30-Minute Homemade Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Creamy, comforting, and hearty, this Homemade Chicken Gnocchi Soup is the ultimate cozy meal. Packed with tender chicken, soft potato gnocchi, and a medley of fresh vegetables in a rich, creamy broth, it’s everything you need to warm your soul—ready in just 30 minutes!
This recipe is inspired by the popular restaurant favorite but made even better at home with simple, wholesome ingredients. Whether you’re whipping it up for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend lunch, this soup will become a family favorite in no time.
Let’s take a closer look at why you’ll love this recipe and how you can make it from scratch in just half an hour!
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Here’s why this recipe is destined to become a staple in your kitchen:
- Quick and Easy:
Ready in just 30 minutes, this soup is perfect for busy weeknights when you don’t want to compromise on flavor or comfort. - Hearty and Filling:
With tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a creamy, flavorful broth, this soup is satisfying enough to serve as a complete meal. - Family-Friendly:
Even picky eaters will love this dish. The creamy broth and soft gnocchi make it a hit for kids and adults alike. - Customizable:
Swap the chicken for turkey, add more vegetables, or make it vegetarian by skipping the meat. It’s incredibly versatile! - Restaurant-Quality at Home:
This recipe rivals anything you’d get at a restaurant but is made with simple, wholesome ingredients from your pantry.
Ingredients for Chicken Gnocchi Soup
This recipe uses easy-to-find ingredients that come together to create a rich, flavorful soup. Here’s what you’ll need:
1. Chicken
- Use cooked and shredded chicken breast or thighs. Rotisserie chicken works wonderfully for convenience.
2. Gnocchi
- Soft, pillowy potato gnocchi are the star of this soup. You can use store-bought gnocchi for ease or make your own if you’re feeling ambitious.
3. Vegetables
- A mix of diced onion, celery, carrots, and spinach adds flavor, texture, and nutrition to the soup.
4. Chicken Broth
- Use a good-quality chicken broth or stock as the base of the soup for maximum flavor.
5. Heavy Cream
- Heavy cream creates the luxurious, creamy texture of the soup. You can substitute with half-and-half for a lighter option.
6. Flour and Butter
- These form a roux, which thickens the soup to a velvety consistency.
7. Garlic
- Freshly minced garlic adds depth and aroma.
8. Seasonings
- Salt, pepper, thyme, and a pinch of nutmeg enhance the flavor of the soup.
How to Make Chicken Gnocchi Soup in 30 Minutes
Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a steaming bowl of creamy chicken gnocchi soup on your table in no time:
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
- Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, celery, and carrots, and sauté for 5 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
Step 2: Make the Roux
- Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of flour over the vegetables and stir to coat. Cook for 1–2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
Step 3: Add the Broth and Chicken
- Gradually pour in 4 cups of chicken broth while stirring to avoid lumps. Add the shredded chicken, thyme, and a pinch of nutmeg. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Step 4: Add the Gnocchi
- Stir in the potato gnocchi and cook for 3–5 minutes, or until the gnocchi float to the top and are tender.
Step 5: Finish with Cream and Spinach
- Reduce the heat to low. Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and 2 cups of fresh spinach. Cook for another 2–3 minutes, or until the spinach is wilted and the soup is heated through.
Step 6: Taste and Adjust
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
This Chicken Gnocchi Soup is hearty enough to serve on its own, but here are a few ideas to complete the meal:
- Crusty Bread: Serve with warm, crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up the creamy broth.
- Side Salad: Pair with a fresh green salad for a lighter accompaniment.
- Cheese Garnish: Sprinkle freshly grated parmesan cheese on top for extra indulgence.
Tips for Perfect Chicken Gnocchi Soup
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: For a quick and easy shortcut, use store-bought rotisserie chicken. It’s flavorful and saves time.
- Don’t Overcook the Gnocchi: Gnocchi cooks quickly, so keep an eye on it to prevent it from becoming mushy.
- Thicken to Your Liking: If you prefer a thicker soup, use an extra tablespoon of flour or let the soup simmer a bit longer.
- Make It Lighter: Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version.
- Customize the Veggies: Add mushrooms, zucchini, or peas to change up the flavor and texture.
30-Minute Homemade Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion finely diced
- 2 celery stalks diced
- 1 large carrot diced
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 ½ cups cooked shredded chicken (e.g., rotisserie chicken)
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- Pinch of ground nutmeg optional
- 1 package 16 oz potato gnocchi
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 2 cups fresh spinach roughly chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, celery, and carrots, and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir well. Cook for 1–2 minutes to form a roux.
- Gradually pour in chicken broth while stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Add shredded chicken, thyme, and nutmeg. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in gnocchi and cook for 3–5 minutes, or until the gnocchi float to the top and are tender.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream and spinach. Cook for 2–3 minutes, or until the spinach is wilted and the soup is heated through.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Make It Vegetarian: Replace chicken with mushrooms or white beans, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.
- Freezing: This soup freezes well, but the gnocchi may slightly soften when reheated. For best results, freeze the soup before adding the gnocchi and cream.