Chicken Gnocchi Soup: Easy 45-Minute Weeknight Recipe
Rich broth, tender chicken, and soft gnocchi combine into a dish that warms the soul.
Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup: Cozy Comfort in a Bowl
If you’re craving something warm, creamy, and packed with flavor, look no further than Chicken Gnocchi Soup. This comforting soup tastes like it’s been simmering all day, but thanks to a few clever shortcuts, you’ll have a steaming pot ready in less than an hour. Perfect for chilly nights or when you need a hearty meal, this recipe pairs tender chicken, soft gnocchi, and vibrant vegetables in a creamy, rich broth.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Gnocchi Soup
- Quick and Easy: Ready in about 45 minutes, this recipe makes weeknight cooking a breeze.
- Pillowy Gnocchi: Potato gnocchi add a fun and satisfying texture.
- Flavorful Chicken: Chicken thighs keep the meat tender and infuse the broth with rich savoriness.
- Versatile: Easily adaptable with rotisserie chicken or different vegetables.
- Nutritious Veggies: Onion, carrots, celery, and spinach transform this into a wholesome family meal.
What Are Gnocchi?
Gnocchi are small Italian dumplings, traditionally made from potatoes, flour, and sometimes eggs. They’re soft, pillowy, and cook remarkably fast. You’ll most commonly find them dried, refrigerated, or frozen at grocery stores.
| Type | Texture | Common Uses |
|---|---|---|
| Potato Gnocchi | Soft & pillowy | Soups, pasta sauces |
| Ricotta Gnocchi | Light & fluffy | Pasta dishes |
For soup, dried gnocchi are especially useful—they cook in minutes and absorb delicious flavors from the broth, making them an excellent pasta alternative.
Ingredients for Chicken Gnocchi Soup
- Olive oil (2 Tbsp.) – For sautéing the vegetables, builds the base flavor.
- Yellow onion (1 large) – Adds sweetness and depth to the soup.
- Carrots (3 large, peeled & chopped, about 1 1/2 cups) – Bring color and natural sweetness.
- Celery stalks (2, chopped) – Classic soup vegetable for aroma and structure.
- Garlic cloves (4, chopped) – Heightens the savory notes.
- All-purpose flour (1/4 cup) – Creates a light roux to thicken the broth.
- Chicken broth (6 cups) – The liquid foundation of the soup.
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs (1 1/2 lb.) – Cut into 1-inch pieces for tenderness.
- Fresh thyme (1 tsp., chopped) – Adds herbal brightness.
- Kosher salt (1/2 tsp., plus more to taste)
- Black pepper (1/2 tsp., plus more to taste)
- Dried gnocchi (1 lb.) – Pillowy dumplings that cook in minutes.
- Baby spinach (1 5-oz. container, roughly chopped)
- Half-and-half (1 cup) – Creates the creamy base.
Step-By-Step Directions
- Prepare the Vegetables:
Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened—about 10 to 12 minutes. Stir in the garlic during the last minute for maximum flavor. - Add the Flour:
Sprinkle flour over the vegetables. Stir continuously until evenly combined and the vegetables are well coated (about 1 minute). - Add Broth & Chicken:
Gradually pour in chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer. Add chicken thighs, thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer on medium, then reduce to medium-low, continuing to simmer until the chicken is cooked through (about 5 minutes). - Cook the Gnocchi:
Stir in gnocchi. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until gnocchi are tender and fluffy—approximately 4 to 5 minutes. (Tip: Gnocchi cook right in the broth—no pre-boiling needed!) - Finish with Greens & Cream:
Add chopped spinach and half-and-half. Cook, stirring, until spinach wilts and the soup is well combined, another 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from heat. Season to taste with additional salt and pepper.
Make It Your Own: Substitutions & Shortcuts
- Rotisserie Chicken: To save time, use store-bought rotisserie chicken. Shred about four cups and add with the gnocchi instead of raw chicken thighs.
