chicken gnocchi soup

Chicken gnocchi soup is the ultimate comfort food. Made with tender chunks of chicken, pillowy gnocchi, baby spinach, and a rich, herbed cream broth, it’s the perfect one-pot meal to warm you from the inside out. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a meal-prep-friendly lunch, this creamy soup delivers bold flavors and hearty satisfaction in every bite.

This creamy chicken gnocchi soup combines everything you love about chicken soup with a velvety twist. Inspired by rustic Italian flavors, it blends sautéed aromatics, soft vegetables, juicy chicken thighs, and shelf-stable gnocchi into a luxurious, hearty broth. With less than an hour from start to finish, it’s both a crowd-pleaser and a time-saver.

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Creamy and comforting without being overly heavy
• One-pot simplicity: minimal cleanup, maximum flavor
• Freezer- and meal-prep friendly
• Customizable with gluten-free, dairy-free, or vegetarian options
• Ready in 45 minutes — ideal for busy weeknights

🧾 Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 3 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried)
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 lb dried gnocchi
• 5 oz baby spinach, roughly chopped
• 1 cup half-and-half (or whole milk for lighter version)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Sauté the vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook 10–12 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
2. Make the roux: Sprinkle flour over the vegetables. Stir constantly for 1 minute to cook the flour and coat the mixture.
3. Build the soup base: Slowly pour in chicken broth while stirring to avoid lumps. Bring to a simmer.
4. Add chicken and seasoning: Stir in chicken thighs, thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5–6 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
5. Cook the gnocchi: Add gnocchi to the pot, cover, and cook for 4–5 minutes until gnocchi are soft and pillowy.
6. Finish the soup: Stir in baby spinach and half-and-half. Cook for 1–2 minutes until spinach wilts and broth is creamy. Remove from heat, taste, and adjust seasoning.

⏱ Recipe Details

this recipe

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 6–8

🍽 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 390
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fat: 18g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 680mg
  Note: Nutrition data is an estimate and may vary based on ingredients.

🔄 Tips & Variations

• Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free flour and gnocchi.
• Dairy-free option: Swap half-and-half for full-fat coconut milk or a plant-based cream.
• Use rotisserie chicken: Add cooked chicken during the final 5 minutes.
• Add more veggies: Stir in mushrooms or zucchini with the spinach.
• Spicy version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the broth.

❓ FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, but thighs stay more tender. If using breasts, don’t overcook them.

Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely! Replace chicken with white beans and use vegetable broth.

Can I freeze this soup?
Yes — freeze without spinach and cream. Add fresh when reheating.

What can I use instead of gnocchi?
Try small pasta like orzo or ditalini. Adjust cook time accordingly.

How long does it last in the fridge?
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Add broth when reheating if it thickens.

Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Creamy chicken gnocchi soup made with simple ingredients and done in 45 minutes. A cozy one-pot meal with tender chicken, spinach, and a rich herb broth.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 6

Course: Soup

Cuisine: American

Calories: 420

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• – 2 tbsp olive oil
• – 1 yellow onion diced
• – 3 carrots chopped
• – 2 celery stalks chopped
• – 4 garlic cloves minced
• – ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• – 6 cups chicken broth
• – 1½ lbs chicken thighs cut into 1-inch pieces
• – 1 tsp fresh thyme or ½ tsp dried
• – ½ tsp kosher salt
• – ½ tsp black pepper
• – 1 lb dried gnocchi
• – 5 oz baby spinach chopped
• – 1 cup half-and-half

Equipment

• – Dutch oven or soup pot
• Wooden spoon
• Chef’s knife
• Ladle

Method

 

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook 10–12 minutes until softened.
2. Stir in garlic and cook 1 minute. Add flour, stir constantly for 1 minute.
3. Slowly add chicken broth, stirring until smooth. Bring to simmer.
4. Add chicken, thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer 5–6 minutes.
5. Add gnocchi, cover, and cook 4–5 minutes until tender.
6. Stir in spinach and half-and-half. Cook 1–2 minutes. Adjust seasoning and serve.

Notes

– Use rotisserie chicken to save time
– Add broth when reheating if too thick
– Freeze without spinach or cream

🥕 Conclusion

Chicken gnocchi soup is the perfect blend of rich flavor and cozy comfort. From its creamy broth to its soft, doughy gnocchi, this soup brings big satisfaction with minimal effort. It’s great for families, date nights, or solo self-care in a bowl.