This post may contain affiliate links, please see our privacy policy for details.
Cold winter nights call for something warm, creamy, and easy enough for a weeknight. This soup has tender chicken, plenty of vegetables, pillowy potato gnocchi, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan all simmered together in one cozy pot.
The broth is rich without feeling overly heavy, with Italian herbs, garlic, and a little paprika bringing plenty of flavor. Add crusty bread for dipping and you’ve got the kind of simple December dinner everyone can get excited about.
Half Baked Harvest At Home
20+ new recipes for wholesome comfort food made with everyday ingredients. Pre-order today! HBH At Home will be released on Tuesday, February 23rd!
When it snows all week in December it’s hard not to crave the most comforting foods. For me, that means roasted vegetables, chicken and rice, slow-simmered short ribs, and soup. Lots of soup. My favorite is probably a good broccoli cheddar, but chicken gnocchi soup is high on my list.
I made my very first gnocchi soup recipe two years ago around this time. I’ve made it multiple times since, we love the recipe! It’s a very creamy, white Italian-style gnocchi soup.
So today, I’m sharing a very creamy red version with chicken for protein. This has similar flavors to a really great sun-dried tomato chicken pasta, but in soup!
It’s full of yumminess!
Here are the steps:
In a dutch oven or large pot, start out by cooking up that onion, then add the veggies, chicken, herbs, and spices. Cooking the spices before adding in the liquid will help to intensify the flavors.
Once that’s all cooked up, stir in a pat of butter and some flour. I wanted to create a creamy soup, and the butter-flour roux helped to achieve that. In the end, you get a gnocchi soup that’s incredibly creamy. It’s fit for some of the coldest nights of the year.
Next, stir in a little chicken broth and simmer everything together to allow the chicken to cook and the flavors to mend together.
At this point, simply finish the soup with a splash of creamy milk and parmesan cheese. Then add the gnocchi and simmer for a few minutes until the gnocchi is soft.
Easy, EASY. Indulgent, but just right for this time of year, and so delicious.
As with most soups, I always recommend serving with a side of crusty bread for dipping into that creamy broth. Then add a nice side salad for color and you’ll have the perfect easy dinner.
If you’re planning to enjoy this soup leftover, be sure to first remove the gnocchi from the broth before placing in the refrigerator. That way the gnocchi won’t soak up all the broth. Then just add the gnocchi back in before serving.
FAQ
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes. The recipe already allows either boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Thighs will give the soup a slightly richer flavor and especially tender texture.
How do I know when the gnocchi is done?
The gnocchi should be soft and tender when you bite into one. Avoid simmering it much longer once it reaches that point, since it can become overly soft and continue absorbing broth.
Why did my chicken gnocchi soup get so thick?
The flour and potato gnocchi both help thicken the broth, and the gnocchi can absorb more liquid as the soup sits. Stir in some of the additional broth allowed in the recipe until the consistency is creamy but still spoonable.
What’s the best way to store leftover gnocchi soup?
If you know you’ll have leftovers, remove and store the gnocchi separately from the broth when practical so it doesn’t soak up too much liquid. Reheat the soup gently, add broth if it has thickened, then return the gnocchi before serving.
Looking for other easy winter night dinners?? Here are my favorites:
Cozy Wild Rice and Orzo Chicken Soup
Creamy French Onion and Mushroom Soup
Slow Cooker Chipotle Chicken Tortilla Soup with Salty Lime Chips
One Pot Chicken and Sage Dumplings
Lastly, if you make this Creamy Gnocchi Chicken Soup, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
Creamy Gnocchi Chicken Soup
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 6 carrots, chopped
- 4 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3/4 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 2-4 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning (see note)
- 1 teaspoon paprika or smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves, (or 2 teaspoons dried)
- 1 pinch chili flakes
- 1 pinch each kosher salt and black pepper
- 4-6 cups low sodium vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
- 4-6 cups baby spinach
- 1 1/2 cups canned coconut milk, heavy cream, or whole milk
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan
- 1 pound fresh potato gnocchi
Instructions
- 1. In a large soup pot set over medium heat, combine the olive oil and onion. Cook 5 minutes, until fragrant. Add the carrots and celery. Cook another 3 minutes.2. Stir in the butter and flour, cook 1 minute. Add the chicken, garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, thyme, and a pinch each of chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat in spices. Add 4 cups broth. Simmer over medium heat for 20 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through. 3. Pull the chicken out and shred using 2 forks. Add back to the soup. 4. Stir in the spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, cream/milk, parmesan, and gnocchi. Cook until warmed throughout, about 5 minutes. If the soup is too thick, add additional broth. 5. Serve the soup topped with parmesan. Enjoy warm, preferably with a crusty piece of bread.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Did you make this recipe? Please rate & comment below.
Oh my-this was so good. We are a big soup family 2-3 pots/week. We’re adding this to our regular rotation. Thank you!
Hey Naomi,
Happy Friday!!🍀 I appreciate you making this recipe and sharing your comment, so glad to hear it was delish! xT
Amazing! TYSM! I’m new to the kitchen and you make it so fun and easy for me.
