Go Back
To make this soup, you need a few key ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need: - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 medium onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 2 medium carrots, diced - 2 celery stalks, diced - 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces - 6 cups chicken broth - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 cup heavy cream - 16 oz potato gnocchi - 2 cups fresh spinach - Salt and pepper to taste - Grated Parmesan cheese for serving These ingredients create a rich and creamy base. The chicken adds protein, while the gnocchi gives a nice texture. Fresh vegetables like carrots and spinach add color and nutrients. You can use a few optional ingredients to make your soup even better. Consider adding: - Fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a fresh touch - A squeeze of lemon juice for brightness - Red pepper flakes for a hint of heat - Mushrooms for extra umami flavor These additions can elevate the taste and make it more personal. Feel free to mix and match based on your preferences. If you have dietary needs, you can still enjoy this soup. Here are some substitutions: - Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian option. - Substitute coconut milk for heavy cream if you want a dairy-free version. - Swap out chicken for cooked chickpeas or white beans for a protein boost. - Use gluten-free gnocchi if you need a gluten-free dish. These changes keep the soup tasty while catering to different diets. You can enjoy a bowl of comforting soup that suits you. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, gather all your ingredients. This makes cooking easier and more fun. You will need: - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 medium onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 2 medium carrots, diced - 2 celery stalks, diced - 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces - 6 cups chicken broth - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 cup heavy cream - 16 oz potato gnocchi - 2 cups fresh spinach - Salt and pepper to taste - Grated Parmesan cheese for serving Start by chopping the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. This helps the flavors mix well when cooking. Now, heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes, until it looks clear. Next, add the minced garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook these for another 5 minutes. You want the veggies to soften but not brown. Increase the heat to medium-high. Add the chicken pieces to the pot. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes. You want the chicken to turn golden brown on all sides. Next, pour in the chicken broth. Add the dried thyme and oregano. Bring this mix to a boil. Then, lower the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. This step lets the flavors blend together nicely. After that, stir in the heavy cream and potato gnocchi. Let it simmer for another 5-7 minutes. You know the gnocchi is done when it floats to the top. Lastly, add the fresh spinach to the pot. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until it wilts down. Now, taste the soup and add salt and pepper as needed. If it’s too thick, you can add more chicken broth to reach your desired consistency. Serve the soup hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese. This will give it a rich finish that enhances the flavor! To get the creamiest texture, use heavy cream. Heavy cream gives a rich flavor and smooth feel. Stir it in slowly after the soup simmers. Make sure to heat it gently to keep it from curdling. If you want an even creamier soup, blend a part of the soup and mix it back in. This adds thickness without losing any taste. Cook the chicken in small, bite-sized pieces. This helps it cook evenly and stay tender. Sear the chicken until browned for great flavor. Use medium-high heat to get a nice crust. Don’t rush it; let it brown well. After adding broth, let the chicken simmer long enough to absorb all the flavors. Gnocchi cooks fast, so keep an eye on it. Add it to the soup when you see the broth boiling. They are done when they float to the top. This means they are light and fluffy. If you overcook them, they may turn mushy. Use a slotted spoon to scoop them out gently for the best texture. Pro Tips Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh thyme and oregano can elevate the flavor of your soup compared to dried herbs. Perfectly Cooked Gnocchi: Gnocchi is done when it floats to the top; this ensures they are light and fluffy. Make it Dairy-Free: Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based cream for a dairy-free version. Customize the Veggies: Feel free to add or substitute your favorite vegetables such as bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition. {{image_2}} You can easily make a tasty vegetarian version of creamy gnocchi soup. Start by skipping the chicken. Use mushrooms instead. They add a nice umami flavor. Add more veggies like zucchini or bell peppers for extra color and crunch. You can also swap chicken broth for vegetable broth. This keeps the soup rich and satisfying. Want to boost the soup's nutrition? Try adding a can of white beans for protein. You can also toss in some frozen peas or corn for sweetness. If you like a little heat, add red pepper flakes. Fresh herbs like parsley or basil can brighten the dish. They add a fresh pop of flavor that really shines. Seasonal ingredients can make this soup even better. In the fall, add diced butternut squash for sweetness. During winter, try adding kale instead of spinach for a heartier feel. In spring, use fresh asparagus for a crisp bite. Summer brings fresh tomatoes or sweet corn that work well too. Each season offers unique flavors to play with. Enjoy trying new combinations! To keep your creamy chicken gnocchi soup fresh, store it in an airtight container. Let the soup cool to room temperature first. Then, transfer it to the container and seal it well. This method helps prevent any strong odors from seeping in. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. When you are ready to enjoy your soup again, reheat it gently on the stove. Pour the soup into a pot and heat it on medium-low. Stir it often to ensure even heating. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of chicken broth to get the right consistency. Avoid using a microwave, as it can heat unevenly and change the soup’s texture. If you want to keep the soup longer, freezing is a great option. First, cool the soup completely. Then, pour it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Leave some space at the top for expansion. Label the bags with the date. You can freeze it for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove. Gnocchi are small, soft dumplings made from potatoes. They have a light, fluffy texture. To make gnocchi, you boil potatoes until soft, then mash them. You mix the mash with flour, egg, and salt to form a dough. You roll the dough into small pieces and shape them. Each piece gets a gentle press with a fork, giving them ridges. This helps sauce cling better. You then boil them in salted water until they float. Yes, you can make this soup ahead of time. It keeps well in the fridge for about three days. Just store it in an airtight container. When you are ready to eat, reheat it slowly on the stove. You may need to add a bit more broth as it thickens while sitting. This helps keep the soup creamy and delicious. You can serve this soup with warm bread for dipping. A crusty baguette or soft dinner rolls work well. A fresh salad on the side adds a nice touch too. Try a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette. The mix of flavors makes your meal more balanced and enjoyable. In this post, we explored the delicious world of Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup. We covered essential and optional ingredients, along with tasty substitutions. You learned easy step-by-step cooking instructions and important tips for creamy texture. We also shared variations, storage tips, and answers to common questions. As you make this soup, remember to enjoy the process and make it your own! Happy cooking!

Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup

A rich and hearty soup featuring chicken, gnocchi, and fresh spinach in a creamy broth.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 6
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 2 stalks celery, diced
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 16 oz potato gnocchi
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for serving grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
  • Add the minced garlic, carrots, and celery to the pot; cook for an additional 5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
  • Increase the heat to medium-high and add the chicken pieces. Cook until the chicken is browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Pour in the chicken broth and add the dried thyme and oregano. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes.
  • Stir in the heavy cream and potato gnocchi. Let simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the gnocchi float to the surface.
  • Add the fresh spinach to the pot and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until wilted.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the consistency with more chicken broth if desired.
  • Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

Adjust the consistency with more chicken broth if desired.
Keyword chicken, creamy, gnocchi, soup