why Chicken and Gnocchi Soup Is the Ultimate Comfort Food
Chicken and gnocchi soup is more than just a meal—it’s an experience. Here’s why it’s perfect for any occasion:
- Heartwarming Flavors: The creamy broth combined with tender gnocchi and chicken creates a dish that feels like a hug in a bowl.
- Perfect for All Seasons: While it’s a winter favorite, this soup is light enough to enjoy year-round.
- Great for Sharing: It’s easy to double the recipe to feed a crowd or serve as the centerpiece for a family gathering.
Serving Suggestions for Chicken and Gnocchi Soup
- With Bread: Pair with crusty bread, garlic bread, or breadsticks for dipping.
- With Salad: Serve alongside a fresh green salad or a Caesar salad for a complete meal.
- As an Appetizer: Use smaller bowls to serve it as a starter for a larger dinner.
FAQs About Chicken and Gnocchi Soup
1. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! This soup reheats beautifully. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When reheating, do so over low heat to avoid curdling the cream.
2. Can I freeze Chicken and Gnocchi Soup?
Yes, but note that the texture of the gnocchi may change slightly when thawed. To freeze, let the soup cool completely, then store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
3. Can I make this soup gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free gnocchi and ensure your broth is gluten-free as well.
4. What can I use instead of half-and-half?
You can substitute half-and-half with whole milk, heavy cream, or a non-dairy alternative like almond or coconut milk.
5. How can I add more protein?
Add extra chicken, diced turkey, or even cooked sausage for a heartier soup.
6. What if I don’t have cornstarch?
You can skip it or use flour as a thickening agent. Mix 1 tablespoon of flour with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the soup.
Final Thoughts: Make Chicken and Gnocchi Soup Tonight!
There’s something magical about a bowl of Chicken and Gnocchi Soup. It’s the kind of meal that brings people together and leaves everyone feeling satisfied and cared for. With its creamy broth, tender chicken, and pillowy gnocchi, this dish is pure comfort in every bite.
Why not give it a try tonight? Gather your ingredients, grab your favorite soup pot, and bring this delicious recipe to life. You’ll not only enjoy a hearty meal but also the joy of cooking something truly special.
Chicken and Gnocchi Soup: A Creamy, Comforting Classic
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Warm, creamy, and comforting, Chicken and Gnocchi Soup combines tender chicken, soft gnocchi, and fresh vegetables in a flavorful broth. This one-pot wonder is perfect for chilly evenings, family dinners, or meal prep, offering a delicious blend of richness and hearty satisfaction.
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 celery stalks, diced
- 2 carrots, shredded
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 pound chicken breast, cooked and cubed (or shredded rotisserie chicken)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 16 ounces mini potato gnocchi
- 6 ounces baby spinach
- 2 cups half-and-half
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional Thickener:
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients:
- Dice the onion and celery, mince the garlic, and shred the carrots.
- Cube or shred the cooked chicken.
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the onion, celery, carrots, and garlic. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is translucent and the vegetables are tender.
- Add the Chicken and Broth:
- Stir in the cooked chicken and pour in the chicken broth.
- Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Cook the Gnocchi:
- Stir in the gnocchi and cook for 3–4 minutes, or until the gnocchi float to the surface, indicating they’re fully cooked.
- Add the Spinach:
- Stir in the baby spinach and let it cook for about 3 minutes, or until wilted and well incorporated.
- Thicken the Soup (Optional):
- For a thicker soup, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl until smooth.
- Stir the cornstarch mixture into the soup and let it simmer for 5 minutes, or until it thickens slightly.
- Add the Cream and Season:
- Stir in the half-and-half and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Serve:
Notes
- Fresh Gnocchi: If available, fresh gnocchi will enhance the texture and flavor of the soup.
- Dairy-Free Option: Substitute half-and-half with almond milk, coconut milk, or cashew cream.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free gnocchi and ensure the chicken broth is gluten-free.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently over low heat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Comfort Food