- Chicken Breasts: You can swap chicken thighs for boneless, skinless chicken breasts if preferred; follow the recipe as written.
- Pre-Shredded Carrots: Substitute 1 1/2 cups of pre-shredded carrots for a faster prep.
- Gnocchi Varieties: Dried gnocchi is fastest, but refrigerated or frozen gnocchi can be used—just add them straight to the soup, unthawed.
Expert Tips for the Best Chicken Gnocchi Soup
- Simmer Gently: Avoid boiling after adding the gnocchi. Too much heat can make gnocchi mushy.
- Season as You Go: Taste for salt and pepper at each stage—vegetables, broth, and final soup—for balanced seasoning.
- Fold in Spinach at the End: Adding chopped spinach in the last couple minutes keeps it vibrant and tender.
- Half-and-Half Substitute: For lighter soup, use whole milk, or add a touch of heavy cream for extra richness.
Serving Suggestions
- Warm crusty bread—Perfect for dunking into the creamy broth.
- Side salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness.
- Freshly grated Parmesan added right at the table.
Storing & Reheating Leftovers
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The soup will thicken as it settles.
- Reheat gently: Warm over low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or half-and-half to loosen as needed.
- Freezing: Gnocchi soup freezes, but gnocchi may become soft after thawing. For best texture, add fresh gnocchi when reheating thawed soup base.
What others are reading
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Calories | Protein | Fat | Carbs | Fiber |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Approx. 350-400 | 20g | 18g | 28g | 4g |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of chicken thighs?
A: Yes! Shred about four cups of rotisserie chicken and add with the gnocchi for an easy, time-saving shortcut.
Q: Can I swap chicken breasts for thighs?
A: Absolutely. While thighs add extra tenderness and flavor, breasts can be used and prepared just like thighs in this recipe.
Q: Do I need to cook the gnocchi before adding to the soup?
A: No. Dried, refrigerated, or frozen gnocchi cooks right in the simmering soup, absorbing flavor and reaching the perfect tender texture.
Q: How do I prevent gnocchi from getting mushy?
A: Add gnocchi toward the end and simmer gently, not boiling. Serve shortly after adding for best texture.
Q: Is this soup gluten-free?
A: Only if you use gluten-free flour and gnocchi. Most traditional gnocchi contains wheat flour.
Q: Can I make this soup vegetarian?
A: Yes! Use vegetable broth, skip the chicken, and add extra gnocchi or beans for protein.
About the Author
Sloane Layton is a trained chef, recipe developer, and regular contributor to ThePioneerWoman.com. When she’s not creating cozy soup recipes, she’s searching for the flakiest croissant in her travels abroad.
Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 6
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 3 large carrots, peeled & chopped (1 1/2 cups)
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, chopped
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 1/2 lb. boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cubed
- 1 tsp. fresh thyme, chopped
- 1/2 tsp. kosher salt (plus more to taste)
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper (plus more to taste)
- 1 lb. dried gnocchi
- 1 (5-oz.) container baby spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 cup half-and-half
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Sauté onion, carrots, and celery until softened (10-12 minutes). Add garlic in the last minute.
- Add flour to coat vegetables, stirring constantly (1 minute).
- Pour in chicken broth gradually, stir to combine. Bring to a simmer.
- Add chicken, thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer until chicken is cooked through (5 minutes).
- Stir in gnocchi. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until gnocchi is tender (4-5 minutes).
- Fold in chopped spinach and half-and-half. Cook just until spinach wilts and soup is well combined (1-2 minutes). Remove from heat and adjust seasoning.
Pro Cooking Tip
To intensify the flavor, sauté the veggies until golden before adding the flour, and sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes when adding spinach for a subtle heat.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a true comfort classic—hearty, creamy, and simple enough to whip up on any busy night. Whether you customize it for convenience or savor every homemade step, it’s perfect for sharing warmth and flavor with friends and family.
References
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