Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

There's nothing more comforting than a warm bowl of Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup on a chilly evening. This rich and hearty soup is packed with tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a luscious, creamy broth infused with herbs and garlic. Every spoonful feels like a warm hug, making it a perfect dish for cozy nights in.

I first discovered this recipe when I was looking for a way to recreate my favorite restaurant-style soup at home. After a few tweaks, I found the perfect balance of creaminess and flavor, and now it's a staple in my kitchen. Whether you're making it for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this soup will quickly become a favorite.

Why You'll Love This Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Get ready to fall in love with the ultimate comfort food. This Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup has everything you need for a satisfying meal.

First, it's incredibly easy to make. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can have a restaurant-quality soup ready in under an hour.

It's also budget-friendly. Most of the ingredients, like chicken, gnocchi, and vegetables, are pantry staples, so you can enjoy a gourmet meal without breaking the bank.

Another reason to love this soup is its versatility. You can easily swap ingredients to fit your dietary preferences—use turkey instead of chicken, or substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream for a lighter version.

Finally, this soup is perfect for meal prep. It reheats beautifully, making it an excellent choice for leftovers or a ready-to-go lunch during the week.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup lies in its carefully selected ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in creating its rich, comforting flavor.

Chicken is the star of the show. I prefer using boneless, skinless chicken breasts because they cook quickly and shred easily. However, chicken thighs work just as well if you want an extra juicy and flavorful result.

The gnocchi adds a soft, pillowy texture that makes this soup so unique. Store-bought gnocchi works perfectly, but if you're feeling adventurous, homemade gnocchi takes this dish to another level.

For the creamy base, heavy cream is essential. It gives the soup its velvety texture and rich flavor. If you prefer a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or even whole milk, though the soup will be slightly less thick.

Vegetables like carrots, celery, and spinach add both flavor and nutrition. The spinach gives a fresh, slightly earthy contrast to the richness of the broth, while the carrots and celery build a robust foundation of flavor.

Lastly, a combination of garlic, onions, and Italian seasoning creates the perfect savory depth. These aromatic ingredients bring everything together, making every bite incredibly flavorful.

How To Make This Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Making this delicious soup is easier than you think. Follow these simple steps, and you'll have a steaming bowl of comfort in no time.

Start by heating a large pot over medium heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil, then sauté the onions, carrots, and celery until they soften. This creates a flavorful base for the soup. Add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Next, add the chicken breasts to the pot along with chicken broth. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes. The chicken should be fully cooked and easy to shred. Remove the chicken, shred it with two forks, and return it to the pot.

Once the chicken is back in the soup, stir in the gnocchi. Let them cook for about 3-5 minutes, or until they start floating to the top. This means they’re perfectly cooked and ready to soak up the flavors of the broth.

Now, pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and let it simmer for a few more minutes until the soup thickens slightly.

Finally, toss in the fresh spinach and let it wilt for about a minute. Give everything one last stir, then taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve hot and enjoy!

Storage Options

This Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup stores beautifully, making it great for meal prep.

For refrigeration, store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors meld together over time, making the soup even better the next day.

If you want to freeze it, let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Keep in mind that the gnocchi may become slightly softer after thawing, but the flavor will remain delicious.

To reheat, simply warm the soup over low heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally. If the consistency is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen it up.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how customizable it is. Here are a few ways you can tweak it to suit your tastes:

For a lighter version, swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk. It will still be creamy but with fewer calories.

If you don’t have chicken breasts, you can use rotisserie chicken for an even quicker prep time. Just shred it and add it in after the gnocchi.

For an extra flavor boost, try adding crispy bacon or Parmesan cheese. A sprinkle of Parmesan at the end gives the soup a slightly nutty depth that takes it to the next level.

Want to make it vegetarian? Skip the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add white beans or mushrooms for extra protein.

Experimenting with different herbs, such as thyme or rosemary, can also add a unique twist to the flavor profile.

No matter how you customize it, this Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup is guaranteed to be a hit. Grab a spoon and dig into pure comfort!

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