35-Minute Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup for Cozy Nights

There’s something magical about a bowl of creamy chicken gnocchi soup—it’s like a warm hug on a chilly day. I first fell in love with this recipe when my best friend whipped it up after a long week, and I’ve been obsessed ever since. The tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and velvety broth come together in just 35 minutes, making it the perfect weeknight comfort food. Trust me, once you try this soup, it’ll become a staple in your kitchen too. It’s hearty, cozy, and packed with flavor—everything you want in a bowl of goodness.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Oh, where do I even start? This soup is pure comfort in a bowl, and here’s why you’ll adore it as much as I do:

• Rich, velvety goodness: That creamy broth hugs every bite of tender chicken and pillowy gnocchi—it’s like a cozy blanket for your taste buds.
• Quick and easy: From chopping to serving, it’s done in 35 minutes flat. Perfect for those “I need dinner NOW” nights.
• Endlessly adaptable: Swap spinach for kale, add mushrooms, or toss in extra garlic—it’s forgiving and flexible, just like your favorite sweater.
• Leftover magic: Tastes even better the next day (if it lasts that long!). The flavors meld into something truly special overnight.

Seriously, this soup checks all the boxes—comfort, convenience, and crave-worthy flavor. What’s not to love?

Ingredients for Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Okay, let’s gather our cozy-making ingredients! Here’s what you’ll need for that dreamy creamy chicken gnocchi soup:

• 2 tbsp olive oil – Our trusty cooking base (butter works too if you’re feeling indulgent)
• 1 lb boneless chicken breast, diced – Cut ’em into bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly
• 1 small onion, chopped – Yellow or white, whatever’s hanging out in your pantry
• 2 carrots, diced – Those little orange coins add sweetness and color
• 2 celery stalks, diced – Don’t skip these! They’re the flavor backbone
• 3 cloves garlic, minced – More if you’re a garlic fiend like me
• 4 cups chicken broth – Homemade if you’ve got it, store-bought works great too
• 1 cup heavy cream – The magic behind that luscious texture (half-and-half in a pinch)
• 1 lb potato gnocchi – Shelf-stable or fresh, both work beautifully
• 1 tsp dried thyme + 1 tsp dried oregano – Our herbal dream team
• Salt and pepper to taste – Season as you go!
• 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped – Kale works too if that’s what’s in your fridge

See? Nothing fancy – just simple ingredients that transform into something extraordinary. Now let’s get cooking!

How to Make Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Alright, let’s dive into making this dreamy soup! I promise it’s easier than it looks – just follow these simple steps and you’ll have a pot of comfort ready in no time.

Step 1: Sauté the Chicken

First, grab your favorite soup pot (I use my trusty Dutch oven) and heat that olive oil over medium heat. When it shimmers, toss in your diced chicken. Don’t crowd the pan – give those pieces some space to brown nicely! Cook them for about 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re no longer pink. Pro tip: Don’t overcook here – they’ll finish cooking later. Scoop them out onto a plate and let them rest while we work on the veggies.

Step 2: Cook the Vegetables

Same pot, same heat – toss in your onion, carrots, and celery. This holy trinity of soup veggies needs about 5 minutes to soften up and get friendly. Stir occasionally – you want them tender but not mushy. When they’re just about done, add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Careful not to burn it! That garlic smell should make your kitchen smell amazing right about now.

Step 3: Simmer the Broth and Gnocchi

Time for liquid gold! Pour in your chicken broth and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Now add the gnocchi – these little potato pillows cook fast, so follow your package instructions (usually about 3-4 minutes). They’ll float to the top when done – that’s your cue! Return the chicken to the pot at this point too – all those juices on the plate? Pour ’em in for extra flavor!

Step 4: Finish with Cream and Spinach

Here comes the magic! Reduce the heat to low and slowly stir in the heavy cream. Watch how it transforms the broth into something silky and luxurious. Sprinkle in your thyme and oregano, then taste and adjust salt and pepper. Last step: toss in that fresh spinach and let it wilt for just a minute – any longer and it’ll lose its vibrant color. And voila! Your creamy chicken gnocchi soup is ready to warm some souls.

Tips for the Best Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup

After making this soup more times than I can count, here are my tried-and-true secrets for the absolute best results:

• Pre-cooked gnocchi saves time: Found some in the freezer aisle? Toss them straight in – just reduce simmer time so they don’t get mushy.
• Kale works beautifully: Swap spinach for chopped kale if that’s what you’ve got – it adds a lovely hearty texture.
• Fresh herbs make it sing: Out of dried thyme? A tablespoon of fresh makes all the difference.
• Don’t boil after adding cream: Keep the heat low to prevent curdling – gentle does it for that perfect silky texture.

Little tweaks like these can take your soup from good to “Oh my goodness, can I have the recipe?” good!

Serving Suggestions for Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Oh, the possibilities! This soup shines all on its own, but here’s how I love to serve it:

• Crusty bread is a must: A warm baguette or garlic bread for dipping? Yes please!
• Simple side salad: Something crisp and light balances the richness perfectly.
• Parmesan shower: A generous sprinkle right before serving adds salty goodness.

Honestly? Sometimes I just grab a spoon and dive right in – no sides needed when it’s this delicious!

Storing and Reheating Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Here’s the scoop on keeping your soup delicious for days! Store leftovers in an airtight container – they’ll stay fresh in the fridge for about 3 days. When reheating, go low and slow on the stovetop over medium-low heat. The gnocchi might soak up some broth overnight, so add a splash of chicken stock or water while reheating to bring back that creamy consistency. Microwave works too – just stir every 30 seconds to prevent hot spots. Trust me, it tastes even better the next day when all those flavors have had time to mingle!

Nutritional Information for Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Here’s the scoop on what’s in each comforting bowl (because we all like to know!): One serving packs about 450 calories with 28g protein to keep you full. You’re looking at 22g fat (10g saturated), 35g carbs (3g fiber), and 800mg sodium. Of course, these numbers might dance a bit depending on your exact ingredients – more cream? Less chicken? It’s all good! Just enjoy every creamy, dreamy bite.

Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup

I get asked about this soup all the time – here are the answers to the questions that pop up most often!

Can I Use Frozen Gnocchi?

Absolutely! Frozen gnocchi works like a charm – just add them straight from the freezer. You might need to simmer for an extra minute or two since they’re colder to start with. Watch for that telltale float – that’s when you know they’re perfectly cooked!

Can I Make This Soup Dairy-Free?

You bet! Swap the heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk – it gives that same luxurious creaminess with a subtle tropical twist. Just make sure to use the canned kind, not the refrigerated carton stuff. And hey, olive oil works great instead of butter for sautéing!

How Can I Thicken the Soup?

If you like your soup extra velvety, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water and stir it in during the last few minutes of simmering. It’ll thicken up beautifully without changing the flavor. My grandma’s trick? Mash a few gnocchi against the pot’s side – their potato starch naturally thickens the broth!

Got more questions? Drop ’em in the comments – I’m happy to help troubleshoot your soup adventures!

Final Thoughts

There you have it – my absolute favorite creamy chicken gnocchi soup recipe that never fails to warm hearts and bellies! I hope you’ll give it a try and fall in love with it like I did. When you make it, snap a pic and tag me – I’d love to see your cozy creations! Now go grab that spoon and dig in. Happy cooking!

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