Easy Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Welcome to your new favorite dish: a homemade creamy chicken and gnocchi soup from scratch! This comforting, velvety soup is perfect for chilly evenings, combining the hearty goodness of tender chicken, soft pillowy gnocchi, and a rich creamy broth. Every spoonful is an embrace, inviting you to savor its flavors that warm the soul. Originating from Italian cuisine, gnocchi adds a delightful twist to traditional soup recipes, making this dish both unique and irresistible. Whether you’re a busy professional seeking an easy creamy chicken and gnocchi soup recipe to whip up in under an hour or looking for a family-friendly dinner, this dish checks all the boxes!

In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about making this delicious soup, from ingredient selection to expert tips. Get ready to delight your taste buds and impress your family or guests with a warm bowl of comfort.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 4-6 servings

Ingredients

For the Soup Base:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth (low-sodium)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Chicken and Gnocchi:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (use rotisserie for convenience)
• 1 pound gnocchi (fresh or frozen)
• 2 cups spinach (fresh or frozen)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)

Possible Swaps:

• For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or almond milk.
• Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegan creamy chicken and gnocchi soup.
• Swap gnocchi with gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free option.

Equipment List

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Whisk
• Serving bowls

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Vegetables: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes or until the vegetables are soft and the onions are translucent, stirring occasionally.
2. Incorporate the Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the vegetables and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, just until fragrant. Be cautious not to burn the garlic.
3. Pour in the Broth: Gradually add the chicken broth to the pot, stirring to combine everything. Raise the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
4. Add Chicken and Seasoning: Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and stir in the shredded chicken. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning (if using). Let it simmer for around 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Introducing Gnocchi: Add the gnocchi to the pot and cook for the duration specified on the package (typically 2-3 minutes for fresh gnocchi or 5-6 minutes for frozen), stirring occasionally until they float to the top.
6. Make it Creamy: Carefully pour in the heavy cream while stirring. Allow the soup to heat through. If the soup becomes too thick, add a little more chicken broth or water. Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary.
7. Spinach Infusion: Finally, add the spinach to the pot and stir until wilted and incorporated. This should take about 2 minutes.
8. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the soup warm in generous bowls. For added garnish, sprinkle some freshly cracked black pepper or chopped parsley on top!

Special Notes

For meal prep, this soup can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply transfer the soup to a pot and heat over low until warmed through, stirring occasionally.

If the soup thickens too much during storage, simply add a splash of chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency.

To ensure a smooth blend, if using frozen spinach, thaw it first and squeeze out any excess moisture before adding it to the soup.

Variations and Customizations

Want to make your soup stand out even more? Here are some variations:

• For a low-carb option, replace gnocchi with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
• Add other vegetables like peas or bell peppers for additional flavor and nutrition.
• Add a squeeze of lemon juice right before serving to elevate the flavors.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Estimated Nutritional Breakdown:

• Calories: 480
• Protein: 25g
• Fat: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 2g

Engaging Visual Details

Picture a steaming bowl filled with a creamy, luscious soup that features floating gnocchi, tender shredded chicken, and bright green spinach. The aroma of sautéed garlic, onion, and buttery chicken wafts through the air, inviting you to take a sip. The garnished bowl with a sprinkle of fresh herbs adds the perfect touch of color and freshness, while an inviting warmth radiates from the bowl, ready to be enjoyed. Consider including images or video snippets at each step of the cooking process, from the sizzling vegetables to the gorgeous final presentation.

Conclusion

Now that you’ve explored this easy creamy chicken and gnocchi soup recipe, it’s time to gather your ingredients and experience its comforting essence yourself! Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy gathering, this soup promises to satisfy and delight everyone at the table. Don’t forget to leave a comment below if you tried this recipe or share your version on Instagram and tag us with MyDeliciousDish. Happy cooking!