Name: Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 tablespoon regular olive oil; 1 cup chopped yellow onion; ¾ cup shredded carrots (or julienned/matchstick cut); ½ cup thinly-sliced or small-diced celery; 2 large garlic cloves, minced (2-3 teaspoons); ½ cup dry white wine (Pinot Grigio recommended); ¼ cup all-purpose flour; 4 cups chicken stock or broth (low sodium preferred); 2 cups half-and-half, warmed; 1 to 2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme leaves; ½ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning; ⅛ teaspoon grated nutmeg (optional); Diamond Crystal kosher salt, to taste; Freshly-ground black pepper, to taste; 1 pound potato gnocchi (refrigerated or shelf-stable); ½ to ¾ cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano; 2 cups cooked chicken breast (shredded or cubed), such as from a rotisserie chicken; 2 cups baby spinach leaves, roughly torn

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If you’re craving something soul-warming yet effortlessly elegant, this Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe will be your new go-to comfort dish. Imagine tender shredded chicken mingling with pillowy potato gnocchi, vibrant fresh spinach, and a rich, creamy broth kissed by fragrant Italian herbs and parmesan cheese. It’s an easy, cozy bowl of deliciousness that comes together in just 30 minutes, turning simple pantry ingredients and leftover rotisserie chicken into a restaurant-worthy meal that feels like a warm hug in every spoonful.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white enameled pot with bright red handles sits on a white marbled surface, filled with a creamy light beige soup base that has small carrot bits visible inside. The soup is topped with three clear sections: a mound of fine grated light yellow cheese on the left, a pile of shredded light pink cooked chicken just below the cheese, and a large bunch of fresh bright green spinach leaves on the right, partially stirred in with a long wooden spoon resting along the right edge of the pot. A striped cloth is placed under the pot handle for contrast. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe leans on simple, wholesome ingredients that work perfectly together to create layers of flavor, texture, and color. Each element has a purpose: from the sweetness of carrots to the earthiness of thyme, every bite is a balanced celebration.

Unsalted butter: Provides a rich base to sauté your veggies without overpowering their natural flavors.
Regular olive oil: Adds a subtle fruitiness and helps to keep the butter from burning.
Yellow onion: Builds the savory foundation with its mellow sweetness when sautéed.
Shredded carrots: Introduce a light sweetness and a pop of vibrant color to the soup.
Celery: Adds a pleasant crunch and aromatic depth that complements the chicken.
Garlic cloves: Infuse the broth with their irresistible, fragrant warmth.
Dry white wine: A splash of acidity that deglazes the pot and lifts all the flavors beautifully.
All-purpose flour: Thickens the soup gently, creating the luxurious creaminess you crave.
Chicken stock or broth: The heart of the soup that brings a savory depth; low-sodium is best to control seasoning.
Half-and-half: Adds creaminess without heaviness for a perfectly silky finish.
Fresh thyme leaves: Bright, earthy herbal notes that brighten the soup.
Italian seasoning: A classic blend that hints at sun-soaked Mediterranean flavors.
Potato gnocchi: Soft, pillowy dumplings that soak up the creamy broth for ultimate comfort.
Grated Parmigiano Reggiano: Sharp, nutty, and umami-rich to amplify every spoonful.
Cooked chicken breast: Tender, shredded rotisserie chicken keeps this recipe quick and satisfying.
Baby spinach leaves: Add fresh green vibrancy and a tender bite that wilts just right.
Grated nutmeg (optional): A subtle warm spice that enhances the creamy soup’s complexity.
Kosher salt and freshly-ground black pepper: To taste, bringing all the flavors together in perfect harmony.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics

Warm your butter and olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Once the foaming settles, add chopped onion, carrots, and celery with a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir frequently as you cook until the veggies soften and start to take on a lovely golden color—this builds the flavorful base for your soup. Toss in minced garlic and cook for about a minute until it releases its fragrant aroma. This step sets the stage for that irresistible, layered flavor you’ll love.

Step 2: Deglaze and Thicken

Pour in the dry white wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up all those flavorful browned bits clinging to the bottom. Simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until most of the liquid evaporates, concentrating the flavors beautifully. Stir in the flour and cook for another minute or two—this will help the soup develop a luscious texture without any floury taste. The magic of thickening has begun.

