Chicken Gnocchi Soup with Cream and Spinach is the kind of cozy, soul-warming meal that feels like a hug in a bowl. This creamy, velvety soup combines tender chunks of chicken, pillowy potato gnocchi, fresh spinach, and aromatic herbs — all simmered in a luscious, creamy broth that’s both comforting and indulgent.

Every spoonful is a perfect balance of creamy, savory, and wholesome — making it ideal for chilly nights, weeknight dinners, or when you simply crave something warm and comforting.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this Chicken Gnocchi Soup because it combines the heartiness of a chicken stew with the creamy indulgence of a chowder. It’s both satisfying and easy to make — ready in under an hour but tastes like it simmered all day.

Plus, it’s a one-pot meal — meaning less cleanup and more enjoyment. Every time I make it, it becomes an instant family favorite!

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• It’s restaurant-quality but easy to make at home.
• The combination of creamy broth + pillowy gnocchi is pure comfort.
• It’s nutrient-rich with spinach and protein-packed chicken.
• Perfect for meal prep — it reheats beautifully.
• Great for cozy dinners, lunch leftovers, or entertaining guests.

If you love creamy soups like chowders or bisques, this one is a must-try — it’s cozy, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing!

Preparation & Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Calories: ~430 kcal per serving

Course & Cuisine

• Course: Main Course / Soup
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

For the Soup:

• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 cups cooked chicken breast or rotisserie chicken, shredded or cubed
• 4 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter version)
• 1 package (16 oz) potato gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 cups fresh baby spinach
• 1 tsp dried thyme (or 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves)
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for extra richness)

Optional:

• A pinch of red pepper flakes (for subtle heat)
• Chopped parsley, for garnish

Cooking Directions

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

1. In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, melt butter with olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 2: Add Chicken and Seasonings

1. Add shredded chicken, thyme, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine and warm the chicken.

Step 3: Add Broth and Simmer

1. Pour in chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer.
2. Let it cook for about 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.

Step 4: Cook the Gnocchi

1. Add the gnocchi directly into the simmering broth.
2. Cook for 3–5 minutes, or until the gnocchi float to the top and are tender.

Step 5: Add Cream and Spinach

1. Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream.
2. Add fresh spinach and simmer gently for another 2–3 minutes, just until the spinach wilts.
3. Stir in Parmesan cheese (if using) for extra richness.

Step 6: Taste and Adjust

1. Taste the soup and adjust salt, pepper, or seasoning as needed.
2. If it’s too thick, add a splash of broth; if too thin, simmer a few extra minutes to thicken.

Step-by-Step Summary

1. Sauté vegetables and garlic.
2. Add chicken, seasonings, and broth.
3. Simmer 10 minutes.
4. Add gnocchi; cook until tender.
5. Stir in cream and spinach.
6. Adjust seasoning and serve hot.

How to Serve

Serve Chicken Gnocchi Soup with Cream and Spinach hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan.

Pair it with:

• Crusty garlic bread or buttery rolls
• A simple green salad
• A glass of white wine or sparkling water with lemon

For extra coziness, serve it in warm soup bowls with an extra drizzle of olive oil or a dusting of black pepper on top.

Recipe Tips

• Don’t overcook the gnocchi — they should be soft but not mushy.
• Add cream last to prevent curdling.
• Use rotisserie chicken for quick prep and deep flavor.
• Thicken the soup by simmering uncovered for a few minutes, or make it lighter by replacing cream with milk and a touch of cornstarch.
• Homemade gnocchi makes this dish extra special, though store-bought works beautifully too.

Recipe Variations

1. Bacon Chicken Gnocchi Soup: Add crispy bacon bits for smoky flavor.
2. Dairy-Free Version: Use coconut milk instead of cream for a subtle sweetness.
3. Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with white beans or chickpeas and use vegetable broth.
4. Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a bit of heat.
5. Mushroom Lover’s Twist: Add sautéed mushrooms for umami richness.
6. Kale Instead of Spinach: A slightly heartier texture but equally nutritious.

Freezing & Storage

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
• Freezer: This soup can be frozen without the gnocchi for up to 2 months. (Gnocchi can turn mushy when frozen; add fresh gnocchi when reheating.)
• Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of milk or broth if it thickens too much.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large soup pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon or ladle
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cutting board and knife
• Soup bowls for serving

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Can I use homemade gnocchi?
Yes! Homemade gnocchi adds an incredible texture — just cook them directly in the soup until they float.

Q2. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely. Make it up to the point before adding the gnocchi and cream. Reheat, then add those fresh before serving.

Q3. How can I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free gnocchi (widely available) and check that your broth and seasonings are gluten-free.

Q4. Can I use milk instead of cream?
Yes, but it will be lighter. To maintain creaminess, mix 1 tbsp flour or cornstarch into the milk before adding.

Q5. How can I thicken the soup naturally?
Let it simmer uncovered, or mash a few gnocchi pieces into the soup — they’ll act as a natural thickener.

Conclusion

Chicken Gnocchi Soup with Cream and Spinach is pure comfort food bliss — a creamy, flavorful, and heartwarming bowl of goodness that satisfies both the stomach and the soul. With tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and fresh spinach swirled in a velvety broth, it’s a perfect meal for any season.

Whether you’re making it for a cozy weeknight dinner, a family gathering, or a comforting lunch, this soup never disappoints. It’s a testament to the beauty of simple, fresh ingredients coming together in harmony.

So grab your pot, warm your kitchen, and let this creamy bowl of comfort fill your home with love and delicious aromas.