Experience the comforting warmth of a rich, creamy bowl of Creamy Chicken & Gnocchi Soup with Spinach. This delightful soup combines tender chicken, soft gnocchi, and vibrant spinach in a savory broth that feels like a hug in a bowl. Every spoonful is brimming with flavors that dance on your palate, leaving behind a satisfying richness that’s hard to resist.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Creamy Chicken & Gnocchi Soup with Spinach
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Creamy Chicken & Gnocchi Soup with Spinach

Creamy Chicken & Gnocchi Soup with Spinach

I first discovered this recipe on a chilly evening when I wanted something quick yet wholesome. The comforting aroma wafting through the house transformed my kitchen into a cozy sanctuary. With easy prep and simple ingredients, this creamy chicken and gnocchi soup has become a family favorite, often requested on busy evenings. It’s perfect for meal prep, packed with nutrition, and truly elevates weeknight dinners to a new level of deliciousness. I can’t wait for you to try it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready in about 30 minutes, making it a go-to for busy weeknights.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of savory chicken, creamy broth, and seasoned vegetables offers a flavor explosion.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Its vibrant colors invite you to dig in, while the gnocchi adds a delightful texture.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for cozy family dinners or gatherings with friends; everyone’s going to love it!
Diet-Friendly Options: Easy to adjust for gluten-free or dairy-free diets without sacrificing taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

2 tablespoons butter or olive oil: Use unsalted butter for a richer flavor, or olive oil for a lighter option. Both will help to sauté the vegetables beautifully.
1 large yellow onion, diced (about 1.5 cups): Sweet and slightly tangy, onion adds depth to the soup. Yellow is preferred, but you could substitute with white or red if needed.
2 large carrots, diced (about 1.5 cups): Carrots bring sweetness and color. You can use baby carrots in a pinch, though dicing fresh ones will enhance the texture.
2 ribs celery plus leaves if available, diced (about 1.5 cups): Celery adds crunch and flavor. If you don’t have celery, you could skip it or substitute with diced bell pepper.
1 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 tablespoon fresh: Thyme provides an earthy quality that complements the chicken nicely. Fresh is best, but dried will work well, too.
1 teaspoon dried oregano or 1 tablespoon fresh: Oregano adds a warm, aromatic flavor. Fresh oregano is flavorful, but the dried version is equally effective.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic is a must for that aromatic flair. Feel free to add more if you love garlic!
1/4 cup all-purpose flour: This thickens the soup, giving it a lovely, creamy texture. You can use gluten-free flour if necessary.
4 cups chicken stock/broth, preferably low-sodium: Broth adds essential flavor. Low-sodium allows you to control the seasoning.
16 oz. potato gnocchi: Store-bought is incredibly convenient, but homemade gnocchi can elevate this dish further if you’re up for a little challenge.
2 cups cooked shredded or chopped chicken: Use rotisserie or leftover roast chicken; these options save time and add great flavor.
2 cups roughly chopped fresh spinach (about 5 oz.): Spinach is packed with nutrients and gives the soup a gorgeous color. You can substitute with kale if desired.
1 cup half-and-half or whole milk, or heavy cream: For a luscious creaminess, use half-and-half or heavy cream; milk works too for a lighter option.
1 cup grated parmesan cheese (about 3 oz.): This cheese adds richness and umami. Use freshly grated for the best flavor; you can substitute it with pecorino if desired.
Kosher salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for enhancing flavors. Adjust to preference and be mindful of the saltiness of your broth.

How to Make Creamy Chicken & Gnocchi Soup with Spinach

Sauté The Vegetables: In a large heavy pot or Dutch oven, melt 2 tablespoons of butter (or olive oil) over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion, diced carrots, diced celery, thyme, and oregano. Stir everything together and sauté until the veggies soften and slightly brown, about 5 minutes.
Cook The Garlic: Toss in the minced garlic, stirring for about 15-30 seconds until fragrant.
Add The Flour: Sprinkle in 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour, stirring to coat the vegetables. Cook for 1 minute, stirring often for flavor development.
Pour In The Broth: Slowly add 4 cups of chicken broth, stirring to lift any tasty bits from the bottom. Bring this to a gentle boil.
Simmer The Gnocchi: Stir in 16 oz. of potato gnocchi, allowing to simmer uncovered for about 3 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they float to the top!
Combine Chicken & Spinach: Mix in 2 cups of cooked chicken, 2 cups of chopped spinach, and 1 cup of half-and-half. Stir frequently until the spinach wilts and the chicken heats through, which should take about 3 minutes.
Season And Serve: Taste and season with kosher salt and black pepper to preference. Serve hot and enjoy the creamy goodness!

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftover Creamy Chicken & Gnocchi Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This dish does not store well at room temperature due to its creamy nature. For longer storage, freeze the soup for up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers. When reheating, gently warm in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. The gnocchi may become a bit softer, but a splash of broth or cream can help restore its creaminess.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcooking the gnocchi; they’re done when they float to the surface.
For an extra kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes during the sautéing stage.
If the soup is too thick upon reheating, it’s perfectly fine to loosen it with a little extra chicken broth.
Fresh herbs make a wonderful finishing touch; try adding a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil before serving.
Feel free to switch up the greens! Kale or arugula can be great alternatives if spinach isn’t on hand.

This creamy, comforting soup is sure to become one of your family’s favorites. Whether you’re cuddled on the couch or sharing it with loved ones at dinner, this dish has a way of bringing warmth and satisfaction to every bowl. You might just find yourself experimenting with different ingredients or spices, making it a truly personalized creation.

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the soup ahead of time, but I recommend adding the gnocchi just before serving to keep it perfectly tender. Store the soup without the gnocchi in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, then cook the gnocchi fresh when you’re ready to enjoy it.

What can I use instead of chicken?

If you’re looking for alternatives, shredded rotisserie turkey or even canned beans can work beautifully. For a vegetarian option, consider using chickpeas or lentils for added protein while keeping the dish satisfying.

Is this soup healthy?

Yes! The combination of chicken, spinach, and vegetables provides a good source of nutrients and protein. You can also lighten it by using half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream, making it a bit guilt-free while still deliciously creamy!

How do I adjust the flavors to my taste?

Feel free to experiment with herbs and spices to suit your palate. Adding a squeeze of lemon juice or a dash of hot sauce can brighten the flavors beautifully and introduce an exciting twist to the classic recipe.