Name: 30-minute Homemade Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 medium onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 medium carrots, diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded; 4 cups chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 package (16 oz) potato gnocchi; 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped

There's nothing quite like a warm bowl of Chicken Gnocchi Soup to soothe your soul, especially on a chilly evening. This hearty soup combines tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a creamy broth infused with fragrant herbs. It's the ultimate comfort food that comes together in just 30 minutes.

I first discovered this recipe on a particularly busy weeknight when I needed something quick, comforting, and satisfying. To my surprise, it became an instant family favorite, with everyone eagerly coming back for seconds.

Get ready to discover why this easy Chicken Gnocchi Soup deserves a spot in your weekly meal rotation.

Why You'll Love This Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Get ready to fall in love with your new go-to comfort meal. This Chicken Gnocchi Soup isn't just delicious – it's a lifesaver for busy schedules.

First off, the speed and simplicity of this recipe are a game-changer. You can whip it up in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for those hectic evenings when you want something home-cooked but don’t have hours to spare.

It's also incredibly rich and satisfying. The creamy broth, combined with soft gnocchi and tender chicken, feels indulgent while being surprisingly easy to prepare.

For those who love a versatile dish, this soup is a dream. You can customize the ingredients to suit your family's tastes or use whatever you have on hand. Swap out chicken for turkey or add extra vegetables for a hearty twist.

Lastly, it's a one-pot wonder. Less cleanup means more time to sit back and enjoy your cozy bowl of soup.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this Chicken Gnocchi Soup lies in its simple ingredients, each working together to create a dish full of flavor and comfort.

Gnocchi: These soft, potato-based dumplings are the star of the show. They cook quickly and add a lovely, pillowy texture to the soup. Look for fresh or shelf-stable gnocchi in the pasta aisle of your grocery store.

Chicken: Using cooked, shredded chicken makes this recipe a breeze. Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut, but you can also poach or bake your own chicken breasts if you prefer.

Vegetables: A mix of carrots, celery, and spinach gives the soup a hearty, nutritious base. The spinach adds a pop of color and freshness, but kale or Swiss chard are excellent alternatives.

Broth and Cream: A combination of chicken broth and heavy cream creates a luscious, flavorful base. If you're looking to lighten things up, you can substitute the cream with half-and-half or even coconut milk.

Seasonings: Garlic, thyme, and a touch of salt and pepper bring everything together. Fresh herbs elevate the flavor, but dried herbs work well in a pinch.

You’ll also need a large pot or Dutch oven to bring this soup to life.

How To Make This Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Creating this delicious Chicken Gnocchi Soup is easier than you might think. Let me walk you through it step by step.

Start by heating a large pot over medium heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil, followed by diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables soften and the onions turn translucent.

Next, stir in minced garlic and dried thyme. Let them cook for another minute, releasing their aromatic flavors. This step builds the foundation of the soup's flavor.

Pour in chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, add the shredded chicken and gnocchi. Let it cook for 3-5 minutes until the gnocchi floats to the top, signaling it's done.

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Add a generous handful of fresh spinach, letting it wilt into the soup. Taste and adjust the seasonings with salt and pepper as needed.

Ladle the soup into bowls and serve it hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired. In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a comforting meal ready to enjoy.

Storage Options

This soup stores beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep or leftovers.

To store, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

For longer storage, you can freeze the soup for up to 2 months. However, the texture of the gnocchi may change slightly after freezing. To avoid this, consider freezing the soup base without the gnocchi and adding fresh gnocchi when reheating.

Reheat the soup gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. If it has thickened in the fridge or freezer, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to bring it back to your desired consistency.

Variations and Substitutions

The versatility of this Chicken Gnocchi Soup makes it a favorite in many households. Here are some fun ways to adapt the recipe:

Vegetarian: Replace the chicken with sautéed mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a meat-free version.
Low-Carb: Swap the gnocchi for cauliflower gnocchi or diced zucchini to cut down on carbs while keeping the soup hearty.
Herb Swap: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary, basil, or parsley for a fresh twist on the classic flavor.
Extra Veggies: Add chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or green beans for an even heartier soup.
Dairy-Free: Use coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative to make the soup suitable for lactose-intolerant diners.

This Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a recipe that invites creativity. Don't be afraid to try new combinations and make it your own! Whether you stick to the classic version or explore variations, you're in for a delicious treat.