Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup

There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm bowl of soup, especially when it’s Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup. I remember the first time I had a similar dish at a cozy restaurant with friends on a chilly winter evening. The moment the steaming bowl was placed in front of me, the enticing aroma wrapped around me like a warm hug. Each spoonful was a delightful blend of creamy goodness, tender chicken, and soft, pillowy gnocchi. It felt like a warm embrace, reminding me of home-cooked meals shared around the dinner table. Now, I want to share that same experience with you through this recipe. With just a handful of simple ingredients and a little bit of love, you can recreate this delicious dish in your kitchen. It’s perfect for a cozy night in or when you want to impress guests with minimal effort. Trust me; once you try this Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup, it’ll become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.

Ingredients Overview for Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup

The ingredients in Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup come together beautifully to create a hearty and satisfying dish. You’ll find a harmonious blend of flavors with key players like chicken, gnocchi, and a medley of aromatic herbs and spices that elevate the soup to a whole new level of deliciousness.

• 8 tablespoons butter, divided: This is the foundation of flavor, creating a rich base for the soup.
• 1 small yellow onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth to the broth.
• 1 cup shredded carrot: Provides color and a subtle sweetness.
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic: Enhances the overall aroma and flavor profile.
• 30 ounces chicken broth: The soul of the soup, providing essential moisture and flavor.
• 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg: A hint of warmth that ties all the flavors together.
• 1/2 tablespoon dried thyme: Adds an earthy, aromatic quality.
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Contributes a mild smokiness and vibrant color.
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Essential for seasoning.
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: A dash of spice to balance the flavors.
• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein that makes this dish satisfying.
• 16 ounces potato gnocchi: Soft, pillowy dumplings that make the soup fun and filling.
• 1/3 cup white flour: Used to thicken the creamy base.
• 2 cups half and half: Provides creaminess and richness to the soup.
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a savory, salty note.
• 1/3 cup heavy cream: Enhances the richness and smooth texture.
• 2 cups fresh baby spinach, roughly chopped: Offers a fresh, vibrant touch to the dish.

Step by Step Guide for Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Making Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a delightful journey, and I can’t wait to guide you through it. Each step is simple yet crucial in building layers of flavor. Let’s dive in!

1. Start by heating a large stock pot or dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add 3 tablespoons of butter until just melted. This will create a rich base for your soup. The butter should foam slightly, which means it’s hot enough.
2. Once the butter is melted, add in the chopped onion and shredded carrot. Stir them to coat in the butter and sauté for about 3 to 5 minutes until the onions become translucent. You want them to soften and release their sweetness.
3. Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes. The aroma will fill your kitchen! You’ll know it’s ready when the garlic turns fragrant, but be careful not to burn it.
4. Pour in the chicken broth along with the nutmeg, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Give it all a good stir. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to simmer. Allow it to cook for about 8 to 10 minutes until the chicken breasts are fully cooked.
5. While the chicken is cooking, in a separate small saucepan, heat the remaining butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the white flour. This will create a roux, which is essential for thickening your soup.
6. Next, pour in the half and half while whisking continuously. This step is crucial; you want a smooth, creamy mixture. Let it simmer for about 3 minutes until it thickens, whisking often to prevent any lumps.
7. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it’s fully melted and combined. Then, add the heavy cream and whisk it all together until smooth. Set this mixture aside.
8. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the broth and set it aside to cool. Now add the potato gnocchi to the broth and let it simmer, covered, for 5 to 7 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they rise to the top.
9. After the gnocchi is ready, stir the creamy mixture you set aside into the broth and gnocchi. This is where the magic happens! It transforms the soup into a rich, creamy delight.
10. Finally, cube the cooked chicken and return it to the soup along with the fresh spinach. Stir everything together, allowing it to heat through, but don’t let it come to a boil. Serve hot and enjoy!

How to Switch It Up

There are countless ways to make Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup your own. Here are some tips to switch it up:

• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove.
• Freezing: You can freeze the soup for up to three months. Just make sure to leave out the gnocchi as they may become mushy upon reheating.
• Pairing: This soup pairs wonderfully with a fresh garden salad or warm bread. A side of garlic bread makes it even better.
• Variations: Feel free to swap the chicken for shredded rotisserie chicken for a quicker prep. You can also use cauliflower gnocchi for a lighter version.
• Veggie Boost: Add more vegetables like zucchini, peas, or asparagus to increase the nutritional value.
• Herb Twist: Experiment with other herbs like basil or oregano for a different flavor profile.

