Name: Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons butter; 1 small yellow onion, chopped; 2 celery ribs, chopped; 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 3 tablespoons flour; 2 cups half and half; 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme; 2 ½ cups diced cooked chicken, cut into bite-size pieces; 16 ounces potato gnocchi; 3 cups fresh baby spinach, long stems trimmed; Red pepper flakes, optional; Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Jump to Recipe·5.1 from 8 reviews

There’s something so soul-soothing about Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup—a steaming bowl swirling with pillowy gnocchi, tender chicken, sweet carrots, and bursts of fresh spinach all bobbing in a luscious, seasoned broth. This Italian-inspired classic is pure comfort on a chilly night, yet so bright and fresh that it’ll win hearts year-round. The way each ingredient plays its part truly makes this soup a crowd-pleaser, from the herby aroma to the irresistible richness, delivering an unforgettable, restaurant-style meal right from your own kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

This soup is a lesson in just how flavorful simple, high-quality ingredients can be. Each one brings something irreplaceable—whether it’s creamy body, vibrant color, or comforting warmth. Here’s what you’ll need (and why you’ll love using it):

Butter: Adds depth and richness, creating a silky base for your sautéed veggies.
Yellow Onion: For sweetness and a subtle, savory aroma that sets the stage.
Celery Ribs: Lends a soft crunch and a hint of earthiness.
Carrots: Brings color, mild sweetness, and that classic soup comfort vibe.
Garlic: Adds an irresistible fragrant warmth with just the right punch.
Flour: Thickens the broth into that classic creamy texture we crave.
Half and Half: For luxurious creaminess without being heavy—every spoonful melts in your mouth!
Low-Sodium Chicken Broth: The base that makes every flavor sing while allowing you to season everything perfectly.
Fresh Thyme: Delivers citrusy, slightly peppery notes and a homemade, herby aroma.
Cooked Chicken: Rotisserie chicken makes this ultra-easy and super flavorful, but any tender, bite-sized cooked chicken is great.
Potato Gnocchi: The stars of the show! These soft dumplings soak up all the creamy broth and add delightful chewiness.
Fresh Baby Spinach: Wilts in for bright flecks of green and a gentle, mellow flavor—plus it’s extra nourishing.
Red Pepper Flakes (optional): Adds gentle heat—totally up to your spice tolerance.
Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Essential for bringing every other flavor to life—season to taste.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Step 1: Sauté Your Base

Start by melting the butter in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat. Toss in the finely chopped onions, celery, and carrots, and let them sizzle gently until the onions and celery are tender (about 7-8 minutes). Stir often and enjoy that familiar, kitchen-filling aroma. When the veggies have softened, turn the heat to low and add your minced garlic. Let the garlic cook for just about a minute, stirring continuously so it doesn’t burn—this is where those flavors really start to pop!

Step 2: Make It Creamy

Sprinkle the flour evenly over your softened veggies and keep cooking, stirring steadily, for another two minutes. This step ensures you get a velvety, thick soup with no raw flour taste. Now, slowly pour in the half and half and chicken broth, alternating between the two while stirring well each time. This is your soup’s rich, golden foundation. Raise the heat just a bit, bring everything to a gentle boil, and then lower the heat again to let it simmer for about 10 minutes, thickening up beautifully.

Step 3: Add Chicken, Gnocchi, and Thyme

It’s time to stir in the freshly chopped thyme, diced cooked chicken (hello, rotisserie shortcut!), and fluffy potato gnocchi. Simmer all together for about five minutes, just long enough to infuse all those flavors and let the gnocchi cook through. They’ll soak up the broth while staying delightfully soft and chewy.

Step 4: Finish with Spinach and Seasonings

Finally, add the fresh baby spinach, a pinch of optional red pepper flakes if you like a touch of heat, and salt and black pepper to your liking. Simmer just a couple more minutes, until the spinach wilts and mixes seamlessly into the soup, adding pockets of incredible color and freshness. Taste and tweak the seasoning so every bite is perfect!

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Garnishes

For that extra-special finish, scatter a handful of fresh chopped parsley, thyme, or basil right over each bowl. Shavings of Parmesan cheese, a drizzle of good olive oil, or even a pinch of crispy bacon can take this Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup from cozy weeknight dinner to show-stopping starter.

Side Dishes

Serve Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup with hearty, crusty bread for dunking—think ciabatta or sourdough. For a lighter pairing, a bright salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the richness perfectly. Roasted vegetables or a simple antipasto plate also round out the meal with style.

Creative Ways to Present

Try ladling your soup into small mugs or espresso cups for an appetizer party or brunch gathering. Or, go family-style and serve from a Dutch oven at the center of the table. For a rustic twist, hollow out small round loaves of bread and use them as edible bowls—pure comfort and totally fun!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer any leftover Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The flavors meld even more as it sits, making your next bowl even more delicious. Just note that the gnocchi may soak up some of the broth, so you might want to add a splash of extra stock or half and half when reheating.

Freezing

Soups with dairy can change texture a bit when frozen, but it’s absolutely possible! Let the soup cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers or zip bags (lay bags flat to save space). Freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently over low heat.

Reheating

Warm the soup gently in a saucepan on the stovetop or use the microwave at reduced power, stirring every so often for even heating. If the broth seems thick, just add an extra splash of chicken stock or cream to restore the soup’s dreamy consistency.

Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

FAQs

Can I use leftover turkey instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Leftover roasted turkey is a wonderful substitute for chicken and adds a hearty twist, especially after the holidays. Just dice or shred the turkey and add it in place of cooked chicken.

What’s the best type of gnocchi for this soup?

Fresh gnocchi (from the refrigerated section) gives the softest, most pillowy texture, but shelf-stable and even frozen gnocchi work beautifully. The soup is forgiving, so use whichever is easiest for you!

Can I make Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup gluten-free?

Yes, you can! Simply swap regular flour for a gluten-free blend and choose gluten-free gnocchi—they’re widely available these days. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?

Definitely. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken and either substitute in canned cannellini beans, chickpeas, or skip the chicken altogether for a comforting, plant-based version. The creaminess and flavor will still come through beautifully.

How do I prevent the soup from thickening too much as it sits?

The gnocchi does absorb liquid over time, so when reheating, just add a splash of broth or half and half to thin it back to your desired consistency. Stir well as you heat and the soup will be as creamy as when you first made it.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve ever craved that restaurant-style bowl of comfort, Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup is honestly the soup to try next. It’s rich but not heavy, loaded with classic flavors, and so fun to make and share. Give it a go—your family (and your taste buds) will thank you!

Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need