Name: Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and diced; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 small onion, diced; 2 stalks celery, diced; 2 medium carrots, peeled and shredded; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 16 ounces potato gnocchi; 2 cups half-and-half or whole milk; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste); 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper; 3 cups fresh baby spinach leaves; Optional: 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (for thickening)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
One-Pot Meal: Minimal cleanup required.
Versatile: Customize with your favorite vegetables or proteins.
Comforting: A hearty soup that satisfies and warms you up.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and diced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, diced
2 stalks celery, diced
2 medium carrots, peeled and shredded
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
16 ounces potato gnocchi
2 cups half-and-half or whole milk
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
3 cups fresh baby spinach leaves
Optional: 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (for thickening)

directions

Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion, celery, and shredded carrots. Sauté for 5 minutes until vegetables are tender. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
Add Broth and Seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
Cook Gnocchi: Add the gnocchi to the boiling broth. Cook according to package instructions, usually about 3–4 minutes, until gnocchi float to the top.
Add Dairy and Chicken: Reduce heat to low. Stir in the half-and-half or milk and cooked, diced chicken. If using, add the cornstarch slurry to thicken the soup.
Add Spinach: Stir in the fresh spinach leaves and cook for 1–2 minutes until wilted.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if
Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4–6
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30

variations

Vegetarian Option: Omit the chicken and use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy twist.
Herb Infusion: Incorporate fresh herbs like basil or oregano for added flavor.
Creamier Texture: Use heavy cream instead of half-and-half or milk for a richer soup.
Additional Vegetables: Add mushrooms or zucchini for extra texture and flavor.

storage/reheating

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Not recommended due to the dairy content; the soup may separate upon thawing.
Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of milk or broth if the soup has thickened too much.

FAQs

How do I prevent gnocchi from becoming mushy in soup?

Add gnocchi to the soup towards the end of cooking and avoid overcooking them.

Can I use frozen gnocchi?

Yes, frozen gnocchi can be used; just add them directly to the boiling broth without thawing.

Is it necessary to cook the chicken before adding it to the soup?

Yes, using pre-cooked chicken ensures it is safe to eat and reduces cooking time.

Can I substitute spinach with other greens?

Yes, kale or Swiss chard can be used as alternatives to spinach.

How can I make this soup dairy-free?

Use a dairy-free milk alternative and omit the half-and-half.

Can I add cheese to the soup?

Yes, stirring in grated Parmesan cheese can add extra flavor.

How do I store leftover soup?

Allow the soup to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container for refrigeration.

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes, rotisserie chicken is a convenient option and adds great flavor.

How do I reheat frozen soup?

Thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding liquid as needed.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the soup up to the point of adding the spinach, then refrigerate. Reheat and add spinach before serving.

Conclusion

Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a delightful and hearty dish that combines tender chicken, soft gnocchi, and fresh vegetables in a creamy broth. Its versatility allows for various adaptations to suit dietary preferences, making it a perfect addition to your meal rotation. Whether you’re seeking comfort on a chilly evening or a satisfying meal, this soup delivers both flavor and warmth.