Step 3: Build the Soup Base

Slowly whisk in your chicken stock, stirring constantly to avoid lumps, before bringing the mixture to a simmer. Add warmed half-and-half, fresh thyme leaves, and Italian seasoning, gently simmering without a rolling boil. This keeps the cream from breaking while allowing the flavors to mingle perfectly. Your kitchen will start smelling incredible—and it only gets better from here.

Step 4: Cook Gnocchi and Add Chicken

Toss in the potato gnocchi, letting them cook for 3-5 minutes until they float to the surface, signaling they’re tender and ready. Stir in grated Parmigiano Reggiano, shredded chicken, and baby spinach, allowing the spinach to wilt and chicken to heat through in 2-3 minutes. This final combination results in a hearty, creamy, and satisfying soup that feels like a warm embrace in a bowl.

Step 5: Season and Finish

Infuse a subtle warmth by sprinkling in grated nutmeg if you love a hint of spice, then season the soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper to suit your palate. Keep in mind, the soup thickens as it cools, so if you prefer it a bit thinner, enjoy it immediately. Otherwise, let it rest a few minutes or gently reheat before serving for that perfect velvety consistency.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

A close-up view of a creamy white soup filled with three visible layers of ingredients: plump, soft gnocchi on top, shredded pieces of white chicken mixed throughout, and small greens and thin orange carrot strips scattered inside the soup. The soup is thick and smooth, lifting from a white marbled surface by a metal ladle with a round bowl. The soup is inside a deep red pot that is partially visible at the bottom of the image. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding a little extra flair to your bowl not only amps up the flavor but also the visual appeal. A generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano on top adds a sharp, savory finish, while a crack of black pepper provides a slight bite that wakes up your taste buds. If you’re feeling fancy, a few torn basil leaves or a drizzle of good-quality olive oil make for a delightful touch.

Side Dishes

The perfect companion to this Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe is crusty Italian bread—warm and toasted to soak up every last drop of that luscious broth. Garlic bread makes a fantastic side for an indulgent twist, or for a lighter option, a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette balances out the richness and adds fresh crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy dinner party, serve the soup in rustic shallow bowls garnished with microgreens or a sliver of parmesan crisp for elegance. You can also ladle the soup into bread bowls for an all-in-one edible presentation that’s both charming and practical. For a quick lunch, pack it in thermos containers to enjoy the warmth on the go, savoring the same creamy deliciousness wherever you are.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your soup, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe holds up well for up to 3 days, during which the flavors deepen beautifully. Just be aware that the gnocchi will continue to absorb liquid and soften, so reheating gently is best.

Freezing

This soup is best enjoyed fresh since the potato gnocchi’s texture can change in the freezer. However, if you want to freeze it, consider leaving out the gnocchi when freezing and adding freshly cooked gnocchi after reheating the soup base. Freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months to preserve the flavors and freshness.

Reheating

Gently reheat your Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. Add a splash of chicken broth or half-and-half if the soup has thickened too much. Avoid bringing it to a hard boil as this can break the cream and toughen the chicken. Reheating slowly ensures every spoonful is as comforting as the first.

FAQs

Can I use fresh gnocchi instead of store-bought?

Absolutely! Fresh gnocchi cooks just as quickly and can add a delightful homemade touch. Just keep an eye on them while simmering as they tend to cook faster than shelf-stable varieties.

Is it necessary to use white wine in the recipe?

While white wine does add lovely acidity and depth of flavor, you can substitute it with extra chicken stock or a splash of lemon juice if you prefer no alcohol. The soup will still be delicious.

What can I use instead of half-and-half if I want a lighter soup?

You can swap half-and-half for whole milk for a lighter version, but keep in mind the soup won’t be as rich or creamy. For a dairy-free option, coconut milk can work with a slightly different flavor profile.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version, replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the chicken. You can add mushrooms or beans for protein and hearty texture while keeping the creamy base intact.

How can I thicken the soup if it’s too thin?

If you prefer thicker soup, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce and concentrate. Alternatively, whisk a little extra flour with some cold water and stir it in, cooking until it thickens to your liking.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about a bowl of homemade soup that feels both indulgent and comforting, and this Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe checks all those boxes with ease. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a crowd-pleaser for friends and family, this recipe is a surefire way to delight. Dive in, savor every velvety spoonful, and enjoy the warmth it brings to your table.