Chef Mitchell preparing Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup
👨‍🍳 Expert Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

🎓 10+ Years Experience ⏰ 1000+ Recipes Created 🍽️ Culinary School Graduate

❤️ My Recipe Story

"I discovered this Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup when visiting a small Italian bistro. The rich flavors and comforting texture captivated me, and I knew I had to recreate it at home. After several attempts, I perfected this recipe to share the joy of this delightful dish with others. It's now a staple in my family, especially during the cold months."

With over a decade of experience in Italian cuisine, I specialize in creating authentic and comforting dinner recipes. My passion for cooking began at a young age, and I have since dedicated my career to exploring and perfecting Italian flavors. Each recipe I create aims to bring the joy of Italian cooking into homes.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
Delicious Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup served on a plate

Why This Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe Works

This Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a perfect blend of flavors and textures. The tender chicken and pillowy gnocchi create a satisfying bite, while the creamy broth adds richness that warms you from the inside out. Fresh vegetables enhance the flavor and nutrition, making this soup not only delicious but also hearty.

Using high-quality chicken broth and heavy cream elevates this soup to the next level. The addition of fresh herbs like thyme and parsley adds brightness and depth, ensuring every spoonful is full of flavor. This recipe is designed for simplicity and ease, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner without compromising on taste.

💡 Professional Tip

For the best results, use freshly made gnocchi if possible, as it adds an authentic touch to the soup. Additionally, make sure not to overcook the gnocchi, as they can become mushy. Adding the spinach at the end ensures it retains its vibrant color and nutrients.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can prepare the soup ahead of time. However, it's best to undercook the gnocchi slightly, as they will continue to cook when reheated. Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When ready to serve, simply reheat on the stovetop until warmed through.

If you're looking for a substitute for chicken, you can use cooked turkey or even plant-based protein like chickpeas or tofu for a vegetarian version. Just ensure that the cooking times are adjusted accordingly to accommodate the different proteins. Additionally, vegetable broth can be used in place of chicken broth to maintain the flavor profile.

The soup is done when the gnocchi float to the surface and are tender to the bite. The broth should be creamy and well combined with the vegetables and chicken. Always taste the soup to ensure it has the right seasoning and richness before serving.

While you can freeze the soup, it's not recommended due to the cream content, which may separate upon thawing. If you do choose to freeze it, leave out the cream and add it when reheating. The soup can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping. A side salad with a light vinaigrette is also a great complement, providing a refreshing contrast to the creamy soup. For a complete meal, consider serving it with a light pasta dish or a charcuterie board.

When stored properly in an airtight container, Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup will last for about 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator. Always check for any changes in smell or appearance before consuming. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream if needed.

Yes, making the soup in advance is a great way to save time. Just make sure to store the soup without the cream if you plan to freeze it or if you want the best texture when reheating. Prepare the soup up to the point before adding cream, and then when ready, reheat and stir in the cream just before serving.

The best way to reheat this soup is on the stovetop over low heat. Stir frequently to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot. If the soup has thickened, you can add a bit of chicken broth or water to adjust the consistency. Alternatively, you can microwave it in a microwave-safe container, stirring halfway through for even heating.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Too Dry

Problem: If your soup is too dry, it may lack sufficient liquid.

Solution: Add more chicken broth or cream to achieve your desired consistency. Stir well and adjust seasoning if necessary.

✅

Not Crispy Enough

Problem: If the vegetables or chicken appear soggy, they may need more cooking time.

Solution: Sauté the vegetables longer before adding the broth, or ensure the chicken is browned properly. This will enhance texture and flavor.

✅

Overcooked

Problem: If the gnocchi are overcooked, they may become mushy.

Prevention: To prevent this, check the gnocchi a minute or two before the package instructions indicate. Remove from heat as soon as they float to the surface.

✅

Undercooked Center

Problem: If the chicken is undercooked, it could pose a health risk.

Recovery: Ensure that the chicken is cut into small, uniform pieces for even cooking. Use a meat thermometer to check that it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

✅

Burnt Exterior

Problem: If the soup has a burnt taste, it may have been cooked at too high a temperature.

