Quick Benefits
Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a comforting, hearty dish that blends tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and fresh vegetables in a rich, creamy broth. It’s perfect for cozy dinners, meal prepping, or feeding a family on a chilly evening. This soup is also packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins—delicious and nourishing all in one bowl.
Essential Ingredients
- Butter & Olive Oil: Provide the base for sautéing vegetables and building flavor.
- Onion, Celery & Garlic: Classic aromatic veggies that add depth to the broth.
- Flour: Helps thicken the soup.
- Evaporated Milk or Half & Half: Creates a rich, creamy texture.
- Cooked Chicken: Adds lean protein and heartiness.
- Carrots & Spinach: Offer nutrients and color.
- Chicken Stock: Deepens flavor and creates a soup base.
- Gnocchi: Light potato dumplings that make the soup extra satisfying.
- Dried Thyme, Salt & Pepper: For seasoning and warmth.
Preparation Steps
- Sauté Veggies: In a large pot, melt butter and olive oil over medium-high heat. Add onion, celery, and garlic; cook until soft.
- Add Flour: Sprinkle in flour, stirring for about a minute to cook out the raw taste.
- Pour in Milk: Slowly whisk in evaporated milk or half & half to avoid lumps.
- Cook Gnocchi Separately: In another pan, cook gnocchi as per package instructions, drain, and set aside.
- Combine Ingredients: Add diced chicken and shredded carrots to the soup base. Stir well.
- Simmer with Broth: Add chicken stock, cooked gnocchi, spinach, thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Final Touches: Adjust seasoning to taste and garnish with parsley or Parmesan before serving.
Health Benefits
- High Protein: Thanks to lean chicken, this soup supports muscle maintenance and satiety.
- Rich in Vitamins: Spinach and carrots offer vitamins A, C, and K, supporting immunity and vision.
- Comforting Carbs: Gnocchi provides quick energy and enhances the soup’s heartiness.
- Balanced Meal: This soup covers all bases—protein, carbs, healthy fats, and veggies.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this creamy soup in warm bowls with:
- Crusty garlic bread or a baguette
- A crisp green salad
- A sprinkle of fresh herbs or cheese
- A cozy blanket (optional, but recommended!)
It’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or even as a starter for a dinner party.
Creative Variations
- Make it spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
- Use rotisserie chicken: A time-saver that adds flavor.
- Switch greens: Try kale, Swiss chard, or arugula.
- Add mushrooms: Sauté and stir in for umami depth.
- Make it dairy-free: Use unsweetened almond or oat milk and thicken with a cornstarch slurry.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Warm over medium heat on the stove. Add a splash of milk or broth if too thick.
- Freezing: Not recommended due to the dairy and gnocchi, which can change texture.
Pro Tips
- Don’t overcook the gnocchi—it becomes mushy.
- If soup thickens too much when stored, simply stir in a little chicken broth when reheating.
- Add gnocchi just before serving if making ahead to keep it tender and not soggy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen gnocchi?
A: Yes! Just cook it according to package instructions before adding it to the soup.
Q: Is it okay to use milk instead of evaporated milk or half & half?
A: You can use whole milk, but the soup may be thinner. Add a bit more flour for thickness if desired.
Q: Can I use leftover turkey instead of chicken?
A: Absolutely! This is a great way to use up leftover turkey from holiday meals.
Q: How can I make this gluten-free?
A: Use a gluten-free flour blend and certified gluten-free gnocchi.
Let me know if you’d like this turned into a printable or formatted for a blog post!
Print
Chicken Gnocchi Soup
This Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a rich, creamy, and comforting one-pot meal packed with tender chicken, fluffy gnocchi, fresh spinach, and flavorful herbs. It’s a cozy classic that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or chilly afternoons. With wholesome ingredients and simple steps, this soup comes together quickly and satisfies every time.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, diced
1/2 cup celery, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 quart fat-free evaporated milk or half and half
1 cup cooked chicken breasts, diced
1/2 cup shredded carrots
2 cups chicken stock
1 cup fresh spinach, coarsely chopped
1/2 tsp dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
1 (16 oz) package gnocchi
Instructions
In a large pot, heat the butter and olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion, chopped celery, and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
Next, sprinkle the flour over the sautéed vegetables and stir until well combined. Cook this mixture for 1 minute to eliminate any raw flour taste.
Gradually pour in the fat-free evaporated milk or half and half while stirring constantly. This will help prevent any lumps from forming.
Meanwhile, take another pan and cook the gnocchi according to the package directions. Once they float to the surface, drain them and set aside.
Now, go back to the soup pot and add the diced chicken and shredded carrots. Stir well as the mixture starts to thicken slightly.
Pour in the chicken stock along with the cooked gnocchi, chopped spinach, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the spinach to wilt.
Finally, taste your creation and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve this delicious soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese if you desire.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup, Comfort Food
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 servings
- Calories: Approximately 350 kcal per serving
