Name: Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons butter; 1 small yellow onion, chopped; 2 celery ribs, chopped; 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 3 tablespoons flour; 2 cups half and half; 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme; 2 ½ cups diced cooked chicken (cut into bite-size pieces); 16 ounces potato gnocchi; 3 cups fresh baby spinach (long stems trimmed); Red pepper flakes (optional); Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 11 reviews

I absolutely adore this Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe because it brings me comfort and joy every time I make it. Combining tender chicken, pillowy potato gnocchi, fresh spinach, and a rich, creamy broth seasoned just right, this soup feels like a warm hug in a bowl. It’s one of those recipes I find myself returning to again and again because it’s easy to prepare yet incredibly satisfying. Whenever I crave something deliciously cozy and full of flavor, this is my go-to dish.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

What really draws me to this Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe is its amazing balance of flavors and textures. The gnocchi is so soft and melts in your mouth, perfectly complementing the tender chunks of chicken and the crisp carrots and celery that add a nice contrast. The creamy broth, enhanced by herbs like fresh thyme, makes every spoonful feel indulgent but not overwhelming. It’s comforting but still fresh thanks to the spinach, which adds a lovely pop of color and nutrients.

Another reason I keep making this soup is how straightforward it is to prepare. I especially love that it uses simple ingredients yet comes together quickly, making it perfect for both busy weeknights and leisurely weekend dinners. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile — I’ve served it for casual family meals as well as for guests, and it always impresses. It just stands out because it feels homemade and special without requiring complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up image of a creamy soup held in a spoon. The soup has three main layers: the top layer is a smooth, light yellow creamy broth sprinkled with small black pepper bits and herbs. The middle layer shows gnocchi, which are soft, round, pale yellow dough pieces with a slightly glossy texture. The bottom layer contains shredded white chicken, small bright orange carrot chunks, and dark green spinach leaves mixed within the creamy broth. The spoon is silver and full, hovering over a white marbled surface background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

To get this Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe just right, you’ll want to gather a handful of simple, fresh ingredients that all play an essential role in the dish. Each item, from the butter to the fresh spinach, works together to build a harmonious blend of flavors, textures, and color that make this soup so inviting.

Pro Tip ✨

Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.

3 tablespoons butter: Adds richness and helps cook the veggies to tender perfection.
1 small yellow onion, chopped: Gives a savory, aromatic base that’s gentle and sweet.
2 celery ribs, chopped: Adds a fresh, subtle crunch and depth of flavor.
2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped: Brings a bit of natural sweetness and vibrant color.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the broth with a fragrant warmth that wakes up the senses.
3 tablespoons flour: Thickens the soup, creating that silky, creamy texture I love.
2 cups half and half: The key to making the broth luxuriously creamy but still light.
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth: Provides a flavorful, savory backbone for the entire soup.
2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme: Adds herbal brightness that elevates the soup’s aroma.
2 ½ cups diced cooked chicken: Tender, meaty bites that make every spoonful hearty and satisfying.
16 ounces potato gnocchi: The soft, pillow-like dumplings that are the heart of this dish.
3 cups fresh baby spinach, stems trimmed: Adds color, nutrition, and a mild earthiness once wilted.
Red pepper flakes (optional): A little kick to bring warmth if you like things spicy.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste: Essential for balancing and highlighting all flavors.

Directions

Step 1: Start by melting the butter in a Dutch oven or large pot over medium heat. Once melted, add the chopped onions, celery, and carrots. Cook these gently until the onions and celery are tender and translucent, which should take about 7 to 8 minutes. This forms the flavorful vegetable base of the soup.

Step 2: Lower the heat to low, then stir in the minced garlic. Let it cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning, allowing the garlic to release its wonderful aroma.

Step 3: Sprinkle the flour evenly over the cooked vegetables. Stir continuously as the flour cooks for about 2 minutes. This step is crucial as it will slightly toast the flour, adding depth to the flavor and helping to thicken the soup later on.

Step 4: Begin adding the half and half and chicken broth slowly, alternating between the two while stirring continuously. This gradual incorporation ensures a smooth, lump-free broth. Once all the liquid is added, increase the heat slightly and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

Step 5: Reduce the heat and let the soup simmer until slightly thickened, about 10 minutes. This simmer allows the flavors to meld and the broth to develop that creamy consistency I love.

Step 6: Stir in the fresh thyme, diced cooked chicken, and potato gnocchi. Let them simmer together for roughly 5 minutes, which allows the gnocchi to cook through and the chicken to warm up.

Step 7: Finally, add the fresh spinach and optional red pepper flakes. Season the soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Continue simmering until the spinach is wilted, just a couple of minutes, then your soup is ready to be served piping hot.

Servings and Timing

This Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe makes enough to serve about 6 hungry portions, which I find perfect for a family dinner or having leftovers for the next day. The preparation time is impressively quick — about 10 minutes to chop and get everything ready. The cooking time rounds out at approximately 25 minutes, making your total time investment around 35 minutes from start to finish. I don’t recommend resting or cooling before serving; this soup shines best when enjoyed warm and fresh!

