There's nothing like a warm bowl of chicken gnocchi soup to soothe your soul after a busy day. Creamy, hearty, and packed with tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and fresh vegetables, this recipe is pure comfort in a bowl.
I first tried chicken gnocchi soup at a small café during a weekend getaway, and I couldn’t stop thinking about it. After experimenting in my kitchen, I created this 30-minute version that tastes just as indulgent but fits perfectly into a hectic weeknight schedule. Let's dive in and bring this delicious recipe to your table!
Why You'll Love This 30-Minute Homemade Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Get ready to discover a soup that’s equal parts comforting and convenient. This chicken gnocchi soup is about to become your go-to recipe for chilly evenings or any time you need a quick meal that satisfies everyone.
First, it’s incredibly quick and easy. With just 30 minutes from start to finish, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a comforting meal without the long wait.
Second, it’s a one-pot wonder. Less mess means more time to relax and enjoy your evening after cooking.
The flavors are out of this world. Creamy broth, tender chunks of chicken, soft gnocchi, and fresh vegetables come together to create a dish that feels both luxurious and homemade.
Lastly, it’s family-friendly. Kids and adults alike will devour this soup, making it a surefire crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Once you try it, you’ll see why this chicken gnocchi soup is a recipe you’ll want to keep in regular rotation.
Ingredients Notes
The beauty of this chicken gnocchi soup lies in its simple ingredients, each chosen to create a rich, satisfying flavor and texture.
The star of this dish is the gnocchi. These soft, pillowy potato dumplings absorb the flavors of the broth beautifully. You can find gnocchi in the pasta aisle or refrigerated section of your grocery store.
For the protein, boneless, skinless chicken breasts work perfectly. Dice them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking. You can also use shredded rotisserie chicken if you’re short on time.
The base of the soup combines chicken broth and heavy cream. This duo creates a creamy, flavorful broth that’s light enough to enjoy seconds (or thirds). For a lighter version, swap the heavy cream for half-and-half.
Vegetables like carrots, celery, and spinach add freshness and color to the soup. Feel free to add or substitute with your favorites, such as kale or peas.
A touch of garlic and onion adds depth and aroma, while a sprinkle of Italian seasoning ties all the flavors together. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste!
Lastly, you’ll need a large pot or Dutch oven to prepare this one-pot wonder.
How To Make This 30-Minute Homemade Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Making this soup is a breeze, even for beginner cooks. Here’s how to create a delicious, creamy bowl of chicken gnocchi soup in just a few simple steps.
Start by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken breasts and cook for 5-7 minutes, until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.
In the same pot, sauté diced onion, carrots, and celery until they’re soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle boil. Once boiling, add the gnocchi and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 2-3 minutes, until the gnocchi float to the surface.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cooked chicken, heavy cream, and a handful of fresh spinach. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the spinach to wilt and the flavors to meld.
Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Give the soup a final stir and let it rest for a minute before serving.
In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a pot of creamy, satisfying chicken gnocchi soup ready to enjoy!
Storage Options
This chicken gnocchi soup is just as good the next day, making it a great choice for meal prep or leftovers.
To store, transfer the cooled soup to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The gnocchi may absorb some of the liquid, so add a splash of chicken broth or cream when reheating to restore its consistency.
For longer storage, you can freeze the soup without the gnocchi. Add the gnocchi fresh when reheating to avoid a mushy texture. Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Add a little broth or cream if needed to achieve the desired creaminess.
Variations and Substitutions
The versatility of this recipe makes it easy to adapt to your preferences or dietary needs.
Swap the chicken for turkey or sausage for a different protein option. Ground sausage adds a savory kick, while leftover turkey is perfect for post-holiday meals.
Make it vegetarian by omitting the chicken and using vegetable broth. Add chickpeas or white beans for protein.
For a dairy-free version, replace the heavy cream with coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative. It’ll still be creamy and delicious!
Add extra veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or peas for a heartier soup. You can also substitute kale for spinach if you prefer a more robust green.
Experiment with spices and herbs. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a bit of heat, while fresh basil or parsley can provide a burst of freshness.
This chicken gnocchi soup is your canvas – don’t be afraid to make it your own!
Print30-minute Homemade Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
This 30-minute homemade chicken gnocchi soup recipe is a creamy, hearty, and flavorful dish made with tender chicken, soft gnocchi, and fresh vegetables. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that everyone will love!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 (16 oz) package potato gnocchi
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced chicken and cook until lightly browned. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, sauté onions, carrots, and celery until softened. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
- Pour in chicken broth and stir in heavy cream. Add thyme, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, dissolve cornstarch in 2 tablespoon water and stir into the broth. Cook for 2 minutes.
- Add gnocchi and cooked chicken. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until gnocchi is tender.
- Stir in spinach and cook until wilted. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version.
- Use rotisserie chicken for an even quicker prep.
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
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