Chicken Gnocchi Creamy Soup

Chicken Gnocchi Soup is my go-to recipe when chilly air settles in and I am craving something nourishing and comforting but not heavy. This soup is loaded with lean chicken, tender gnocchi, and plenty of veggies that come together in a creamy broth for the kind of meal you want to curl up with after a long day.

When I first made this recipe it was a chilly weeknight and my whole family kept coming back for seconds. Since then it has become our winter tradition to make a big pot after any snowy day.

Ingredients

• Chicken breast: Choose fresh boneless skinless breasts or substitute chicken thighs for more flavor and richness Both can be diced or shredded
• Potato gnocchi: This is the star ingredient Soft pillowy gnocchi from the fridge section are best but shelf stable packaged gnocchi work well If you buy fresh check that they are not sticky
• Onion: yellow or white Sweet onions give a milder flavor and are easy to find Choose firm and heavy ones for the best result
• Celery: Look for fresh crisp stalks with plenty of leaves for maximum flavor
• Carrot: Adds color and sweetness Opt for medium sized carrots that feel heavy for their size
• Spinach: Baby spinach is tender and blends well Any fresh spinach will cook down nicely Rinse well before using
• Chicken broth: Use quality low sodium broth for better flavor Homemade or store bought both work
• Poultry seasoning: A mix of sage thyme and marjoram that brings out the savory chicken flavor
• Onion powder and garlic powder: For background depth Use fresh if you prefer but powders simplify things
• Cayenne pepper: For a subtle heat Adjust to your taste or skip for a milder version
• Italian seasoning: Dry herb blend for a classic herbal note Crush lightly between your fingers to release the flavors
• Half and half or whole milk: For creaminess without heaviness Use cream for a richer soup or milk for a lighter option

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:

Season raw chicken with onion powder garlic powder cayenne pepper and poultry seasoning Make sure every piece is coated evenly Bake on a tray at four hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit for twenty minutes Let the chicken rest after baking for at least ten minutes so it stays juicy then shred or chop into bite sized pieces

Sauté the Aromatics:

In a large soup pot heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat Add diced onion celery and carrots Cook slowly for about eight minutes Stir often until the onions are soft and see through and the carrots start to soften This step is key for flavor

Create the Soup Base:

Pour chicken broth into the pot with the sauteed veggies Scrape any browned bits from the bottom to add flavor Add Italian seasoning and bring the mixture to a simmer

Add the Gnocchi and Spinach:

Once the broth is gently simmering stir in your potato gnocchi Let them cook for two to three minutes until they start to float and look puffed up Toss in fresh spinach and stir until the leaves wilt

Finish with Dairy and Chicken:

Reduce the heat to low and stir in half and half or your preferred dairy Return the cooked shredded chicken to the pot Stir gently and warm everything for another five minutes Taste and adjust seasonings before serving

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I always look forward to adding baby spinach at the end The greens melt down into the broth and add a gentle earthy pop while giving the soup even more color My kids now call it the soup with green magic and even my pickiest eater loves it

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days The gnocchi can soak up liquid over time so you may want to add a splash of broth or milk when reheating for the perfect texture

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to swap chicken thighs for breasts if you like a juicier richer flavor If you are out of gnocchi small pasta like ditalini or even cubed potatoes can stand in Spinach can be replaced with kale or swiss chard just cook a bit longer until tender

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Serving Suggestions

I love serving this soup with a big chunk of crusty bread or warm herbed focaccia Sometimes I sprinkle a little grated parmesan on top and finish with cracked black pepper For added freshness a squeeze of lemon over each bowl brightens up the whole dish

Cultural Context

Gnocchi soups are classic comfort food in many Italian households Potato gnocchi have been enjoyed for centuries as little dumplings that soak up flavor beautifully While this soup is inspired by Italian tradition using chicken and a creamy broth is a nod to American classic creamy soups

Commonly Asked Questions

→ What type of chicken is best for this soup?

Freshly cooked chicken breasts work well for a leaner option, but chicken thighs add extra richness and flavor.

→ Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Add chicken, veggies, seasonings, and broth to the crockpot, cook until tender, then stir in gnocchi and spinach near the end.

→ Is it possible to use homemade gnocchi?

Yes, homemade gnocchi brings a wonderful texture, though store-bought saves time and works just as well for busy nights.

→ What vegetables add the best flavor?

Carrots, celery, onions, and fresh spinach lend both flavor and nutrition, making the soup hearty and satisfying.

→ Can this soup be made lighter?

For a lighter version, use low-fat milk instead of half and half and lean chicken breast as the protein.

→ How should leftovers be stored?

Keep soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Warm gently to maintain the creamy texture.