Prevention: Always use medium to low heat when cooking this soup, especially during the initial sautéing phase. Stir frequently to avoid sticking.

✅

Flavor Balance

Too Sweet: If the soup is too sweet, add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice to balance the flavors.

Too Salty: If too salty, add more cream or a splash of water to dilute the saltiness.

Bland: For bland soup, enhance the flavor with additional herbs, salt, or even a dash of hot sauce.

Fresh ingredients for Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Essential Ingredients for Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup

The key ingredients for this soup are simple yet impactful. Tender chicken provides protein and heartiness, while gnocchi adds a unique texture that makes the soup filling. Fresh vegetables like carrots, celery, and spinach add color and nutrition, making this dish both hearty and healthy.

Quality ingredients are crucial for an outstanding soup. Use fresh vegetables and high-quality chicken broth to enhance the overall flavor. Opt for heavy cream rather than half-and-half for a richer, creamier texture. These choices elevate the dish and ensure a satisfying meal.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • Chicken Breast: Using boneless, skinless chicken breast is ideal for this recipe. It's lean, cooks quickly, and absorbs the flavors of the broth beautifully. For even more flavor, consider marinating the chicken beforehand.
  • Gnocchi: Store-bought gnocchi works well, but if you have the time, homemade gnocchi can elevate the soup significantly. Freshly made gnocchi will have a light and airy texture that pairs perfectly with the creamy broth.
  • Heavy Cream: Heavy cream adds richness to the soup and helps achieve that desirable creamy consistency. For a lighter version, you can substitute with half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative, but the texture will differ slightly.
Cooking process for Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

Cooking this Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup is straightforward and enjoyable. Start by sautéing the vegetables to build a flavor base, then add the chicken and broth. The process is simple, ensuring that even novice cooks can create this dish successfully.

By following the steps carefully and paying attention to cooking times, you can achieve a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The key is to cook the gnocchi just right, ensuring they are tender but not mushy, which adds to the overall enjoyment of the soup.

Key Technique for Perfect Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup

The most important technique for this soup is properly sautéing the vegetables and chicken. This step builds a robust flavor foundation for the broth. Make sure to cook on medium heat and stir frequently to avoid burning. Additionally, adding the cream at the end helps maintain its richness and prevents curdling.

Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Prep 15 min
Cook 45 min
Serves 6 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter
    Room temperature
  • 1 cup heavy cream
    For creaminess
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
    Grated
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    For sautéing

For the Sauce

  • 2 lbs chicken
    Cut into pieces
  • 2 cups gnocchi
    Store-bought or homemade
  • 1 cup carrots
    Diced
  • 1 cup celery
    Diced
  • 1 cup onion
    Diced
  • 4 cups chicken broth
    Low sodium
  • 2 cloves garlic
    Minced
  • 1 teaspoon thyme
    Dried or fresh
  • 1 teaspoon parsley
    Dried or fresh
  • Salt and pepper
    To taste

Instructions

  1. Sauté Vegetables

    In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onions, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.

  2. Add Chicken

    Add diced chicken and minced garlic to the pot. Cook until chicken is no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.

  3. Pour in Broth

    Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.

  4. Add Gnocchi

    Add gnocchi to the pot and cook according to package instructions, usually about 3-5 minutes.

  5. Stir in Cream

    Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for 5 minutes.

  6. Add Spinach and Cheese

    Stir in chopped spinach and grated Parmesan cheese until melted and combined.

  7. Adjust Seasoning

    Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and lemon juice as needed.

  8. Serve

    Ladle soup into bowls and enjoy hot. Optional: garnish with fresh parsley.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage Tips

To store Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate. It can last up to 3 to 4 days. When storing, avoid adding cream until you are ready to reheat to maintain the best texture and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup with a side of crusty bread or a light salad to balance the richness of the soup. You can also top it with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs for additional flavor and presentation.

Recipe Variations

Feel free to customize this recipe by adding vegetables like peas or corn for extra sweetness. For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes, or for a smoky flavor, try incorporating pancetta. Substitute the chicken for sausage or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option.