Hey there, fellow food lovers! Are you ready for a soup that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day? Because let me tell you, this Chicken Gnocchi soup Recipe isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience. We’re talking tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a rich, creamy broth that’ll have you scraping the bottom of the bowl. Trust me, once you try this, it’s going straight into your regular rotation!
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Why You’ll Love This Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Comfort in Every Spoonful
Experience the ultimate hug in a bowl with this rich, creamy, and undeniably comforting soup. It’s perfect for chilly evenings or any time you need a delicious pick-me-up. There’s just something magical about a hearty bowl of this Chicken Gnocchi soup Recipe, isn’t there? It truly soothes the soul.
Quick & Easy Weeknight Meal
Designed for busy home cooks like us, this recipe comes together efficiently, making it an ideal choice for a satisfying dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can whip up this incredible Chicken Gnocchi soup Recipe!
Family-Friendly & Customizable
Loved by all ages, this hearty soup is easy to adapt to your family’s preferences. Add more veggies, adjust seasonings, or even swap out proteins! This flexibility makes our Chicken Gnocchi soup Recipe a winner for everyone at the table.
Hearty & Wholesome
Packed with tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and fresh vegetables, this soup is a complete meal that will keep you full and happy. It’s truly a wholesome and satisfying dish, perfect for any night of the week.
Detailed Ingredient List
For the Soup Base
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon, for sautéing.
- Unsalted Butter: 2 tablespoons, for richness.
- Yellow Onion: 1 medium, diced.
- Carrots: 2 medium, peeled and diced.
- Celery Stalks: 2, diced.
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced.
- All-Purpose Flour: 1/4 cup, for thickening.
- Substitution Note: For gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend or a cornstarch slurry (mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp cold water, add at the end).
- Chicken Broth: 6 cups (low sodium recommended).
- Substitution Note: Vegetable broth works well for a vegetarian base (omit chicken).
- Dried Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon.
- Dried Thyme: 1/2 teaspoon.
- Salt & Black Pepper: To taste.
For the Chicken & Gnocchi
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: 1.5 lbs, diced into 1-inch pieces.
- Substitution Note: Use 3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken for an even quicker meal (add at the end with gnocchi). Boneless, skinless chicken thighs also work beautifully in this Chicken Gnocchi soup Recipe.
- Potato Gnocchi: 16-ounce package (shelf-stable or refrigerated).
- Substitution Note: Cauliflower gnocchi, small pasta shapes (ditalini, small shells), or even tortellini can be used.
- Heavy Cream: 1/2 cup.
- Substitution Note: Half-and-half or whole milk can be used for a lighter option, but the soup may be less rich. For dairy-free, use full-fat coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative.
Optional Garnishes
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped, for serving.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated, for serving.
- Red Pepper Flakes: A pinch for a touch of heat.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Aromatics: Dice the onion, carrots, and celery. Mince the garlic. Dice the chicken into even 1-inch pieces. Getting your mise en place ready makes everything so much smoother, doesn’t it?
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large Dutch oven or soup pot, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant. This step builds so much flavor!
- Cook the Chicken: Add the diced chicken to the pot. Cook until lightly browned on all sides and mostly cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. We’re locking in all that delicious chicken flavor right here.
- Create the Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and chicken. Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes to cook off the raw flour taste, creating a roux. This is what’s going to give our soup that lovely, creamy body.
- Build the Broth: Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, a cup at a time, ensuring no lumps form. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. See how it’s starting to look like a real soup now?
- Season & Simmer: Stir in the Italian seasoning, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and vegetables to become tender. This is where the magic happens!
- Add Gnocchi & Cream: Uncover the pot. Add the gnocchi and heavy cream. Stir gently and continue to simmer for 3-5 minutes, or until the gnocchi float to the top and are tender. Be careful not to overcook the gnocchi, as they can become mushy. Nobody wants mushy gnocchi, right?
- Taste & Adjust: Taste the soup and adjust seasonings as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or herbs if desired. This is your chance to make it perfect for your palate!
