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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.
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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.
Delicious! Made as directed (with coconut milk) and we couldn’t wait for leftovers the next night. I’m new here (late to the party!) but already have so much trust in all these beautiful recipes. Thanks for all the hard work and care that goes into all of it. Off to make the spicy potato soup for tonight…
Hey Dylan,
Happy Wednesday!!❄️ So glad to hear that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks so much for making it and sharing your feedback! xT
This was one of the best meals I have ever made! It was so creamy, cozy, and delicious. We added kale instead of spinach and it really added to the whole thing.
im currently making it and using kale also
Hey Brittney,
Happy Wednesday!!❄️ So glad to hear that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks so much for making it and sharing your feedback! xT
Can’t wait to try this. Can I freeze leftovers?
Hey Amy,
Sure, you could go ahead and freeze leftovers. Let me know if you give this recipe a try, I hope you love it! xx
Can this be done in an instant pot?
Hey Yana,
Sure, I haven’t tested it though so I don’t have the exact instructions. I hope you love the recipe! xT
This was a hit with my entire family! I’ll be keeping this one in mind to make again in the future!
Hey Katherine,
Happy Holidays!! Thanks so much for making this recipe, I love to hear that it turned out well for you!🎁🎅
I do not have gnocchi. Can I make it adding some cooked Yukon gold potatoes cubes at the end? It looks so good!
Hey Disne,
Sure, the potatoes will work for you as well! Let me know if you have any other questions, I hope you love this recipe! xT
Winner winner chicken soup dinner. Made this with your no knead bread. Everyone raved. Added to my favs
Hey Tracy,
Happy Holidays!! Thanks so much for making this recipe, I love to hear that it turned out well for you!🎁🎅
I made this tonight and my husband said it is one of the best recipes yet! So delicious. I used half and half and used oregano instead of thyme because that’s what I had on hand. I will definitely be adding this to the rotation!
Hey Taylor,
Happy Holidays!! Thanks so much for making this recipe, I love to hear that it turned out well for you!🎁🎅
Hi! is there a way to turn this into a crockpot recipe?
can you make this in an instant pot?
Hi Diana,
Sure, I don’t see why not! I hope you love this recipe, please let me know if you give it a try! xx
Hey Kara,
Sure, you could cook on low for 6 hours and then add the gnocchi during the last 30 minutes. Let me know if you give this recipe a try, I hope you love it! xx
Would you just do all of step 4, 30mins before eating?
Sure, that will work well for you! xx
Made this for dinner tonight and it was super yummy. My daughter doesn’t like gnocchi so I made some orzo and just added a small scoop to each bowl.
Hey Monica,
Happy Sunday! I appreciate you making this recipe and sharing your feedback, so glad to hear it was delish! xx
I made this for tonight and tomorrow’s dinner. It was a bowl of delightful deliciousness! Thank you for sharing.
Hey Sharon,
Happy Sunday! I appreciate you making this recipe and sharing your feedback, so glad to hear it was delish! xx
This soup is delicious, so rich and decadent. Being vegetarian I substitued some baked tofu for the chicken.
Hey Sandra,
Awesome!! Thanks a lot for making this recipe, I am so glad it turned out well for you! Have a great weekend!🎄⛄️
This was so freaking good. I didn’t have sun dried tomatoes and it was still amazing. I love a good gnocchi soup and this is my new favorite
Hey Cory,
Awesome!! Thanks a lot for making this recipe, I am so glad it turned out well for you! Have a great weekend!🎄⛄️
Loving all your soup recipes. Just made the chicken, spinach and gnocchi soup. Hands down a new favorite. The combinations of food and spices are perfect and simplified by cooking the chicken right in the soup.
For the last several years your recipes have renewed my love for cooking. Wonderful flavors and so easy to make. Thank you
Hey Kimberly,
Thanks so much for your kind message and making so many recipes, I love to hear that this one was enjoyed! Happy Holidays! xx
Really good used whole milk will definitely make again
Hey Tricia,
Happy Friday!!❄️🧑🎄 I appreciate you making this recipe and sharing your review, so glad to hear it turned out well for you! xx