Chicken Gnocchi Soup – Creamy, Hearty, and Pure Comfort

If you’re craving something creamy, satisfying, and brimming with cozy flavor, Chicken Gnocchi Soup is the ultimate answer. Made famous by Italian-American restaurants and beloved for its soft potato gnocchi, tender chicken, and rich broth, this soup delivers everything you love about comfort food in one creamy bowl.

It’s perfect for chilly evenings, lazy Sundays, or whenever you want a dish that feels like a hug from the inside out.

 

Why You’ll Love Chicken Gnocchi Soup

• Rich, creamy texture with a light herby finish

• One pot, under 40 minutes

• Ideal for using leftover or rotisserie chicken

• Freezer-friendly and meal-prep approved

• Easily adaptable to gluten-free or dairy-free diets

Whether you serve it with crusty bread, a fresh salad, or simply on its own, it’s a satisfying meal in itself.

Ingredients

For 4–6 servings:

• 2 tbsp olive oil or butter

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 2 carrots, diced

• 2 celery stalks, diced

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 tsp thyme (dried or fresh)

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• 4 cups chicken broth

• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works great)

• 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half

• 1 package (16 oz) potato gnocchi

• 2 cups fresh spinach (or kale)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Optional: grated Parmesan, parsley for garnish

How to Make Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5–6 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic, thyme, and Italian seasoning, and cook for 1 more minute.

Step 2: Add Broth and Chicken

Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil. Stir in the shredded chicken. Simmer for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Step 3: Add Gnocchi and Cream

Add the gnocchi directly into the simmering soup. Cook for 3–4 minutes, or until the gnocchi float to the surface and become tender. Reduce heat and stir in the cream or half-and-half.

Step 4: Finish with Greens

Add the spinach or kale and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle into bowls and garnish with grated Parmesan and chopped parsley if desired.

Customization Ideas

Chicken gnocchi soup is extremely adaptable based on your preferences or dietary needs:

Lighter Version:

• Use low-fat milk or evaporated milk instead of cream.

• Swap butter for olive oil.

• Increase the veggies and reduce the gnocchi slightly.

Gluten-Free:

• Use gluten-free gnocchi, readily available in most grocery stores.

• Double-check chicken broth for gluten content.

Dairy-Free:

• Use coconut milk or almond cream alternatives.

• Add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy.

Extra Protein:

• Add white beans or use chicken thighs for a richer broth.

• Stir in a beaten egg at the end for an egg-drop twist.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per Serving)

• Calories: 350–450 kcal

• Protein: 25–30g

• Fat: 15–20g (adjustable based on cream)

• Carbohydrates: 30–35g

• Fiber: 3–5g

• Vitamins: High in vitamin A, C, and iron from the vegetables and greens.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Chicken gnocchi soup stores well and tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen:

In the Fridge:

• Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Gnocchi may absorb liquid, so add a splash of broth or milk when reheating.

In the Freezer:

• For best texture, freeze before adding the gnocchi and cream.

• When ready to eat, thaw, reheat, then add fresh gnocchi and cream before serving.

• Freeze for up to 2–3 months.

Reheating:

• Gently reheat on the stove over medium-low heat.

• Avoid high heat to prevent curdling the cream.

Serving Suggestions

Chicken gnocchi soup is wonderfully versatile and works well for casual family meals or cozy gatherings:

• With Bread: Serve with garlic bread, focaccia, or a crusty baguette to soak up the creamy broth.

• With a Salad: A light green salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness.

• With Wine: Pair with a glass of dry white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc.

• Toppings: Add a swirl of pesto, grated cheese, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.

Perfect for winter nights, Sunday dinners, or sharing with a friend who needs a warm, homemade meal.

Weekly Meal Prep & Batch Cooking

This soup is a great addition to your weekly meal plan:

With minimal prep and big comfort payoff, it’s a recipe you’ll revisit all season long.

Final Thoughts

Chicken Gnocchi Soup is the kind of meal that transforms basic pantry and fridge staples into a soul-satisfying bowl of creamy comfort. Whether you’re using leftover chicken, craving something warm and cozy, or just need a quick weeknight fix, this recipe is always a winner.

It’s comforting, hearty, adaptable, and packed with flavor—exactly what homemade soup should be.

A Dish That Feels Like Home

There’s a reason Chicken Gnocchi Soup has become a modern classic—it blends the creamy warmth of traditional chicken soup with the pillowy comfort of gnocchi, a beloved staple of Italian cuisine. It’s a dish that feels both familiar and luxurious, perfect for when you need something that soothes the soul.

Whether you grew up with homemade soups or discovered this dish in your favorite Italian-American restaurant, every bowl feels like a return to something safe, nourishing, and deeply satisfying.

Chicken Gnocchi Soup for Every Occasion

From a busy weeknight to a relaxed Sunday dinner, this soup suits nearly any moment:

• Weeknights: Make it in under 40 minutes with leftover chicken

• Dinner parties: Serve as a starter with mini breadsticks and a crisp salad

• Family meals: Kids love the soft gnocchi, and it’s easy to sneak in extra veggies

• Comfort food: Ideal for recovery days, rainy weather, or when you need something warm and gentle

It’s hearty enough to serve alone, yet versatile enough to complement a full meal.

Make It Your Signature Recipe

One of the joys of a dish like chicken gnocchi soup is how it becomes yours over time. Maybe you always add a splash of white wine. Maybe you stir in spinach and roasted garlic. Or maybe your secret is a pinch of nutmeg or a swirl of lemon zest just before serving.

Whatever your touch is, this is the kind of dish that invites tradition, encourages experimentation, and always delivers comfort.

A Seasonal Favorite That Works Year-Round

Chicken gnocchi soup isn’t just a cold-weather dish—it can be adapted beautifully for all seasons:

• In Fall and Winter: Stick to the classic version with root vegetables, cream, and hearty herbs like thyme and rosemary.

• In Spring: Lighten it with peas, asparagus tips, and lemon zest for brightness.

• In Summer: Try a brothy version with olive oil, fresh basil, and chopped summer squash instead of cream.

Its flexible base makes it easy to match the season’s produce and your cravings.

Sharing and Gifting: Soup from the Heart

Few things are as comforting as receiving a homemade soup—especially one as rich and soothing as chicken gnocchi. It’s a wonderful choice to:

• Deliver to a friend or neighbor who’s recovering from illness

• Share with family during busy weeks

• Bring to a community meal, potluck, or church gathering

• Include in a meal train for new parents or grieving families

Package it with a small container of Parmesan and fresh herbs for a heartfelt, complete gift.

A Moment of Mindful Cooking

Cooking chicken gnocchi soup isn’t just about feeding the body—it’s a practice in nurturing, mindfulness, and slowing down. The rhythm of sautéing vegetables, stirring broth, and watching gnocchi rise to the surface is meditative and grounding.

In a fast-paced world, this soup invites you to pause, to cook with intention, and to share something warm with people you love.