Cream Of Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

If you’re a fan of rich, creamy soups that warm you to the bone and fill you up with comfort, then Cream of Chicken Gnocchi Soup is your new go-to dish. Imagine a thick, velvety broth paired with soft, pillowy gnocchi, tender chunks of chicken, and a medley of vegetables. This isn’t just another bowl of soup-it’s a soul-satisfying, hearty meal that makes you feel like you’re being wrapped in a warm blanket on a chilly evening.

What makes this soup particularly amazing is its versatility. Whether you’re cooking for a family gathering, meal prepping for the week, or just in the mood for something indulgent, this recipe fits the bill. And the best part? It’s surprisingly simple to whip up.

Let’s dive into how to make this fantastic soup, so you can get started on your next comfort food adventure!

Cream Of Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Ready to get cozy with a big bowl of creamy goodness? Here’s how you can create a flavorful Cream of Chicken Gnocchi Soup that’s as delicious as it is easy to make.

Ingredients Needed

Before we jump into the cooking process, let’s talk about what you need. These ingredients are straightforward and easy to find at your local grocery store.

• Chicken Breasts or Thighs – Boneless, skinless chicken works best for ease of cooking and texture.
• Gnocchi – Soft, pillowy potato gnocchi that soak up all the delicious flavors of the broth.
• Heavy Cream – For that rich, creamy base.
• Chicken Broth – The foundation for your soup’s flavor.
• Carrots – Adds sweetness and color, balanced perfectly by the other savory ingredients.
• Celery – For an earthy, fresh crunch.
• Onion – A classic aromatic, lending depth to the soup.
• Garlic – Fresh minced garlic for that unmistakable punch of flavor.
• Spinach – Fresh spinach wilts beautifully in the broth, adding some greenery and a nutritional boost.
• Butter – For sautéing the vegetables and giving a nice base to the soup.
• Flour – To help thicken the broth and create that creamy texture.
• Dried Herbs – Thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves will infuse the soup with savory, earthy notes.
• Salt and Pepper – For seasoning and bringing all the flavors together.

Cooking Instructions

Now that you’ve got your ingredients ready, let’s get cooking! Follow these steps to bring your creamy chicken gnocchi soup to life.

1. Cook The Chicken

   • Start by heating a tablespoon of butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
   • Season the chicken breasts (or thighs) with salt and pepper, then cook them until golden brown on both sides, about 6-8 minutes per side.
   • Once cooked through, remove the chicken from the pot, let it rest, and then shred it using two forks. Set it aside.

2. Sauté The Vegetables

   • In the same pot, add another tablespoon of butter. Toss in the chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté until the onions become translucent and the veggies begin to soften, about 5 minutes.
   • Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.

3. Make The Base

   • Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed vegetables, stirring well to coat everything evenly. Cook for about 2 minutes to form a roux, which will help thicken the soup.
   • Gradually pour in the chicken broth, stirring constantly to avoid any lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

4. Simmer & Add Gnocchi

   • Once the broth starts to thicken slightly, add the gnocchi. Stir gently and let it cook for about 2-3 minutes until the gnocchi begin to float.
   • Add the shredded chicken back into the pot, along with the heavy cream, dried herbs, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and let the soup simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the gnocchi to cook fully.

5. Add Spinach & Final Adjustments

   • Stir in the fresh spinach and cook for another 2 minutes until it wilts.
   • Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed. If you prefer a thicker soup, you can let it simmer a bit longer, or add more heavy cream for a richer consistency.

Ingredient Insights

To truly appreciate the depth of this recipe, let’s break down some of the key ingredients and how they contribute to the soup:

• Gnocchi: These soft little potato dumplings are a game changer in soups. They absorb the broth, becoming tender and creating an amazing texture contrast. Plus, they make the soup feel like a full meal, not just a starter.
• Chicken Breasts/Thighs: Both cuts work well, but thighs are a bit more forgiving because of their higher fat content, making them juicier and more flavorful. Breasts are leaner but still perfectly tender when cooked properly.
• Heavy Cream: This is what gives the soup its luxurious, silky texture. A splash of cream elevates the whole dish, transforming it from a basic soup to something special. For a lighter option, you could use half-and-half, but the richness of heavy cream is hard to beat.
• Spinach: Not only does spinach add a pop of color and nutrition, but it also provides a delicate, earthy flavor that balances the creaminess of the soup. You could substitute it with kale if you prefer something heartier.
• Dried Herbs: A combination of thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves adds a fragrant, savory quality to the soup, creating layers of flavor that deepen with each bite.

Expert Tips

Now, to really make this soup your own, here are some tips and tricks that will take your cooking game to the next level:

• For Extra Flavor: Consider searing the chicken in some olive oil or adding a bit of white wine to the vegetables while sautéing. This helps bring out more depth and complexity.
• Gnocchi Tips: If you’re using frozen gnocchi, don’t thaw them first-just toss them directly into the soup. They’ll absorb the broth and cook perfectly in the hot liquid.
• Texture Control: If you prefer a thicker soup, try adding a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) at the end of cooking. This will help thicken the broth without compromising the flavor.
• Make Ahead: This soup keeps well for a few days in the fridge and actually tastes better the next day after the flavors have had more time to develop. Just be aware that gnocchi will continue to soak up liquid, so you may need to add a bit more broth or cream when reheating.

Recipe Variations

While this recipe is pretty fantastic on its own, you can get creative and add your own twist! Here are a few ideas for how to customize the soup:

• Add Mushrooms: Sauté some mushrooms with the vegetables to add an earthy, umami flavor.
• Spicy Kick: If you like a little heat, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the soup.
• Cheese: Sprinkle grated Parmesan or shredded mozzarella on top of the soup right before serving for an extra cheesy touch.
• Different Greens: Swap spinach for kale, Swiss chard, or even arugula for a more peppery bite.

Final Words

Cream of Chicken Gnocchi Soup is one of those dishes that makes you feel like you’re indulging in something fancy, but it’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner. It’s warm, satisfying, and comforting-everything you could want in a bowl. Whether you’re serving it to guests or curling up on the couch with a steaming bowl all to yourself, it’s sure to impress.