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CHICKEN AND GNOCCHI SOUP

CHICKEN AND GNOCCHI SOUP

Warm up with this creamy Chicken and Gnocchi Soup recipe, perfect for cozy nights and easy meals packed with flavor and comfort. This hearty soup combines tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a rich, creamy broth that feels like a big, warm hug in a bowl. It’s simple to make, filling enough for a main course, and great for family dinners or meal prepping.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken breast or thighs

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 1 cup carrots, finely chopped
  • 1 cup celery, finely chopped
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups fresh spinach or kale

Soup Base & Dairy

  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half and half

Carb

  • 1 pound potato gnocchi (fresh or frozen)

Herbs & Seasoning

  • 2 teaspoons fresh thyme or parsley, chopped
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste

Cooking Fat

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken and Vegetables: Start by cooking your chicken until tender, either poached or sautéed, then shred it into bite-sized pieces. Meanwhile, finely chop the carrots, celery, onion, and garlic to create the flavorful base of your soup.
  2. Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot, heat olive oil or butter and sauté the onions, carrots, celery, and garlic until softened and fragrant—about 5 minutes. This step unlocks the natural sweetness and aromas essential for a comforting broth.
  3. Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and bring everything to a gentle boil. Reduce heat and let it simmer so the flavors meld together beautifully, about 10-15 minutes. This slow simmer seals the cozy mood of the soup.
  4. Cook the Gnocchi: Once your broth is simmering, add the potato gnocchi. They cook quickly—usually 2-4 minutes—once they float to the surface, they’re ready. Their pillowy texture adds the perfect heartiness you want in this soup.
  5. Finish with Chicken and Cream: Stir in the shredded chicken along with fresh spinach or kale, and pour in the heavy cream. Heat gently just until the greens wilt and the soup is warmed through, taking care not to boil the cream to preserve its silky texture.
  6. Season and Serve: Season with salt, pepper, and fresh chopped herbs to taste. Ladle into bowls and get ready to enjoy a delicious, warming meal that hits all the right notes.

Notes

  • Use fresh gnocchi when possible for the best texture; frozen gnocchi works too with slightly longer cooking times.
  • Don’t overcook the gnocchi—add them last and cook just until they float to avoid mushy gnocchi.
  • If possible, use homemade chicken broth to elevate flavor and depth.
  • Add spinach or kale at the very end to keep their vibrant color and nutrition intact.
  • Season throughout cooking and adjust salt and pepper to taste for balanced flavor.
  • For a dairy-free version, replace heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream.
  • To freeze, omit gnocchi and add fresh when reheating to prevent mushiness.
  • Use store-bought rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken soup, gnocchi soup, creamy chicken soup, comfort food, easy soup recipe, cozy meals, meal prep soup, gluten-free option