Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe for Comforting, Hearty Meals

Benefits and Advantages of Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup

The creamy chicken gnocchi soup recipe is highly effective due to its ease of preparation, making it accessible even to novice cooks. This comforting dish combines tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and rich, flavorful broth for a satisfying meal. It stands out not only for its delicious taste but also for its health benefits, offering a balanced mix of protein, carbohydrates, and essential nutrients. The recipe’s versatility lets you customize it for various dietary preferences, including gluten-free and low-calorie options. Incorporating fresh ingredients and herbs enhances both flavor and nutritional value, ensuring this creamy chicken gnocchi soup is both hearty and wholesome.

Essential Ingredients for Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup

• 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and diced (around 1 pound)
• 1 stalk celery, chopped
• ½ white or yellow onion, diced
• 2-4 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup shredded or julienned carrots
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (or 2 tablespoons butter for richer flavor)
• 4-6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon thyme (fresh or dried)
• ¼ teaspoon mustard powder (optional, for subtle depth)
• Pinch of red pepper flakes or paprika (optional, for mild heat)
• 16 ounces potato gnocchi
• 2 cups half-and-half (or a cream/milk blend for creaminess)
• 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for added flavor)
• Optional: ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes for color and taste

This combination provides a rich and nourishing soup with balanced protein, vegetables, and creamy texture. Gluten-free and dairy-free substitutions can adjust this list to fit specialized diets.

Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup

To tailor creamy chicken gnocchi soup for different dietary needs, various substitutions can be made:

• Plant-Based Version: Swap chicken for sautéed tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free gnocchi made from chickpea or rice flour instead of traditional potato gnocchi.
• Dairy-Free / Lower Calorie: Replace heavy cream or half-and-half with coconut milk, unsweetened almond milk, or low-fat milk.
• Nightshade-Free: Substitute potato gnocchi with cauliflower gnocchi to avoid nightshade ingredients.
• Low Sodium: Choose low-sodium broth and reduce added salt to maintain heart-healthy levels.

These substitutions allow everyone to enjoy the comforting flavors and creamy texture of this soup while adhering to their dietary requirements.

How to Prepare the Perfect Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup: Step-by-Step Guide

1. Cook Vegetables: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped celery, diced onion, minced garlic, and shredded carrots. Sauté for 2-5 minutes until vegetables soften and onions turn translucent. This step forms the flavorful base of the soup.
2. Create Roux (Optional): Stir in about 2 tablespoons of flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until slightly golden. This helps thicken the broth, giving your soup a creamy texture.
3. Add Broth and Seasonings: Pour in 4 cups of low-sodium chicken broth to start, adding salt, pepper, thyme, mustard powder (if using), and a pinch of red pepper flakes or paprika. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
4. Simmer with Chicken: Add cooked, diced chicken breast to the pot. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes to blend flavors and warm the chicken fully if not pre-cooked.
5. Cook Gnocchi: Stir in 16 ounces of potato gnocchi and cook per package instructions, generally 3-5 minutes until they float and become tender. For gluten-free gnocchi, cook similarly.
6. Add Cream and Greens: Slowly mix in 2 cups half-and-half or cream/milk blend and the grated Parmesan cheese if using. Heat for 1-2 minutes. Then add roughly chopped fresh spinach and cook until just wilted, preserving nutrients and color.
7. Finalize Seasoning and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper as needed. Add more broth if the soup is too thick. Optionally, stir in ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes for vibrant color and deeper flavor. Serve hot with crusty bread or your preferred side.

This simple method ensures a delicious, creamy chicken gnocchi soup adaptable to a variety of dietary needs while delivering comforting warmth and nourishing ingredients.

For making fresh pasta at home, including gnocchi, see How to Make Homemade Gnocchi. For boosting your soup’s nutrition with veggies, visit Nutritious Vegetable Add-ins for Soups.

Mastering Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup: Advanced Tips and Variations

To perfect creamy chicken gnocchi soup, start by focusing on your ingredient quality. Using fresh herbs like thyme and high-quality chicken broth or making your own broth solidifies the flavor base. For creaminess without excess calories, try blending a portion of cooked cauliflower into the soup, which enhances texture while adding nutrients. Adding freshly grated Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast at the end brings a deep, savory umami boost suitable for both dairy and vegan diets.

Consider incorporating roasted vegetables such as butternut squash or carrots for added sweetness and varied texture. For a touch of heat, red pepper flakes or cayenne powder deliver a pleasant kick without overwhelming the dish. When cooking gluten-free gnocchi, it’s best to boil them separately and add them into the soup just before serving to avoid mushiness. These tips allow you to customize the soup while maintaining its creamy, comforting essence and layering complex flavors for a satisfying meal.

How to Store Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup: Best Practices

Proper storage is key to preserving creamy chicken gnocchi soup’s flavor and texture. Refrigerate leftover soup within two hours of cooking in an airtight container; it will stay fresh for 3 to 4 days. For freezing, divide the soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving space for expansion, and freeze for up to 2 months. Keep in mind that gnocchi may become soft upon freezing and reheating.

To maintain the best texture, consider removing gnocchi before freezing and add them freshly cooked during reheating. Reheat gently over low heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to prevent the cream from curdling and to evenly warm the soup. Avoid reheating on high heat or multiple times, as this can degrade both flavor and texture. Following these best practices ensures your soup tastes fresh and comforting every time you enjoy leftovers.

Nutritional Value of Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup

This nutritional profile showcases a comforting meal that supplies key macronutrients and micronutrients, making it both satisfying and nourishing. For additional insights into health benefits, see Health Benefits of Chicken Breast.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe for Comforting, Hearty Meals

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🍲 Enjoy a bowl of Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup, offering warmth and comfort in every spoonful with its rich, creamy texture and hearty ingredients.
🌿 Packed with tender chicken and fresh vegetables, this dish is perfect for a wholesome meal that’s both satisfying and delicious.

• Total Time: 30-45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and diced (around 1 pound)
1 stalk celery, chopped
½ white or yellow onion, diced
2–4 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup shredded carrots
1 tablespoon olive oil or 2 tablespoons butter
4–6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
Salt and pepper to taste
1 teaspoon thyme (fresh or dried)
¼ teaspoon mustard powder (optional)
Pinch of red pepper flakes or paprika (optional)
16 ounces potato gnocchi
2 cups half-and-half
1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (optional)

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté celery, onion, garlic, and carrots for 2-5 minutes until vegetables soften and onions are translucent.
2. Stir in flour if using and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
3. Add cooked chicken, chicken broth, salt, pepper, thyme, mustard powder, and paprika or red pepper flakes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer for 10-15 minutes.
4. Stir in gnocchi and cook according to package instructions until tender.
5. Gradually stir in half-and-half and Parmesan cheese. Heat for 1-2 minutes, then add spinach until wilted.
6. Adjust seasoning to taste and add more broth if needed. Serve hot.

Last Step:

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Notes

🍞 Use diced cooked chicken like rotisserie for faster preparation.
🕝 Soups can be slow-cooked; add gnocchi, half-and-half, and spinach at the end.
🧊 Gnocchi can be removed before storage to prevent sogginess; reheat and add when serving.

• Author: Brandi Oshea
• Prep Time: 10-20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Category: Soup
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Gluten-Free

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1.5 cups
• Calories: ~500
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600-1236 mg
• Fat: 22-24 g
• Saturated Fat: 11-14 g
• Carbohydrates: 46-52 g
• Fiber: 3-4 g
• Protein: 28-31 g
• Cholesterol: 99-118 mg