Name: Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon butter; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 cup chopped yellow onion; 1 cup diced carrots; 1 cup diced celery; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 pound chicken breast, cubed; 4 cups chicken broth; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 1 pound potato gnocchi; 2 cups baby spinach; 1 cup heavy cream

Creamy, cozy, and loaded with comfort—this Chicken Gnocchi Soup is what your weeknight dinners have been missing. With pillowy gnocchi, tender chicken, crisp carrots, and fresh spinach all bathed in a rich, creamy broth, every spoonful feels like a warm hug. Whether you’re fighting off a chill or just craving something soul-satisfying, this is the kind of soup that delivers big flavor without much fuss.

This recipe takes the best of a homestyle chicken soup and elevates it with the Italian charm of gnocchi and cream. It’s quick enough to make after work but delicious enough to serve for a casual gathering. Make a big pot—you’ll be glad you did.

What Kind of Gnocchi Should I Use?

For the creamiest, most satisfying results, opt for store-bought potato gnocchi from the pasta aisle or the refrigerated section. Shelf-stable gnocchi hold their shape beautifully in soup, absorbing the flavor of the broth while keeping their signature chew. If you’re using homemade gnocchi, just be gentle during cooking—they can be delicate.

Ingredients for the Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Chicken Breast: Adds lean, tender protein that keeps this soup hearty and satisfying. You can also use rotisserie chicken for a quicker prep.

Potato Gnocchi: These soft dumplings are the star of the show—they soak up all the creamy broth and deliver that signature pillowy bite.

Carrots & Celery: A classic base that adds crunch, sweetness, and color. Perfect for building rich, layered flavor.

Yellow Onion: Essential for a savory foundation. Sautéed until translucent, it adds subtle sweetness.

Garlic: Boosts the depth of the broth with aromatic richness.

Baby Spinach: Stirred in at the end, spinach brings freshness and a pop of green that balances the creamy base.

Chicken Broth: Forms the base of the soup and amplifies the chicken flavor throughout.

Heavy Cream: Gives the soup its luxurious, velvety texture and rich flavor.

Butter & Olive Oil: Used to sauté the veggies and add richness.

Salt, Pepper, and Italian Seasoning: These pantry staples round out the flavors and add a touch of herbal warmth.

How To Make the Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5–7 minutes, until the vegetables are softened and the onions are translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Add the cubed chicken breast to the pot and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sauté the chicken for 5–6 minutes, or until the outside is no longer pink. It’s okay if it’s not fully cooked through yet—it will finish cooking in the broth.

Step 3: Add the Broth and Simmer

Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to cook through completely.

Step 4: Stir in the Gnocchi

Add the gnocchi directly to the simmering soup. Cook for 3–4 minutes or until the gnocchi float to the top and are tender. They’ll absorb the broth’s flavor beautifully while thickening the soup slightly.

Step 5: Make it Creamy

Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream. Stir gently to combine and let it warm through—do not let it boil at this point to avoid curdling.

Step 6: Finish with Spinach

Toss in the baby spinach and stir until it wilts. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper as needed. Ladle into bowls and serve hot with cracked black pepper on top.

Serving and Storing This Soup

Chicken Gnocchi Soup is best served hot right after cooking, when the gnocchi are still perfectly pillowy and the creamy broth is silky smooth. Garnish with extra black pepper or even a sprinkle of grated Parmesan for a savory touch. A slice of crusty bread or a soft dinner roll turns this soup into a complete comfort meal.

To store leftovers, let the soup cool completely, then transfer to airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 4 days. The gnocchi will continue to absorb liquid, so when reheating, add a splash of broth or milk to loosen the consistency. This soup also freezes well, though the gnocchi may soften slightly after thawing.

What to Serve With Chicken Gnocchi Soup?

Crusty Garlic Bread

To soak up every bit of that creamy broth, nothing beats a slice of warm, crispy garlic bread.

Caesar Salad

The crisp romaine, creamy dressing, and crunchy croutons offer a refreshing contrast to the richness of the soup.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Earthy and slightly sweet, roasted Brussels sprouts bring a nice texture and a nutritional boost.

Italian Breadsticks

Soft, buttery breadsticks are a classic soup side and a great way to keep it simple.

Caprese Skewers

Fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and basil on a skewer make for a colorful and easy side.

Grilled Cheese Sandwich

A melty, golden grilled cheese makes this a nostalgic comfort food combo.

Simple Antipasto Platter

A mix of olives, cured meats, and cheeses makes a fun, snacky addition to this meal.

Want More Soup Ideas with a Creamy Twist?

If you loved this Chicken Gnocchi Soup, here are more indulgent, flavor-packed recipes you should try next:

Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe for a quick weeknight pasta dish full of savory ground beef and tender pasta.
Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts for another creamy protein-packed dinner option.
Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup if you’re craving a veggie-packed bowl of comfort.
Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta when you need something filling, cheesy, and satisfying.
Creamy Kielbasa Gnocchi Soup to switch up the flavors but keep the cozy vibes.

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add mushrooms or swap the spinach for kale? Did you try a dairy-free version?

I love hearing your personal twists on classic recipes. If you have any questions or want suggestions for substitutions, drop a comment below—we’re all about sharing tips and making delicious food accessible to everyone.

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