Name: Creamy Gnocchi Chicken Soup Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 yellow onion, chopped; 6 carrots, chopped; 4 celery stalks, chopped; 2-4 cloves garlic, chopped; 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves (or 2 teaspoons dried); 4-6 cups baby spinach; 1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes; 3/4 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs; 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 2 tablespoons salted butter; 1 1/2 cups canned coconut milk, heavy cream, or whole milk; 1/2 cup grated parmesan; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon paprika or smoked paprika; 1 pinch chili flakes; 1 pinch kosher salt; 1 pinch black pepper; 4-6 cups low sodium vegetable broth; 1 pound fresh potato gnocchi

If you’re searching for that perfect cozy meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, you’ve got to try this Creamy Gnocchi Chicken Soup Recipe. It’s one of those recipes that just hits every spot — silky broth, tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and just the right blend of herbs and seasonings. I absolutely love how this turns out every time, and it’s become my go-to when I want something comforting but still a little special. Keep reading, and I’ll walk you through everything you need to make it just right in your own kitchen.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Comfort in a Bowl: This soup is creamy and hearty, perfect for chilly days or anytime you need a cozy meal.
Quick and Easy: Despite its rich flavors, it comes together in under an hour with simple ingredients you likely have on hand.
Pillowy Gnocchi Magic: Fresh gnocchi adds a soft, delightful texture that makes this soup feel indulgent without fuss.
Versatile Ingredients: You can swap in different greens, milk alternatives, or add spices to personalize it your way.

A bowl of creamy soup with small round potato pieces in light yellow color floating in an orange-tinted broth. The soup is garnished with chopped green herbs scattered on top and a single fresh basil leaf placed near the center. The surface of the soup has some melted cheese and small dark brown spots, hinting at spices or seasoning. A silver spoon rests inside the bowl on the right side. The bowl is white with a speckled texture sitting on a brown cloth over a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Creamy Gnocchi Chicken Soup, comforting chicken gnocchi soup, easy creamy chicken soup, hearty gnocchi soup recipe, cozy chicken soup with gnocchi

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting the ingredients right makes all the difference in this creamy gnocchi chicken soup recipe. The combination of fresh vegetables, herbs, and creaminess makes it feel like you’re enjoying a restaurant-quality soup at home. Here are the essentials and why each one plays a key role.

Flat lay of extra virgin olive oil in a small white bowl, one whole yellow onion, a pile of chopped fresh carrots, a few celery stalks chopped, two tablespoons of salted butter on a white ceramic plate, a precise mound of all-purpose flour in a small white bowl, two whole uncracked chicken breasts, several garlic cloves unpeeled, a small white bowl filled with mixed dried Italian seasoning herbs, a small white bowl with bright red paprika powder, fresh thyme sprigs, a pinch of red chili flakes on a white plate, coarse kosher salt and black peppercorns side by side on a white ceramic dish, a small white bowl with clear vegetable broth, chopped deep red sun-dried tomatoes on a white plate, fresh vibrant baby spinach leaves, a small white bowl of creamy coconut milk, grated parmesan cheese heaped on a white plate, and a pile of soft fresh potato gnocchi, arranged with perfect symmetry and balanced proportions, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Creamy Gnocchi Chicken Soup, comforting chicken gnocchi soup, easy creamy chicken soup, hearty gnocchi soup recipe, cozy chicken soup with gnocchi

Extra virgin olive oil: Adds a subtle fruitiness and is great for sautéing the aromatics.
Yellow onion: Provides a sweet, savory base flavor.
Carrots: Add natural sweetness and texture.
Celery stalks: Bring a mild earthiness that balances out the sweetness.
Salted butter: For richness and to help create the roux that thickens the soup.
All-purpose flour: Used to thicken the broth and give it that creamy texture.
Chicken breasts or thighs: Tender protein that becomes juicy and flavorful when simmered.
Garlic: Brings aromatic depth — feel free to adjust based on your preference.
Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that complements the chicken and veggies perfectly.
Paprika: Adds subtle warmth and smokiness if you use smoked paprika.
Fresh thyme leaves: Give freshness and an earthy fragrance.
Chili flakes: Just a pinch for a gentle kick, balancing the creaminess.
Kosher salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning at every stage.
Low sodium vegetable broth: Keeps the soup flavorful without being overpowering.
Sun-dried tomatoes: Add a tangy sweetness and a pop of color.
Baby spinach: Wilts perfectly in the soup, adding nutrition and bright green color.
Coconut milk, heavy cream, or whole milk: Creates that luscious creamy base — I love using canned coconut milk for a slight tropical twist.
Grated parmesan: For that umami punch and cheesy richness.
Fresh potato gnocchi: The star starch that soaks up the flavors and feels super comforting.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of the things I adore about this creamy gnocchi chicken soup recipe is how flexible it is. I’ve played around with different versions, and you can totally make it your own depending on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences.

Protein swap: I sometimes use shredded rotisserie chicken or even turkey instead of cooking fresh chicken — saves me time on busy nights.
Dairy-free version: Using canned coconut milk makes it creamy and dairy-free, plus it adds a subtle richness I didn’t expect but now love.
Veggie boost: I sometimes toss in mushrooms or kale instead of spinach for added earthiness.
Spice it up: If you like a little heat, adding extra chili flakes or a dash of cayenne brings a nice kick without overpowering the soup.
Hearty add-ins: For a more filling soup, try adding cooked white beans or corn for extra texture and nutrition.

