Name: Creamy Chicken & Gnocchi Soup with Spinach
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil; 1 large yellow onion diced (about 1.5 cups); 2 large carrots diced (about 1.5 cups); 2 ribs celery plus leaves if available, diced (about 1.5 cups); 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 tablespoon fresh; 1 teaspoon dried oregano or 1 tablespoon fresh; 2 cloves garlic minced; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 4 cups chicken stock/broth preferably low-sodium; 16 oz. potato gnocchi store-bought or homemade; 2 cups cooked shredded or chopped chicken such as rotisserie or leftover roast chicken; 2 cups roughly chopped fresh spinach (about 5 oz.); 1 cup half and half or whole milk, or heavy cream; 1 cup grated parmesan cheese (about 3 oz.); kosher salt and black pepper to taste

Jump to Recipe · Leave a Review

Creamy Chicken & Gnocchi Soup with Spinach is the kind of dish that wraps around you like a warm hug on a chilly day. This satisfying soup brings together tender gnocchi, wholesome chicken, and vibrant spinach in a creamy broth that’s rich without being too heavy. The best part? It comes together in just about half an hour, making it an ideal choice for those busy evenings when you want something comforting but don’t have a ton of time to spend in the kitchen.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Creamy Chicken & Gnocchi Soup with Spinach
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Creamy Chicken & Gnocchi Soup with Spinach

One bite and you’ll understand why this Creamy Chicken & Gnocchi Soup with Spinach is a go-to for so many families and gatherings. The depth of flavor from the sautéed vegetables, along with the creamy texture, creates a dish that’s as good as any you’d find in a cozy Italian restaurant. Plus, it’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner, yet impressive enough to serve on special occasions. Trust me when I say, you’ll want to make this one again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready in 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Irresistible Flavor: A creamy, savory blend of chicken, spinach, and gnocchi that’s hard to resist.
Eye-Catching Appeal: A bowl of this soup will brighten up your dinner table with its vibrant colors.
Flexible Serving: Great as a hearty lunch or a cozy dinner, it suits any time of day.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily modified for gluten-free gnocchi or dairy-free alternatives.

Ingredients You’ll Need

2 tablespoons butter or olive oil: This is used for sautéing the vegetables, providing richness and flavor. You can substitute with coconut oil for a different taste.
1 large yellow onion, diced (about 1.5 cups): Adds sweetness and depth to the soup. Yellow onions are preferred, but white or red onions can work too.
2 large carrots, diced (about 1.5 cups): Carrots give the soup a touch of natural sweetness and a vibrant color.
2 ribs celery, plus leaves if available, diced (about 1.5 cups): Adds a wonderful crunch and flavor. Feel free to leave out the leaves if you don’t have them.
1 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 tablespoon fresh: An aromatic herb that enhances the soup’s flavor. You can use Italian seasoning if thyme isn’t available.
1 teaspoon dried oregano or 1 tablespoon fresh: Oregano pairs perfectly with the other flavors in this Italy-inspired dish.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic adds a savory depth; use more or less depending on your love for its boldness.
1/4 cup all-purpose flour: Acts as a thickener for the soup. For gluten-free options, use cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend.
4 cups chicken stock or broth, preferably low-sodium: Provides the base for your soup. Homemade or store-bought works just fine.
16 oz. potato gnocchi: The star of the dish! You can find these at your grocery store, or make them from scratch if you’re up for it.
2 cups cooked shredded or chopped chicken: Leftover rotisserie chicken works beautifully in this recipe for a speedy meal.
2 cups roughly chopped fresh spinach (about 5 oz.): Adds color and nourishment; you can also substitute with kale for a twist.
1 cup half and half, whole milk, or heavy cream: Creamy element to enrich the soup. You can substitute with a plant-based cream if desired.
1 cup grated parmesan cheese (about 3 oz.): Adds depth and a touch of saltiness. Nutritional yeast can be used for a dairy-free option.
Kosher salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for enhancing the flavors of the whole dish.

How to Make Creamy Chicken & Gnocchi Soup with Spinach

Sauté the Vegetables: In a large heavy pot or Dutch oven, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, celery, dried thyme, and dried oregano. Stir well to coat the vegetables in the butter, and sauté for about 5 minutes or until they’re softened and beginning to brown.
Add Garlic and Flour: Once fragrant, add 2 minced cloves of garlic to the pot. Sauté for about 15-30 seconds until just fragrant, then sprinkle in 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour. Stir to coat the veggies and cook for about 1 minute, stirring frequently, to cook off the raw flour taste.
Incorporate the Broth: Slowly pour in 4 cups of low-sodium chicken broth, stirring continuously to scrape any bits off the bottom of the pot and dissolve the flour. Bring to a gentle boil, allowing it to thicken slightly.
Cook the Gnocchi: Add 16 oz. of potato gnocchi to the pot, stirring occasionally. Simmer uncovered for about 3 minutes, or until the gnocchi has cooked through and floats to the top.
Add Chicken, Spinach, and Cream: Stir in 2 cups of cooked chicken, 2 cups of chopped fresh spinach, and 1 cup of half and half. Continue to heat the soup, stirring frequently, for about another 3 minutes until the spinach is wilted, the cheese is melted, and everything is heated through.
Season and Serve: Finally, season the soup with kosher salt and black pepper to taste. Serve warm, and don’t forget to sprinkle a bit more parmesan cheese on top if you like!

Storing & Reheating

To store your Creamy Chicken & Gnocchi Soup with Spinach, place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze in a suitable container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy again, simply reheat in a pot over medium heat for about 5-10 minutes until hot. Keep in mind that freezing may alter the texture slightly; to refresh it, add a splash more of half and half or broth while reheating.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcooking the gnocchi by keeping an eye on them as they float; they are done when they rise to the surface.
For a thicker consistency, let the soup simmer a bit longer, but be cautious not to let it boil too hard.
If you prefer a little spice, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the herbs!
Feel free to make ahead; this soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors marry beautifully.
Always taste and adjust seasoning before serving for the best flavor enhancement.

Creamy Chicken & Gnocchi Soup with Spinach offers a delightful balance of comfort and nourishment, making it a wonderful addition to your meal rotation. Experimenting with flavors and ingredients is part of the fun, so feel free to make this recipe your own. Watch as friends and family gather around for this creamy bowl of warmth, perfect for any night of the week. Enjoy every comforting spoonful!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use frozen gnocchi for this recipe?

Absolutely! You can use frozen gnocchi without any issue. Just add them directly to the soup without thawing, and they’ll cook perfectly in the broth.

How can I make this soup vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add more vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini for added taste and texture.

Can I prepare this soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can! Just prepare everything up to the point of adding the chicken and spinach, then store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, heat it up and add the chicken and spinach just before serving.

How do I fix a soup that’s too thick?

If your soup turns out thicker than you like, simply stir in a bit more chicken broth or half and half while reheating until you reach your desired consistency.