- Serve: Ladle the hot Chicken Gnocchi Soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese, if using. Serve immediately and enjoy! Doesn’t that look utterly delicious?
Baker’s Tips / Pro Tips for Success
Don’t Overcook the Gnocchi!
Gnocchi cook very quickly, usually in just 2-4 minutes. Once they float to the surface, they are done. Overcooking will make them mushy, and we definitely want those lovely, tender pillows in our Chicken Gnocchi soup Recipe.
Build Flavor in Layers
Sautéing your vegetables until properly softened before adding liquids is crucial for a deep flavor base. Don’t rush this step; it’s the foundation of a truly delicious soup!
Season as You Go
Add salt and pepper at different stages – with the vegetables, after adding broth, and a final adjustment at the end. This ensures a perfectly seasoned soup, every single time.
Achieving the Perfect Consistency
If your soup is too thick, add a splash more chicken broth or water until desired consistency is reached. If it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few more minutes to reduce slightly, or make a small cornstarch slurry and stir it in. You’ve got this!
Rotisserie Chicken Shortcut
For an even faster meal, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. Shred it and add it to the soup along with the gnocchi and cream to heat through. It’s a fantastic time-saver for this Chicken Gnocchi soup Recipe!
Fresh Herbs Make a Difference
While dried herbs are used in the recipe, a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil at the end brightens the flavor and adds a beautiful pop of color. It really elevates the dish!
Storage Instructions
Refrigeration
Leftover Chicken Gnocchi Soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Just know that the gnocchi will continue to absorb liquid and may soften further, but it’ll still be tasty!
Freezing
Freezing is generally not recommended for this soup. The gnocchi tend to become very soft and mushy upon thawing and reheating, and the creamy base can sometimes separate. If you must freeze, consider freezing the base without gnocchi and cream, then adding those fresh when reheating. It’s just better that way, trust me!
Reheating
Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You may need to add a splash of chicken broth or milk to thin it back to the desired consistency as it can thicken in the fridge. Microwave reheating is also possible in individual portions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use different vegetables in this Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe?
Absolutely! Spinach or kale can be stirred in during the last few minutes of cooking. Mushrooms, peas, or diced bell peppers would also be delicious additions. Don’t be afraid to make it your own!
What kind of gnocchi should I use?
Shelf-stable potato gnocchi (found in the pasta aisle) or refrigerated potato gnocchi (often near fresh pasta) both work perfectly. Choose your preference! Either way, you’re in for a treat with this Chicken Gnocchi soup Recipe.
Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Yes! Use a dairy-free butter alternative, replace heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk (for a slightly different flavor profile) or a dairy-free culinary cream, and ensure your broth is dairy-free. It’s totally doable!
How can I make this soup spicier?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the other seasonings, or stir in a dash of hot sauce at the end. Give it a little kick if you like things spicy!
What can I serve with this Chicken Gnocchi Soup?
This soup is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a crusty baguette for dipping, a fresh green salad, or some garlic bread. What’s your favorite soup accompaniment?
My soup is too thick/thin. How can I fix it?
If too thick, stir in more chicken broth until desired consistency. If too thin, you can simmer it uncovered for a few more minutes to reduce, or mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water to create a slurry, then whisk it into the simmering soup until thickened. Easy peasy!
Conclusion
There you have it – your new go-to Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe! This comforting, creamy, and incredibly flavorful soup is guaranteed to become a family favorite. Whether you’re battling a winter chill or simply craving a taste of pure comfort, this recipe delivers every time. So grab your pot, gather your ingredients, and get ready to create a bowl of warmth that will nourish both body and soul. I know you’re going to absolutely adore this Chicken Gnocchi soup Recipe!
We’d love to hear how your soup turns out! Share your experience and any creative twists you add in the comments below. Happy cooking!
I am a passionate recipe developer and food enthusiast specializing in heart-warming traditional dishes and simple, everyday meals. My goal is to inspire you to find joy and confidence in the kitchen through my easy-to-follow recipes.