There's nothing more comforting than a warm, creamy bowl of Chicken Gnocchi Soup on a chilly evening. This rich and velvety soup combines tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and fresh vegetables in a luscious, herb-infused broth that's both satisfying and indulgent.

I first fell in love with this soup on a cozy dinner out with friends, where one spoonful was enough to hook me for life. Determined to recreate that magic at home, I developed this recipe, which quickly became a household favorite. It's incredibly easy to make and perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or even a quick weeknight comfort meal.

Why You'll Love This Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Get ready to enjoy a bowl of pure comfort with this Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup. It's the perfect balance of creamy, hearty, and satisfying, making it a must-have in your meal rotation.

First off, it’s incredibly easy to make. This one-pot wonder comes together in under 40 minutes, making it a great option for busy weeknights or last-minute meal cravings.

Second, it’s packed with flavor and texture. The combination of juicy chicken, soft gnocchi, and aromatic herbs creates a depth of flavor that will make you come back for seconds.

Budget-conscious? This recipe is both affordable and versatile. It uses simple pantry staples, and you can easily swap ingredients based on what you have on hand.

Lastly, it’s a crowd-pleaser. Whether you're serving picky eaters or a dinner party, this soup is universally loved and pairs beautifully with a side of warm bread or a crisp salad.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup comes from the perfect combination of simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in creating a rich and satisfying dish.

Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work beautifully in this recipe. I personally love using chicken thighs for their extra juiciness and flavor, but if you prefer leaner meat, chicken breast is a great option too.

Gnocchi: These soft, pillowy potato dumplings are the star of the show! While store-bought gnocchi is perfect for convenience, you can also use homemade gnocchi for an extra-special touch.

Vegetables: A mix of onions, celery, and carrots gives this soup a classic comforting base. Fresh baby spinach is added at the end to bring color, nutrients, and a slightly earthy flavor.

Broth & Cream: A combination of chicken broth and heavy cream creates that signature creamy, flavorful broth. If you’re looking for a lighter version, half-and-half or whole milk can be used instead.

Herbs & Seasoning: Garlic, thyme, and Italian seasoning bring warmth and depth to the soup. A hint of nutmeg enhances the creamy texture and adds a subtle touch of warmth.

No special equipment is needed—just a large pot or Dutch oven to bring everything together in one easy-to-clean dish.

How To Make This Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Making this Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a breeze, and the result is absolutely delicious. Let’s break it down step by step.

Start by heating a large pot over medium heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil and sauté your diced onions, celery, and carrots until they become soft and fragrant. This creates a flavorful base for your soup.

Next, add minced garlic and chopped chicken to the pot. Let the chicken brown slightly, allowing all the delicious flavors to develop. Don’t rush this step—it’s key to building a rich taste.

Pour in the chicken broth and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Once the chicken is fully cooked, stir in the gnocchi, letting them cook until they become tender and float to the surface.

Reduce the heat and add in the heavy cream and spinach. Let the soup simmer just long enough for the spinach to wilt and the broth to thicken slightly. The cream makes it ultra-smooth and luxurious.

Finally, season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Your Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup is now ready to serve!

This entire process takes about 35-40 minutes, making it a great option for a quick yet satisfying homemade meal.

Storage Options

Got leftovers? This Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup stores beautifully, making it a great meal-prep option.

For the fridge, store the soup in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The gnocchi may absorb some of the broth over time, so you might need to add a splash of chicken broth or cream when reheating.

For the freezer, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to 3 months. However, since dairy-based soups can change texture after freezing, stirring in a bit of fresh cream when reheating helps restore its creamy consistency.

To reheat, warm the soup over low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally. If reheating from frozen, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Variations and Substitutions

This Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup is incredibly flexible, so feel free to customize it to your liking!

If you're looking for a healthier option, swap the heavy cream for coconut milk or Greek yogurt for a lighter yet still creamy texture.

For a vegetarian version, simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead. Adding mushrooms or chickpeas can provide extra protein and texture.

Want to add more protein? Stir in cooked crumbled bacon or shredded rotisserie chicken for a quick and easy twist.

If you love spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a little kick.

No gnocchi on hand? Substitute with small pasta shapes like orzo or ditalini for a different take on this classic dish.

Experiment with different variations to make this soup uniquely yours. No matter how you customize it, one thing’s for sure—it’s always delicious!