If you are craving a bowl of comfort that feels like a warm hug, then this Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe is going to be your new favorite. It’s a luscious blend of tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and vibrant spinach, all simmered in a silky, creamy broth that just melts in your mouth. Every spoonful delivers layers of flavor and texture that make this soup more than just a meal—it’s an experience. Whether you’re looking for a cozy weeknight dinner or a dish to impress your family, this recipe will not only satisfy your appetite but also fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, wholesome ingredients are the heart and soul of this recipe. Each element adds a special touch: butter brings richness, carrots add natural sweetness and color, shallots lend a mild onion flavor, and the chicken offers hearty protein. The cream of celery soup and heavy cream create that signature luscious base, while the gnocchi and spinach add delightful texture and freshness.
- 2 Tablespoons salted butter: This adds a rich, velvety base and helps soften the carrots beautifully.
- 12 ounce bag sliced frozen carrots: Convenient and colorful, they add a tender, natural sweetness.
- 2 shallots (diced): Provides a gentle onion flavor that enhances the overall depth without overpowering.
- 3 cups hot water: Used to create the comforting broth alongside the cream soup.
- 3 cups pre-cooked chicken (diced or shredded): Brings heartiness and protein to the soup, making it filling and satisfying.
- 20 ounces condensed cream of celery soup: The secret creamy base that enriches the flavor and gives the soup its comforting texture.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds a subtle savory note and aromatic quality.
- 16 ounce package potato gnocchi: These little pillows elevate the soup, adding an irresistibly soft bite.
- 2 ½ cups fresh packed spinach (chopped): Adds vibrant green color and a fresh, slightly earthy flavor.
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream: The final touch that makes the soup decadently creamy and smooth.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Step 1: Start with Butter and Carrots
Begin by melting the salted butter in a large saucepan over medium heat, then add the frozen carrots straight from the bag. This step softens the carrots, releasing their natural sweetness, which lays the perfect foundation for the soup’s rich flavor.
Step 2: Soften the Carrots
Cook the carrots until they begin to soften, typically around 5 to 7 minutes. This ensures they are tender but still hold their shape, adding a pleasant bite to the soup.
Step 3: Sauté Shallots
Add diced shallots to the carrots and butter, sautéing for 1 to 2 minutes until their aroma fills your kitchen. This mild onion flavor subtly enhances the complexity of the broth without overwhelming it.
Step 4: Add Liquids, Chicken, and Seasoning
Pour in the hot water, then stir in the pre-cooked chicken, condensed cream of celery soup, and Italian seasoning. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil while stirring frequently to blend all these flavorful ingredients perfectly.
Step 5: Incorporate Gnocchi and Spinach
Once boiling, add the potato gnocchi and chopped spinach. Gently reduce the heat to a simmer and cover the pan. The gnocchi cooks quickly, becoming soft and tender, while the spinach wilts down to add color and freshness.
Step 6: Simmer Until Perfect
Simmer for 4 to 7 minutes until the gnocchi is fully heated through and the spinach is tender. You’ll notice the gnocchi beginning to float—that’s your sign it’s time! If unsure, cut one in half to ensure it’s cooked inside.
Step 7: Stir in the Heavy Cream
Remove the soup from heat and gently stir in the heavy cream. This step transforms the soup into the signature creamy, dreamy texture that makes this Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe so irresistible.
Step 8: Serve Warm and Enjoy
Ladle the soup into bowls and finish with an optional sprinkle of coarse ground black pepper for a bit of contrast and spice. Every bite will feel like a warm celebration of comfort and flavor.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can elevate this soup effortlessly. Try fresh chopped parsley or chives for a burst of color and brightness. A small drizzle of olive oil or a handful of grated Parmesan cheese adds a delightful richness. These little touches make each serving feel special.
Side Dishes
This soup shines on its own but pairs wonderfully with sides like crusty garlic bread, warm dinner rolls, or a crisp green salad. These accompaniments provide textural contrast and round out the meal without stealing the spotlight from the creamy goodness of the soup.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in rustic bread bowls or mini Dutch ovens for individual portions. Layer some extra spinach or gnocchi on top before serving to offer an inviting, rustic look that’s sure to impress guests or family alike.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Give it a good stir before reheating to redistribute the cream and flavors evenly throughout the soup.
Freezing
This soup freezes best without the heavy cream added. Freeze the soup base separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight and stir in fresh heavy cream while reheating to retain the perfect creamy texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen it back up. Add the heavy cream last if you froze the soup base separately for the creamiest result.
FAQs
Can I use fresh carrots instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh carrots cut into thin slices work well too. Just allow a little extra time to soften them since they take longer than frozen ones.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
You can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a creamy plant-based alternative and use dairy-free butter to make a vegan-friendly version, but the flavor and texture will differ slightly from the original.
Can I substitute the gnocchi for something else?
If you don’t have gnocchi on hand, small pasta shapes like mini shells or tortellini make great alternatives, though the cooking time may vary slightly.
How can I add more vegetables to this soup?
Feel free to add mushrooms, celery, or even diced potatoes for extra texture and nutrition. Add these with the carrots early in the cooking process to ensure they soften properly.
What if I don’t have pre-cooked chicken?
No worries! You can use raw chicken breasts or thighs—just cook them fully before adding, or cook directly in the soup early on and shred once done for maximum flavor infusion.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe is truly a bowl of cozy magic on chilly days or whenever you need a little comfort food love. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for sharing with people you care about. So go ahead, give it a try—you might just find yourself making it again and again!
Print
Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a hearty and comforting dish made with tender chicken, soft potato gnocchi, fresh spinach, and a rich, creamy broth enhanced with cream of celery soup and Italian seasoning. Perfect for a warming meal, it comes together quickly with simple ingredients and delivers delicious flavors in every bowl.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 2 Tablespoons salted butter
- 12 ounce bag sliced frozen carrots
- 2 shallots, diced
- 3 cups hot water
- 20 ounces condensed cream of celery soup
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups pre-cooked chicken, diced or shredded
- 16 ounce package potato gnocchi
- 2 ½ cups fresh packed spinach, chopped
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
Instructions
- Heat Butter and Carrots: Add the salted butter and frozen carrots to a large saucepan over medium heat.
- Soften Carrots: Cook until the carrots begin to soften, about 5-7 minutes.
- Sauté Shallots: Once the carrots have softened, add in the diced shallots and sauté for another 1-2 minutes or until fragrant.
- Add Liquids, Chicken, and Seasoning: Pour in the hot water, add the pre-cooked chicken, condensed cream of celery soup, and Italian seasoning. Stir frequently and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Add Gnocchi and Spinach: Once boiling, stir in the potato gnocchi and chopped spinach, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
- Simmer Until Cooked: Cover and let simmer for 4-7 minutes or until the gnocchi is heated through and spinach is wilted. The gnocchi floating to the top is a sign they are done; otherwise, cut one in half to check for softness.
- Stir in Heavy Cream: Remove the soup from heat and stir in the heavy cream until fully combined and smooth.
- Serve: Pour the soup into bowls and serve warm. Optionally, top with coarse ground black pepper for added flavor.
Notes
- Use pre-cooked chicken to save time; rotisserie chicken works well.
- The cream of celery soup adds depth and creaminess but can be substituted with cream of mushroom or cream of chicken if preferred.
- Fresh spinach can be replaced with frozen spinach in a pinch; just adjust the amount as needed.
- For a thicker soup, simmer a bit longer uncovered to reduce the liquid.
- Gnocchi cooks quickly, watch carefully to avoid overcooking which can cause them to fall apart.
- Adding freshly ground black pepper enhances the flavor without overpowering the delicate soup.
