Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Get ready to cozy up with a big bowl of comfort! This Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe is everything you dreamed of: loaded with pillowy gnocchi, tender chicken, sweet carrots, and a dreamy, herb-infused broth that’s so luxuriously creamy, you’ll want to dunk your bread again and again. It’s pure, soul-warming magic and ridiculously easy to whip up on any night of the week!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe comes together with a handful of everyday ingredients, each one playing its role in the delicious symphony of textures and flavors. Don’t skip any if you can—each contributes to the soup’s heartwarming character!

• Butter (5 tablespoons, divided): Adds rich flavor to both the sautéed veggies and the roux that forms the soup’s creamy backbone. Use dairy-free if needed!
• Minced Garlic: Brings a gentle, savory depth that ties the whole soup together.
• Yellow Onion (small, diced): Softens and sweetens as it cooks, enhancing the aromatic base.
• Carrots (1–2, peeled and sliced): Lend natural sweetness, color, and a tender bite.
• Celery Stalks (1–2, sliced): For freshness and a savory, balanced flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour (1/3 cup): Helps thicken the soup, creating that signature creamy texture.
• Chicken Broth (4–5 cups): The base of your soup—go for low-sodium for more control over seasoning.
• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs or Breasts (1 pound): Thighs deliver extra richness, while breasts are leaner—your choice!
• Nutpods Unsweetened/Unflavored Cream or Heavy Cream (1/2 cup): The secret to the creamy finish; use dairy-free as needed.
• Bay Leaf: Adds earthy, herbal flavor during simmering.
• Kosher Salt (1 teaspoon, or to taste): Enhances every flavor in the pot.
• Ground Black Pepper (1/8 teaspoon): For mild heat and warmth.
• Fresh Thyme Sprigs (2–3): Perfumes the soup with woodsy, fresh notes.
• Frozen Peas (1 cup): Adds a pop of color and sweet freshness right at the end.
• Gnocchi (16 oz, store-bought or homemade): These soft potato dumplings make the soup extra special and satisfying.

Variations

Part of the fun of this Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe is making it just the way you like it! Here are some fabulous ways to tweak it based on what you have on hand, your cravings, or dietary needs.

• Dairy-Free Delight: Swap butter for olive oil and use coconut milk or a non-dairy creamer like Nutpods. You’ll still get that luscious creaminess!
• Gluten-Free Goodness: Sub gluten-free flour and gnocchi to keep the soup cozy for everyone at your table.
• Add Extra Veggies: Want it even heartier? Toss in a handful of baby spinach or chopped kale at the end for a green boost.
• Make It Extra Creamy: Reduce the broth by 1/2 cup and increase the cream by 1/2 cup for the most indulgent spoonfuls ever.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics and Veggies

Start by melting 2 tablespoons of butter in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Swirl the pan so every corner is coated and then add in the garlic and diced onion. Give them a quick stir until they’re fragrant and soft—usually just a minute or two—then add in the carrots and celery. Sauté everything together for another 2-3 minutes, letting those veggies soften and become beautifully sweet.

Step 2: Make the Roux and Add Broth

Next, drop the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter into the pot and let it melt. Sprinkle the flour over the veggies and stir to create a light roux. Slowly pour in the chicken broth, about 1/4 cup at a time, whisking constantly. This helps you avoid lumps and ensures the soup’s base turns silky smooth!

Step 3: Simmer with Chicken

Add your chicken thighs or breasts right into the broth. Cover the pot and let it simmer away for 10–15 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. When ready, pull out the chicken and transfer it to a plate. Grab two forks and shred it to juicy perfection, then add it back to the pot.

Step 4: Add the Cream, Herbs, Peas & Gnocchi

With the shredded chicken back in, pour in your Nutpods or heavy cream, add the bay leaf, salt, black pepper, fresh thyme sprigs, frozen peas, and gnocchi. Give everything a gentle stir, then cover and simmer for 8–10 more minutes. The gnocchi will plump up and become deliciously tender!

Step 5: Taste and Serve

Lift the lid, fish out the bay leaf and thyme stems, then taste for seasoning. Add more salt or pepper if you’d like. Ladle the piping hot Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup into bowls and serve right away with crusty bread, garlic breadsticks, or grilled sourdough—yum!

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Garnishes

No bowl of Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe is complete without a flourish of fresh herbs! I love a sprinkle of chopped parsley or more fresh thyme leaves for an instant pop of color and garden-fresh flavor. A dusting of cracked black pepper or a light grating of Parmesan will make it feel extra-special if you have it.

Side Dishes

This soup absolutely begs for something to dip. Think golden garlic breadsticks, warm crusty sourdough, or a slice of perfectly grilled baguette. A simple green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette is the perfect bright-and-crisp counterpart to the soup’s richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun dinner party twist, ladle the soup into mini ramekins or wide mugs and garnish with a tiny sprig of fresh thyme. Serving family-style from a Dutch oven with a loaf of bread in the center brings cozy, communal vibes to the table. Or go “bread bowl style” by hollowing out crusty rolls—absolutely irresistible!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors get even cozier overnight, making your next lunch something to look forward to!

Freezing

The creamy base and tender gnocchi mean this soup is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it if needed. Let it cool completely, portion into freezer-safe bags (minus the gnocchi for best texture), and thaw overnight in the fridge before gently reheating.

Reheating

Warm leftovers gently on the stove over low heat, stirring often. Add a splash of broth or milk if the soup is too thick. If reheating from frozen, patience is key—let it thaw fully and stir regularly for that signature creamy consistency.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something truly cozy, you can’t go wrong with this Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone around the table, filling your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas and making even the simplest dinner feel special. Grab a crusty loaf, gather your people, and let the comfort begin!

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