Introduction

Chicken Gnocchi Soup with Creamy Broth is the ultimate comfort food that warms your heart and satisfies your soul. With pillowy-soft potato gnocchi, tender shredded chicken, aromatic vegetables, and a silky, creamy broth, this dish is a beautiful balance of rustic flavors and modern indulgence. Inspired by classic Italian flavors, it brings together the richness of cream, the depth of herbs, and the wholesome feel of homemade soup.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s hearty without being too heavy, comforting yet sophisticated, and versatile enough to serve as a cozy family dinner or as a crowd-pleasing dish at gatherings. The gnocchi adds a delightful texture that makes the soup far more exciting than traditional chicken and vegetable soups. Every spoonful feels like a hug in a bowl.

This is a Must Try Dish

This is a must-try dish because it combines ease with elegance. You don’t need fancy ingredients, yet the result tastes like something straight out of a restaurant kitchen. Plus, it’s customizable, so you can make it richer, lighter, or more herbaceous depending on your preference. Whether you’re craving something to soothe you on a chilly evening or you want a hearty dish to share with friends, this soup never disappoints.

Recipe Information

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 6 servings
• Calories per Serving: ~380 kcal
• Course: Main Course, Soup
• Cuisine: Italian-American Comfort Food

Ingredients

For the Soup:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme)
• 1 teaspoon dried basil (or 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped)
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley (plus extra for garnish)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 4 cups chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded (rotisserie chicken works well)
• 2 cups potato gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• 2 cups half-and-half or heavy cream
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Cooking Directions

1. Heat butter and olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5–6 minutes until vegetables are softened.
3. Stir in garlic, thyme, basil, parsley, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
5. Add shredded chicken and gnocchi. Cook for 4–5 minutes until gnocchi floats to the top.
6. Stir in spinach and cook until wilted.
7. Lower the heat and slowly stir in cream and Parmesan cheese. Simmer gently (do not boil) for 5–6 minutes until soup thickens slightly.
8. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Prep the ingredients: Dice onion, carrots, and celery. Shred chicken and chop spinach.
2. Sauté aromatics: Melt butter and olive oil, then cook onion, carrots, and celery until soft.
3. Add seasonings: Stir in garlic and herbs for a burst of flavor.
4. Build the broth: Add chicken broth, bring to a simmer.
5. Cook protein and starch: Add shredded chicken and gnocchi; cook until gnocchi floats.
6. Add greens: Stir in spinach and let it wilt into the soup.
7. Make it creamy: Add cream and Parmesan, stir, and simmer gently until creamy and smooth.
8. Finish and serve: Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.

How to Serve

• Serve hot in deep bowls with fresh parsley sprinkled on top.
• Pair with warm crusty bread or garlic breadsticks for dipping.
• A light side salad with balsamic vinaigrette balances the richness.
• For a cozy dinner, pair with a glass of white wine like Pinot Grigio.

Recipe Tips

• Use rotisserie chicken for convenience and extra flavor.
• Do not let the soup boil after adding cream—keep it on low heat to prevent curdling.
• Add gnocchi last to keep it tender and prevent overcooking.
• If soup thickens too much, add more chicken broth to loosen the consistency.

Variations

1. Light Version: Use milk or evaporated milk instead of cream for fewer calories.
2. Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free gnocchi (available in stores).
3. Veggie Twist: Replace chicken with mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
4. Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for heat.
5. Extra Hearty: Stir in crispy bacon bits or pancetta for smoky depth.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.
• Freezing: Not recommended as cream and gnocchi don’t freeze well (they separate and turn mushy). If you want to freeze, prepare the soup without cream and gnocchi. Add them fresh when reheating.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large soup pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Ladle for serving
• Sharp knife and cutting board

FAQ

Q1: Can I use homemade gnocchi?
Yes! Homemade gnocchi adds a rustic touch and makes the soup even more special.

Q2: Can I substitute spinach?
Absolutely—use kale, Swiss chard, or even arugula for a peppery bite.

Q3: Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, swap the cream for coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.

Q4: How do I thicken the soup if it’s too thin?
Simmer longer, or stir in 1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with cold water.

Q5: Is this soup suitable for meal prep?
Yes, but store gnocchi separately if possible to avoid it getting too soft.

Conclusion

Chicken Gnocchi Soup with Creamy Broth is more than just a meal—it’s an experience of comfort, warmth, and indulgence in a single bowl. With its silky broth, tender chicken, and fluffy gnocchi, it’s the kind of recipe that makes everyone gather around the table with happy anticipation. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself on a cozy night in, this recipe delivers flavor, comfort, and satisfaction. Try it once, and it’ll become a staple in your kitchen for years to come.