Chicken gnocchi soup

Chicken gnocchi soup is a creamy, comforting bowl that feels like a warm blanket on a busy day. Soft potato gnocchi, tender chicken, and vegetables come together in a gentle broth that’s rich without being heavy. People love it because it’s filling, simple to make, and works just as well for family dinners as it does for quiet nights at home. I usually start this while tidying the kitchen, letting the soup simmer softly as everything comes together. Chicken gnocchi soup fits real life perfectly, especially on cold evenings when you want something homemade that doesn’t take all night.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

This recipe is cozy in the most practical way. The flavors are mild, creamy, and comforting, making it easy for everyone at the table to enjoy. It’s weeknight-friendly and doesn’t require fancy steps or special tools. You can stretch it with extra vegetables, use leftover chicken, or make a bigger pot for lunches later. Chicken gnocchi soup reheats well and feels just as comforting the next day, which makes it freezer-friendly and budget-conscious too. It’s one of those crowd-pleasing meals people save because it’s reliable, flexible, and always welcome when the weather cools down or schedules feel full.

Ingredients

Tip: Use shelf-stable or refrigerated potato gnocchi for the softest texture.

Olive oil – 1 tablespoon
Onion, finely chopped – 1 small
Carrots, diced – 2 medium
Celery, diced – 2 stalks
Garlic, minced – 3 cloves
Cooked chicken, shredded – 2 cups
Chicken broth – 6 cups
Potato gnocchi – 16 ounces
Milk or light cream – 1 cup
Spinach – 2 cups
Salt – to taste
Black pepper – to taste

all the ingredients of chicken gnocchi soup

Instructions

Step 1: Preparation
Chop the onion, carrots, and celery into small pieces so they cook evenly. Measure out the remaining ingredients and shred the cooked chicken. Keeping everything ready makes the cooking process feel calm and unhurried.

Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened and lightly fragrant. Stir in the garlic and let it warm briefly without browning.

Step 3: Combining Ingredients
Pour in the chicken broth and add the shredded chicken. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer, then add the gnocchi. Stir carefully as the gnocchi sink, then slowly rise to the surface.

Step 4: Finishing & Final Simmer
Lower the heat and stir in the milk or cream. Add spinach and let it wilt into the soup. Season with salt and pepper, simmering until the broth looks creamy and everything feels tender.

Why This Recipe Works for Busy Days

This soup comes together in one pot and uses simple ingredients, which saves time and cleanup. It’s easy to make ahead, holds up well for leftovers, and reheats without much effort. For Pinterest users who save recipes to cook later, this one feels reassuring and realistic.

Tips & Tricks

Don’t overcook the gnocchi. Once they float and look plump, they’re ready. Cooking too long can make them overly soft and cause them to break apart in the soup.
Use cooked chicken you already have. Rotisserie-style or leftover roasted chicken saves time and adds flavor without extra steps.
Add dairy at the end. Milk or cream can separate if boiled, so keeping the heat low helps maintain a smooth, creamy broth.
Taste before serving. Broth strength varies, so a final seasoning check keeps the soup from tasting bland.

Variations

Meaty Version
Add cooked turkey sausage or bacon pieces along with the chicken. This makes the soup heartier and adds a deeper savory flavor while keeping the same creamy base.

Vegetarian Option
Skip the chicken and use vegetable broth. Add mushrooms or extra vegetables like zucchini for texture, keeping the soup filling and comforting without meat.

Ingredient Swap
Replace spinach with kale or Swiss chard. Just give sturdier greens a few extra minutes to soften gently in the hot soup.

Flavor or Herb Boost
Stir in fresh thyme or parsley at the end. These herbs brighten the soup and add aroma without overpowering the creamy base.

Serving Suggestions

Simple Family Dinner
Serve hot in deep bowls with a slice of crusty bread. This keeps the meal relaxed and comforting, perfect for weeknight dinners.
With a Light Side
Pair with a simple salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness while keeping the meal easy.
Cozy Night In
Serve with warm rolls and let everyone help themselves. This soup works well for casual, shared meals.
Lunch-Friendly Bowls
Portion into containers for easy lunches that reheat well and feel just as comforting the next day.

Storage Instructions

Fridge Storage
Store cooled soup in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The gnocchi will absorb some liquid, so the soup may thicken slightly over time.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth or milk and stir to loosen the texture before serving.
Freezing
Freeze without the gnocchi if possible. Add fresh gnocchi when reheating for the best texture and consistency.
Make-Ahead Tips
Prepare the base soup ahead and refrigerate. Add gnocchi and dairy just before serving to keep everything creamy and fresh.

Recipe Timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Rest Time: Not applicable
Total Time: About 40 minutes

Nutrition Information (Approximate)

Each serving contains roughly 350–450 calories, depending on dairy and portion size. Protein ranges from 20–25 grams per serving. The soup also provides calcium and iron from milk and greens. Values are estimates and may vary based on ingredients used.

FAQs

Yes, make the base soup ahead and add gnocchi later.

Overcooking the gnocchi.

Yes, use unsweetened plant milk.

The gnocchi absorbed liquid. Add broth.

In an airtight container in the fridge.

Conclusion

This recipe is a reliable favorite when comfort matters most. It’s easy to adjust, simple to repeat, and welcoming in any season. Once you’ve made it once, it naturally becomes part of your regular rotation, especially when evenings feel long or chilly. Chicken gnocchi soup is flexible enough to suit different tastes and schedules, which makes it worth saving and coming back to again. Serve it warm, share it casually, and enjoy the kind of meal that feels familiar and reassuring every time.