There's nothing quite like a warm, comforting bowl of Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup on a chilly day. This rich and velvety soup is packed with tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a luscious, creamy broth that will have you reaching for seconds.

I first discovered this soup at a little Italian cafe on a rainy afternoon, and it quickly became a household favorite. The combination of hearty flavors and indulgent textures makes it perfect for cozy family dinners or meal prepping for the week.

Why You'll Love This Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Get ready to fall in love with your new go-to comfort food. This Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup is everything you need on a cold night—rich, filling, and absolutely delicious.

First off, it’s incredibly easy to make. With just a few basic ingredients and one pot, you can have this soup ready in under 40 minutes, making it a fantastic option for busy weeknights.

It’s also budget-friendly. Using simple, everyday ingredients like chicken, carrots, and store-bought gnocchi, you can whip up a restaurant-quality dish without breaking the bank.

Another reason to love this soup? It's ultra-versatile. Whether you want to use rotisserie chicken for convenience or swap in turkey for a post-holiday meal, this recipe adapts beautifully to what you have on hand.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup lies in its simple, yet flavorful ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in bringing the dish together.

Chicken: I prefer using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a lean and tender protein source. However, rotisserie chicken or chicken thighs work just as well if you’re short on time.

Gnocchi: These soft, pillowy dumplings make this soup extra hearty. Store-bought gnocchi is a great time-saver, but if you have homemade gnocchi on hand, it will take this dish to the next level.

Vegetables: A mix of carrots, celery, and spinach adds color, texture, and a boost of nutrients. The spinach wilts beautifully into the creamy broth, balancing out the richness.

Heavy Cream & Chicken Broth: These two work together to create a luscious and flavorful base. For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, but keep in mind that the soup won’t be as rich.

Seasonings: A touch of garlic, thyme, and black pepper gives this soup depth and warmth. Don’t skip the garlic—it’s essential for that cozy, comforting flavor!

How To Make This Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Making this Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup is easier than you might think! Here’s how it all comes together.

Start by sautéing the aromatics. Heat a little butter in a large pot over medium heat, then add diced onions, carrots, and celery. Cook until the vegetables soften and the onions turn translucent, about 5 minutes.

Next, add minced garlic and seasonings. Stir everything together and let the garlic become fragrant—it only takes about 30 seconds before you move on to the next step.

Now it’s time to add the chicken and broth. Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into the pot and pour in chicken broth. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the chicken is cooked through, about 15 minutes.

Once the chicken is done, remove it from the pot and shred it into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the pot along with gnocchi and heavy cream. Simmer for another 5 minutes until the gnocchi is tender and the soup has thickened slightly.

Finally, stir in fresh spinach and let it wilt into the soup. Give everything a taste, adjust seasoning if needed, and serve hot with crusty bread on the side.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers, don’t worry—this Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup stores beautifully.

For refrigeration, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep fresh for up to 3 days. When reheating, you may need to add a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen it up.

For freezing, keep in mind that the gnocchi may become slightly softer after thawing. If you plan to freeze, consider adding the gnocchi fresh when reheating. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

To reheat, warm the soup gently over medium heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally. Avoid boiling, as this can cause the cream to separate.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this soup is how customizable it is! Here are a few ideas to switch things up:

Make it dairy-free: Swap the heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk or a dairy-free alternative. The flavor will be slightly different, but still deliciously creamy.

Use a different protein: Instead of chicken, try turkey, sausage, or even shrimp for a unique twist.

Add extra veggies: Mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini make great additions if you want to pack in more nutrients.

Go low-carb: If you're watching your carb intake, replace the gnocchi with cauliflower florets or chopped zucchini for a lighter version.

With so many ways to make this dish your own, you’ll never get bored. So go ahead—experiment, have fun, and enjoy every creamy, comforting bite!