How to Make Creamy Gnocchi Chicken Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating the olive oil over medium heat in a large soup pot. Toss in the chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes until it becomes fragrant and translucent — this builds the flavor base. Then add the carrots and celery and cook them for another 3 minutes, just to soften them up without losing their bite. I love this step because it fills the kitchen with such a warm, inviting aroma.

Step 2: Create the Roux and Add the Chicken

Next, stir in the butter and sprinkle the flour over the veggies. Cook it for about one minute to get rid of the raw flour taste — this helps thicken your soup later. Now add your chicken pieces, garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, thyme, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Toss everything so the chicken gets beautifully coated with the spices. Then pour in 4 cups of vegetable broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through. This slow simmer allows the flavors to marry perfectly.

Step 3: Shred the Chicken & Return to Soup

Take the chicken out of the pot and shred it using two forks. I find shredding keeps the chicken tender and allows it to soak up more of the broth’s flavor when it goes back in. Return the shredded chicken to the soup and give everything a good stir.

Step 4: Finish with Greens, Cream, and Gnocchi

Now stir in the baby spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, your choice of cream or milk, grated parmesan, and the fresh potato gnocchi. Cook everything together for about 5 minutes until the gnocchi floats to the top and the soup is warm and creamy. If it gets too thick at this point, just add more broth until it’s the consistency you love. The result is a luxuriously creamy soup with soft gnocchi that almost melts in your mouth.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle with extra parmesan on top. I like to serve it with a crusty piece of bread that’s perfect for dipping. This is when the soup really shines as comforting, filling, and just downright delicious.

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Pro Tips for Making Creamy Gnocchi Chicken Soup Recipe

Don’t Overcook the Gnocchi: I learned the hard way that gnocchi cooks quickly—about 3-5 minutes—and you want it tender but not mushy.
Fresh Herbs Pack a Punch: Using fresh thyme really brightens the soup more than dried alone, but dried works fine if that’s what you have.
Shred Chicken When Warm: Shredding chicken right after cooking helps it pull apart easily and soak up the broth.
Adjust Thickness at the End: Always add broth gradually after adding cream and gnocchi, to get your preferred consistency without losing flavor.

How to Serve Creamy Gnocchi Chicken Soup Recipe

A marbled white bowl filled with a creamy orange soup that has small chunks of potatoes and vegetables visible in the mixture. The soup surface is sprinkled with finely chopped green herbs and topped with a single fresh green herb leaf in the center. Melted cheese pieces spread across the soup add a slightly melted texture with some browned spots. A silver spoon rests inside the bowl, and the bowl is placed on a textured brown cloth with crisp crackers nearby, all set against a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Creamy Gnocchi Chicken Soup, comforting chicken gnocchi soup, easy creamy chicken soup, hearty gnocchi soup recipe, cozy chicken soup with gnocchi

Garnishes

I like topping the soup with extra freshly grated parmesan and a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for color and freshness. A drizzle of good quality olive oil on top just before serving adds a lovely shine and richness. Sometimes a few red pepper flakes on top give a nice visual hint of spice if you’re serving guests who want a little heat.

Side Dishes

My favorite sides with this creamy soup are always some crusty French baguette or garlic bread — perfect for sopping up the broth. A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness nicely if you want something fresh alongside. Sometimes I serve with roasted brussels sprouts or a light caprese salad for a heartier meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I’ve served this soup in mini bread bowls — it’s adorable and impresses every time. You can also garnish with edible flowers or microgreens for a pop of color. Using shallow soup bowls rather than deep ones highlights the gnocchi and colorful veggies beautifully. A side of homemade parmesan crisps adds a crunchy textural contrast that guests rave about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Because gnocchi can absorb liquid and thicken the soup over time, I usually keep an extra splash of broth or water handy to loosen it back up when reheating. It still tastes just as comforting the next day, and leftovers sometimes have even better flavor once everything has melded together.

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing this soup with the gnocchi cooked in it — the texture can get gummy. Instead, I freeze the chicken soup base without gnocchi, then add fresh gnocchi when reheating. That way, the texture stays perfect.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even warming. Add broth or milk if the soup feels too thick. Avoid microwaving if possible, as uneven heating can change the texture of the gnocchi and spinach.

FAQs

Can I use frozen gnocchi for this Creamy Gnocchi Chicken Soup Recipe?

Yes, you absolutely can! Frozen gnocchi works fine, though you might need to add a minute or two to cook it through. Just be careful not to overcook so they stay tender and don’t get mushy.
What’s a good substitute for Italian seasoning in this recipe?

If you don’t have Italian seasoning, a mixture of dried basil, oregano, rosemary, and thyme works beautifully. Adjust amounts to your taste, but the key is balancing herbs so the soup has that familiar Mediterranean flavor.
Can I make this soup spicy?

Definitely! Adding more chili flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper during cooking amps up the heat nicely. You can also finish with hot sauce at the table for guests who want an extra kick.
Is there a dairy-free version of this Creamy Gnocchi Chicken Soup Recipe?

Yes, just swap the parmesan and cream for coconut milk and nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese alternative. It turns out creamy and rich with a slight coconut flavor that’s surprisingly delicious.
How do I prevent the soup from becoming too thick?

If the soup thickens too much, simply stir in more broth or milk during and after cooking until you reach your desired consistency. Adding liquid gradually ensures the flavor doesn’t get diluted.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, I can’t recommend this Creamy Gnocchi Chicken Soup Recipe enough. It’s become a favorite in my household, especially on those busy fall and winter evenings when you want something both simple and special. From the silky broth to the tender chicken and comforting gnocchi, it feels like you’re making a little bit of magic in your kitchen each time. So go ahead, gather those ingredients, and give it a try — I promise you’ll love having this family-pleaser in your recipe collection!