Quiet fun!! Thanks again!! I truly admire you!! 🙂
Hey Deanna,
Wonderful!! I appreciate you making this recipe and sharing your feedback, so glad to hear it was a winner! Have a great Wednesday! xx
This was so delicious! I used heavy cream and tri colored mini gnocchi from trader Joe’s. It was almost like a zuppa toscana but with chicken and gnocchi instead of sausage and potatoes.
I used smoked paprika and I think that added a good depth of flavor. This recipe was so good!
Hey there,
Happy Monday!! I appreciate you making this recipe and sharing your review, so glad to hear it turned out well for you! xx
Made this today and it is so good! I used the heavy cream and skipped the celery and chili flakes (kids!) but it is cozy and delicious! Thanks!
Hey Valerie,
Happy Sunday!!🌸 Thanks so much for making this recipe and sharing your review, I love to hear that it was a winner! xT
Oh my goodness! Searching for recipe for gnocchi soup and so glad I settled on this one!
I did not have sun dried tomatoes on hand but it did not matter in the outcome.
Will make again. Easy and scrumptious!!
Thank you!!
Hey Rhonda,
Happy Sunday!!🌸 Thanks so much for making this recipe and sharing your review, I love to hear that it was a winner! xT
Absolutely incredible. I used egg noodles for more of a chicken noodle soup vibe but this beyond exceeded all expectations. You have a true gift. Thank you!
Hey Kaley,
Happy Friday!!⛄️ Thanks a bunch for giving this dish a try, I love to hear that it turned out well for you:)
Really enjoyed this soup! I made it with chicken-style seitan (to be vegetarian) and cauliflower gnocchi, and it was totally warm and comforting and delicious.
Hey Aryelle,
Thanks so much for making this recipe and sharing your feedback, I love to hear that it turned out well for you! xx
Wonderful flavor. Totally satisfying and delicious. We definitely got more than 6 servings out of it. Will definitely add to our cold-weather repertoire of dishes. Tieghan – you do an excellent job of blending flavors and the coconut milk is unexpected but adds a nice dimension of flavor along with all the herbs/spices.
Hey Renee,
Happy Sunday!! I am thrilled to hear that this recipe turned out well for you, thanks a lot for making it! xT
I made this tonight for my mother and me. It was delicious. I thought I needed to go to the store for the spinach but then remembered I have frozen spinach and kale. I used a bag of frozen chopped kale. Next time, I’d probably only use half a bag if I’m not using fresh but I’m on a quest to use up things in my freezer. I think I have a new favorite chicken soup recipe. This is the 5th or 6th item I’ve made from your website and everything has been scrumptious. Thank you so much for sharing your creations!
Hey Anna,
Wonderful!! I love to hear that this recipe turned out well for you, thanks so much for giving it a try! Have a great weekend:)
I can’t get enough of this soup – I’ve made it three times in the past month (once with TJ’s cauliflower gnocchi – still delish!). I’ve even eaten leftovers the next day when the gnocchi has soaked up most of the broth… turned into bomb chicken and “dumplings.” Thank you Tieghan!!! Chef’s kiss!!!
Hey Amber,
Happy Friday!! Thanks so much for making this recipe so often and your comment, I love to hear that it always turns out well for you! ❄️
So good! One of my favorite soups here, so far. I used whole-grain gnocchi and sun-dried tomatoes that weren’t packed in oil to make it healthier.
Hey Djienne,
Happy Valentine’s Day! 💌 I appreciate you giving this recipe a try and sharing your feedback, so glad to hear it was tasty! xT
This soup had such a unique flavor that was amazing. I used whole milk & had some roasted red peppers that had to be used up so I swapped for the sundried tomatoes. Will definitely be making again!
Hey Renee,
Wonderful!! I love to hear that this recipe was enjoyed and appreciate you giving it a try! Have a great weekend! 🏈
So yummy! I found a recipe that the whole family will eat! I added some egg noodles for my kids and they ate it up! A keeper for sure!
Hey Jenny,
Happy Monday!! 💘 Thanks so much for making this recipe, I love to hear that it turned out well for you! xx
Very tasty! I’ve made this twice now & shared with friends. Nice flavor & creaminess, perfect for an autumn or winter day. I think next time I will add more chicken. The amount the recipe calls for is a very small amount:.
Hey Sandy,
Wonderful!! I love to hear that this recipe was enjoyed and appreciate you giving it a try! Have a great weekend! 🏈
Hi! Do you think this would work in a crockpot? New mom over here and struggling to find time to cook. This looks so good.
Hey Natalie,
Sure, that should work well for you! Let me know if you give this recipe a try, I hope it’s delish! xT
Would you do anything different to get the right consistency in the crockpot? I know a roux is probably not possible so would you suggest a cornstarch slurry instead?
Sure, you could use a cornstarch slurry!
This was so delicious – my family loved it! So hearty & so good. The only change I made was that I used almond milk and it was great. Will definitely be making this soup again!
Hey Linda,
Happy Friday!!❤️ I appreciate you making this recipe and sharing your feedback, so glad it was delish! xT