How to Serve This Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

The image shows a bowl of creamy chicken soup with three main layers visible: the base layer is a thick creamy white broth; the middle layer has small light yellow potato balls that look soft, and bright green cooked spinach leaves scattered around; the top layer has shredded chicken pieces mixed with small orange carrot chunks, all sprinkled with black pepper and chopped green herbs. The soup is served in a deep white bowl placed on a white marbled surface, with a wooden bowl of spinach in the blurred background; a woman's hand is holding the bowl from the side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When it comes to serving this soup, I like to keep things cozy and inviting. A big bowl right out of the pot is always a crowd-pleaser, but you can really elevate it by garnishing with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a pinch of Parmesan cheese. This adds a touch of brightness and a salty finish that complements the creamy broth perfectly.

For side dishes, I often reach for warm, crusty bread or garlic breadsticks — they’re perfect for dipping into the velvety soup. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette also balances the richness wonderfully. If I’m serving this for a special occasion or casual dinner party, I love pairing it with a chilled glass of crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light Chardonnay to refresh the palate between bites.

This soup is best served hot or warm to appreciate the full richness of the creamy broth and the softness of the gnocchi. I usually dish it out in moderately sized portions to start, knowing it’s filling but not too heavy. For family nights or chilly evenings, it’s a perfect main event that feels like a hug on a plate.

Variations

I’ve played around with this Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe quite a bit, and I love how adaptable it is. For a gluten-free version, you can swap the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blends or use cornstarch for thickening. Also, frozen or fresh gnocchi works better since dried gnocchi can change the texture quite a bit.

If you want to change up the protein, shredded rotisserie chicken works amazingly well and saves time. For a vegetarian spin, I’ve substituted the chicken broth for vegetable broth and used mushrooms or a plant-based protein, along with vegan half and half to keep the creamy texture without dairy.

Some of my favorite flavor tweaks include adding a splash of white wine to the broth before simmering or stirring in other herbs like rosemary or basil for a different herbal note. I’ve also tried swapping the spinach for kale or Swiss chard when I needed a little more bite in the greens. Cooking the gnocchi separately to avoid them getting too soft before adding them at the end is another method I use when I want distinct textures in the soup.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

When I have leftovers of this Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe, I store it in airtight containers to keep it fresh and flavorful. Glass containers with tight-fitting lids work best for me because they don’t retain odors and seal well. I usually keep the soup refrigerated for up to 3 days. Before reheating, I give it a good stir as some separation can happen with the cream, but it comes back together beautifully.

Freezing

Freezing this soup is possible, but I’ve found that soups with dairy, like this one, can sometimes separate or change consistency when frozen. To freeze, I let the soup cool completely, then ladle portions into freezer-safe zipper bags or sturdy containers, leaving room for expansion. It keeps well for up to 3 months. When thawing, I recommend moving it to the fridge overnight rather than thawing at room temperature to keep the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

The best way I’ve found to reheat the soup is slowly on the stovetop over low heat. This gentle warming prevents curdling and helps the flavors meld back together. I stir frequently until the soup is heated through. Using a microwave is fine if you do it at reduced power and stir every 30 seconds to avoid hotspots and maintain creaminess. I avoid boiling the soup again because that can break down the dairy and change the texture.

FAQs

Can I use dried gnocchi instead of fresh or frozen?

While dried gnocchi is available, I recommend using fresh or frozen gnocchi for this soup because they retain a softer, pillowy texture when cooked, which is perfect for a creamy soup. Dried gnocchi can become a little tough or chewy and might not absorb the flavors as well.

Is the soup spicy? How can I adjust the heat?

The base soup isn’t spicy unless you add red pepper flakes, which are optional. If you prefer more heat, feel free to add more flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper. Conversely, omit the red pepper flakes entirely if you want to keep it mild and family-friendly.

Can I prepare this soup in advance?

Absolutely! The flavors actually deepen if you make it a few hours ahead or the day before. Just store it properly in the fridge and reheat gently before serving. I find that making it ahead is perfect for busy days or dinner parties.

What can I substitute for half and half?

If you don’t have half and half, you can use a mixture of milk and cream or just whole milk to keep it creamy but lighter. For a dairy-free alternative, unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk can work, but the flavor will vary slightly and might be less rich.

Can I add other vegetables to this soup?

Definitely! Feel free to add in mushrooms, zucchini, or peas for more variety and nutrition. Just add them at a point when they’ll cook through without becoming mushy—mushrooms with the initial veggies, peas toward the end, for example.

Conclusion

If you’re craving a meal that feels both indulgent and wholesome, I wholeheartedly encourage you to try this Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe. It has everything I look for in a comforting dish—simplicity, rich flavor, and a satisfying texture that’s perfect any night of the week. Once you make it, I’m confident it will become a favorite in your kitchen, just as it has in mine.