If you have been searching for a rich, comforting bowl that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, then this Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe is exactly what you need in your kitchen arsenal. It’s a luscious blend of tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, fresh spinach, and a creamy broth that comes together in a way that’s both satisfying and incredibly easy to make. Every spoonful is cozy, flavorful, and absolutely addictive, making it a perfect dish to share with family or cozy up with on a lazy evening.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is the first step toward creating a soup that’s bursting with flavor, texture, and color. Each ingredient plays a starring role, whether it’s adding richness, freshness, or heartiness to the final dish.
- Salted butter: Adds a silky richness and helps soften the carrots and shallots for a flavorful base.
- Frozen sliced carrots: Brings natural sweetness and vibrant color while saving prep time.
- Shallots (diced): Offers a delicate onion flavor that brightens the soup’s aroma without overpowering it.
- Hot water: Used to dissolve condensed soup and infuse the flavors as it cooks.
- Pre-cooked chicken (diced or shredded): Provides savory protein and makes the soup hearty enough for a full meal.
- Condensed cream of celery soup: Forms the creamy, flavorful base that ties all the ingredients together beautifully.
- Italian seasoning: Adds a fragrant, herbaceous touch that complements the chicken and vegetables perfectly.
- Potato gnocchi: These soft, pillowy dumplings take the soup to the next level with every bite.
- Fresh packed spinach (chopped): Adds a pop of green, mild earthiness, and a boost of nutrients.
- Heavy cream: Enriches the broth to a luxuriously creamy texture that makes the soup irresistible.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Step 1: Soften the Carrots
Start by melting the salted butter in a large saucepan over medium heat, then add the frozen sliced carrots. This step brings out the natural sweetness of the carrots and softens them just enough to meld beautifully into the soup. It’s a subtle but important foundation that sets the stage for juicy, tender bites throughout the dish.
Step 2: Sauté the Shallots
Once your carrots are starting to give off their natural sweetness and soften, toss in the diced shallots. Sautéing them for 1-2 minutes until fragrant releases their mild, sweet aroma. This step deepens the flavor profile gently, making sure the soup doesn’t taste flat but stays light and vibrant.
Step 3: Build the Broth
Pour in the hot water, then add the pre-cooked chicken, condensed cream of celery soup, and Italian seasoning. Bring this mixture to a boil while stirring frequently to combine everything evenly. This broth is where the magic happens — creamy, savory, and filled with herbs that instantly comfort your soul.
Step 4: Add Gnocchi and Spinach
Once the broth is boiling, it’s time to stir in the gnocchi and chopped spinach. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cover, allowing the gnocchi to cook through and the spinach to wilt gently. The gnocchi will float when done, but if you want to be sure, cut one open to check the inside is soft and tender.
Step 5: Finish with Heavy Cream
Take the soup off the heat and stir in the heavy cream. This last addition creates the silky, luscious texture that defines the Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe and delivers that perfect cozy mouthfeel you crave in a creamy soup.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your soup presentation and add even more dimension, sprinkle some coarse ground black pepper right before serving. You can also add a handful of grated Parmesan or a few fresh basil leaves for a bright, fresh touch that complements the creaminess beautifully.
Side Dishes
This soup is hearty enough to stand on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or garlic breadsticks to mop up every creamy drop. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette is a refreshing contrast that balances the richness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming twist, serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls or mini crocks at a dinner party. Another idea is to layer it over a bed of sautéed mushrooms or roasted veggies for a heartier meal. Your guests will be impressed by the cozy presentation as much as the flavors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days and allows the flavors to deepen even further. Just be mindful the gnocchi might absorb some broth, so give it a gentle stir when reheating.
Freezing
This soup freezes well, but it’s best to freeze it before adding the heavy cream to maintain texture. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating and stirring in fresh heavy cream for that creamy finish.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat to avoid scorching the cream. Stir frequently and add a splash of water or broth if the soup thickens too much. This ensures every spoonful stays as luscious as when freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use fresh carrots instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh carrots work wonderfully but will need a little more time to soften during the initial cooking step, roughly 7-10 minutes instead of 5-7. They add a lovely texture if you prefer fresh over frozen.
Is there a substitute for condensed cream of celery soup?
You can use condensed cream of mushroom soup or make a quick homemade roux-based celery soup if you want to avoid canned ingredients. The key is maintaining that creamy, savory base for the soup.
Can I make this recipe without chicken?
Yes, you can enjoy a vegetarian version by skipping the chicken and adding more veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or potatoes. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly and consider using vegetable broth instead of water for extra flavor.
How do I know when the gnocchi is cooked?
The gnocchi will float to the surface of the soup when it’s done cooking, which usually takes 4-7 minutes. To double-check, you can remove one piece, cut it in half, and confirm it’s heated through and tender.
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
While milk can be used, it won’t produce the same rich, velvety texture that heavy cream gives. If you prefer a lighter option, use half-and-half or combine milk with a bit of butter to mimic the creaminess.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so utterly comforting and satisfying about this Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe that it’s destined to become one of your go-to dishes. Easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and wonderfully versatile, it’s perfect for any occasion where you want a little extra warmth and love in a bowl. I cannot wait for you to make it, share it, and fall in love with this creamy delight just as I have.
Print
Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This creamy chicken gnocchi soup is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for any day when you crave a warm, savory meal. Featuring tender chicken, soft potato gnocchi, and fresh spinach in a rich, creamy broth enhanced with Italian seasoning and cream of celery soup, it’s easy to prepare and sure to satisfy the whole family.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 2 Tablespoons salted butter
- 12 ounce bag sliced frozen carrots
- 2 shallots (diced)
- 3 cups hot water
- 20 ounces condensed cream of celery soup
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups pre-cooked chicken (diced or shredded)
- 16 ounce package potato gnocchi
- 2 ½ cups fresh packed spinach (chopped)
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
Instructions
- Cook Carrots: Add the salted butter and frozen carrots to a large saucepan over medium heat. Cook until the carrots begin to soften, about 5-7 minutes.
- Sauté Shallots: Once the carrots have softened, add in the diced shallots and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add Liquids and Seasoning: Pour in the hot water along with the pre-cooked chicken, condensed cream of celery soup, and Italian seasoning. Stir well and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring frequently to combine flavors.
- Add Gnocchi and Spinach: Once boiling, add the potato gnocchi and chopped spinach to the pot, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
- Simmer Soup: Cover and simmer for 4-7 minutes or until the gnocchi is heated through and the spinach is wilted. A sign the gnocchi is done is when it floats to the top. You can also cut one in half to ensure it’s soft and thoroughly heated.
- Finish with Cream: Remove the soup from heat and stir in the heavy cream to create a rich and creamy texture.
- Serve: Pour the soup into bowls and optionally top with coarse ground black pepper for an added kick. Serve warm and enjoy your comforting meal.
Notes
- Use pre-cooked chicken to speed up the cooking process.
- Frozen sliced carrots make preparation quick and convenient.
- Adjust the thickness of the soup by adding more hot water if desired.
- Gnocchi is fully cooked once it floats to the top during simmering.
- Heavy cream adds richness but can be substituted with half-and-half for a lighter version.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