Perfect Pairings for Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup

When it comes to serving Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup, there are several delightful options to enhance your meal experience:

• Garlic Bread: Serve with warm, crispy garlic bread to soak up the creamy broth.
• Side Salad: A fresh garden salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the richness of the soup.
• Crackers: Add a side of crispy crackers for a crunchy contrast.
• Seasonal Veggies: Roasted seasonal vegetables make a nutritious and colorful side.
• Lunch or Dinner: This soup is perfect for cozy lunches or dinners. It’s filling enough to stand alone but pairs well with light sides.
• Special Occasions: Consider serving it for gatherings. It’s a crowd-pleaser everyone will love!

FAQ

Conclusion

The Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a perfect blend of comfort and flavor, ideal for any occasion. It’s an easy recipe that brings warmth and joy to your dining table. I encourage you to try making it soon; you won’t be disappointed. Enjoy crafting this delightful soup and sharing it with loved ones!

Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup

The ultimate comfort food, Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup is creamy, hearty, and absolutely delicious. With tender chicken and soft gnocchi, this easy weeknight dinner is perfect for any occasion. Make it tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Soups

Cuisine: American

Calories: 470

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 8 tablespoons Butter divided
• 1 small Yellow onion chopped
• 1 cup Shredded carrot
• 1 tablespoon Minced garlic
• 30 ounces Chicken broth click for homemade recipe!
• 1/8 teaspoon Nutmeg
• 1/2 tablespoon Dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon Paprika
• 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper
• 2 lbs Boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 16 ounces Potato gnocchi
• 1/3 cup White flour
• 2 cups Half and half
• 1/4 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/3 cup Heavy cream
• 2 cups Fresh baby spinach roughly chopped

Equipment

• Large Pot
• Saucepan
• Frying pan
• Grater
• Wooden Spoon
• Oven
• Chef's Knife
• Whisk
• Mixing Bowl

Method

 

1. Step 1: Start by heating a large stock pot or dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add 3 tablespoons of butter until just melted. This will create a rich base for your soup. The butter should foam slightly, which means it’s hot enough.
2. Step 2: Once the butter is melted, add in the chopped onion and shredded carrot. Stir them to coat in the butter and sauté for about 3 to 5 minutes until the onions become translucent. You want them to soften and release their sweetness.
3. Step 3: Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes. The aroma will fill your kitchen! You'll know it's ready when the garlic turns fragrant, but be careful not to burn it.
4. Step 4: Pour in the chicken broth along with the nutmeg, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Give it all a good stir. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to simmer. Allow it to cook for about 8 to 10 minutes until the chicken breasts are fully cooked.
5. Step 5: While the chicken is cooking, in a separate small saucepan, heat the remaining butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the white flour. This will create a roux, which is essential for thickening your soup.
6. Step 6: Next, pour in the half and half while whisking continuously. This step is crucial; you want a smooth, creamy mixture. Let it simmer for about 3 minutes until it thickens, whisking often to prevent any lumps.
7. Step 7: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it’s fully melted and combined. Then, add the heavy cream and whisk it all together until smooth. Set this mixture aside.
8. Step 8: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the broth and set it aside to cool. Now add the potato gnocchi to the broth and let it simmer, covered, for 5 to 7 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they rise to the top.
9. Step 9: After the gnocchi is ready, stir the creamy mixture you set aside into the broth and gnocchi. This is where the magic happens! It transforms the soup into a rich, creamy delight.
10. Step 10: Finally, cube the cooked chicken and return it to the soup along with the fresh spinach. Stir everything together, allowing it to heat through, but don’t let it come to a boil. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

• Use mini size gnocchi: They are easy to scoop in and so tasty.
• Swap ingredients: You can use cauliflower gnocchi or simply any pasta.
• Top it off: Throw some sun-dried tomatoes on top while serving.
• Chicken alternatives: Use skinless boneless chicken thighs or shredded chicken.
• Veggie additions: Feel free to add peas, zucchini, asparagus, and broccoli.
• Salt adjustments: Adjust the salt in the recipe if you’re using salted butter.

Previous PostSouthern Baked Spaghetti

Next Post Slow Cooker Fiesta Chili Supper

Meet Brooke Davis

I’m all about cozy, comforting food made with fresh, local ingredients. I develop most of our weeknight dinners and heartier main dishes. My specialty is taking a classic comfort food and giving it a bright, California twist. We all cook and test together, but I’m usually the one in charge of the main event and making sure every recipe is perfect.