There's nothing quite like a bowl of creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup to warm you up on a chilly evening. This recipe combines tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a velvety broth infused with garlic and herbs—all in just 30 minutes. It's the ultimate comfort food that's quick enough for a weeknight dinner.
I discovered this recipe during a busy week when I needed something hearty yet simple to make. Now, it’s a family favorite that delivers restaurant-quality flavors without leaving the house.
Why You'll Love This 30-Minute Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Get ready to fall head over heels for this incredible Chicken Gnocchi Soup. It’s a winner for so many reasons, and here’s why it deserves a spot on your dinner rotation.
First, this recipe is quick and easy. Despite its rich and complex flavors, you can have this soup ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for those hectic weeknights when time is of the essence.
It's also incredibly satisfying. With tender chunks of chicken, soft gnocchi, and a creamy, herbaceous broth, each bite feels like a warm hug in a bowl.
This soup is family-friendly and versatile. Whether you’re serving picky eaters or looking to jazz things up with extra veggies, it’s endlessly adaptable to suit your household’s tastes.
Last but not least, it’s budget-conscious. Using simple, affordable ingredients means you can create a luxurious dish without breaking the bank.
Ingredients Notes
The secret to this Chicken Gnocchi Soup lies in its perfectly balanced ingredients. Each one contributes to the dish’s creamy texture and comforting flavor.
Gnocchi: These soft, potato-based dumplings are the star of the dish. Look for fresh or shelf-stable gnocchi in the pasta aisle. If you prefer, you can use homemade gnocchi for an extra-special touch.
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work beautifully. Dice them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and a tender texture.
Vegetables: A classic combination of carrots, celery, and spinach adds a boost of flavor, nutrition, and color. The spinach wilts beautifully into the creamy broth for a fresh finish.
Broth and Cream: Chicken broth provides the base, while heavy cream adds richness. If you want a lighter version, half-and-half is a good alternative.
Seasonings: Garlic, onion, thyme, and parsley create a fragrant, flavorful base. Don’t forget to add a touch of salt and pepper to enhance the overall taste.
For this recipe, you’ll also need a large pot or Dutch oven and a ladle for serving.
How To Make This 30-Minute Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Creating this creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a breeze. Here’s how you can whip it up in just half an hour.
Start by heating a splash of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.
In the same pot, sauté diced onion, carrots, and celery for 4-5 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. Return the cooked chicken to the pot, and stir in the gnocchi. Let the gnocchi cook for 2-3 minutes, or until they float to the surface, indicating they’re done.
Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream along with the spinach. Allow the spinach to wilt, which should only take about 2 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and your choice of fresh herbs like parsley or thyme.
Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. The whole process takes just 30 minutes, but the flavors will make it taste like you’ve been cooking all day.
Storage Options
This Chicken Gnocchi Soup is just as delightful the next day, making it a great option for meal prep or leftovers.
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The gnocchi may absorb some of the liquid, so you might need to add a splash of broth or water when reheating.
If you’d like to freeze the soup, omit the gnocchi before freezing. Gnocchi can become mushy when thawed. Instead, add fresh gnocchi when reheating. Freeze the soup in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
To reheat, warm the soup gently on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is wonderfully flexible, allowing you to customize it to your liking.
For a vegetarian version, skip the chicken and use vegetable broth. Add extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers for added texture and flavor.
Swap the heavy cream for coconut milk if you prefer a dairy-free option. It adds a subtle sweetness that complements the other flavors.
Experiment with different proteins. Shrimp, sausage, or shredded rotisserie chicken can all be delicious alternatives.
If you’re a fan of spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the broth for a little kick.
For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free gnocchi. Most stores carry a variety of options to suit dietary needs.
With its creamy texture, bold flavors, and easy preparation, this Chicken Gnocchi Soup will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. Don’t be afraid to put your own twist on it and make it your own. Happy cooking!
Print30-minute Homemade Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This 30-minute homemade chicken gnocchi soup recipe is a creamy, flavorful, and easy-to-make meal filled with tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and fresh vegetables. Perfect for busy weeknights, this hearty dish is a family favorite comfort food.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 16 oz gnocchi
- 2 cups spinach, chopped
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery, and sauté until softened.
- Stir in shredded chicken, chicken broth, heavy cream, thyme, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Add gnocchi and simmer for 3-4 minutes until gnocchi float to the top.
- Stir in chopped spinach and cook for 1-2 minutes until wilted.
- Serve hot and enjoy this creamy, comforting soup.
Notes
- You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version.
- Feel free to add more vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 750mg
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