Print

Chicken Gnocchi Soup: A Creamy, Comforting Recipe Better Than Olive Garden!

Chicken Gnocchi Soup

This Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a creamy, comforting, and restaurant-quality dish you can easily make at home! Packed with tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, fresh spinach, and a mix of vegetables, it’s a hearty and flavorful soup that’s ready in just 30 minutes. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a quick lunch, this soup is sure to become a family favorite. Serve it with crusty bread for the ultimate comfort meal!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons oil
  • ½ medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 ribs celery, finely chopped
  • 1 cup carrot matchsticks (or finely chopped carrots)
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • ¾ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon pepper
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • ¾ cup heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 3 cups small gnocchi (500g)
  • 1 ½ cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Sauté Vegetables: In a large Dutch oven or soup pot, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add onion, celery, and carrots. Cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly softened.
  2. Add Seasonings: Stir in parsley, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Simmer Chicken: Add chicken broth and chicken breasts. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and cook for 12-15 minutes, or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and vegetables are tender.
  4. Shred Chicken: Remove chicken breasts and shred them using two forks. Set aside.
  5. Thicken Soup: In a small bowl, whisk together heavy cream and cornstarch. Stir the mixture into the soup.
  6. Cook Gnocchi: Add gnocchi to the soup and simmer for 4-5 minutes, or until gnocchi is tender and the soup has thickened slightly.
  7. Final Touches: Stir in shredded chicken, spinach, and Parmesan cheese. Cook for 1-2 minutes until spinach is wilted. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
  8. Serve: Ladle into bowls and garnish with extra Parmesan if desired. Serve with crusty bread on the side.

Notes

  1. Chicken Options: Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a richer flavor or leftover rotisserie chicken for a time-saving shortcut.
  2. Vegetable Swaps: Add zucchini, mushrooms, or kale for extra nutrients and variety.
  3. Creaminess Control: For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk.
  4. Gnocchi Tip: If using frozen gnocchi, add them directly to the soup without thawing.
  5. Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.

Nutrition