Creamy Chicken & Gnocchi Soup with Spinach is one of those dishes that embraces you like a warm hug on a chilly evening. Picture tender potato gnocchi swimming in a velvety broth, with chunks of chicken that melt in your mouth and vibrant, fresh spinach adding a touch of green goodness. The texture is rich and creamy, making every spoonful a comfort that feels indulgent yet nurturing. This dish perfectly combines the heartiness we crave during colder months while remaining surprisingly easy to prepare.

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

Creamy Chicken & Gnocchi Soup with Spinach

I first discovered this recipe during a cozy family gathering where everyone seemed to gravitate towards the kitchen, drawn by the inviting aroma of sautéed veggies and simmering broth. The allure of this creamy concoction had everyone clamoring for seconds. What truly makes this Creamy Chicken & Gnocchi Soup with Spinach shine is its effortless blend of flavors and textures that are sure to impress, whether you’re cooking for a crowd or simply indulging in a weeknight dinner. You’ll definitely want to give this simple yet delightful recipe a try—your taste buds will thank you!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready in just about 30 minutes—perfect for busy nights!
Irresistible Flavor: A rich, creamy broth paired with tender chicken and delicious gnocchi creates a taste explosion in every bite.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant colors of spinach and the fluffy gnocchi make this soup a feast for both the eyes and the stomach.
Flexible Serving: Perfect as a hearty lunch or a comforting dinner, it even makes for great leftovers!
Diet-Friendly Options: You can easily tweak it to make it gluten-free or adjust dairy to suit your dietary needs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

2 tablespoons butter or olive oil: This rich fat is essential for sautéing the vegetables and adds flavor. Olive oil can be substituted for a lighter option.
1 large yellow onion, diced (about 1.5 cups): Adds sweetness and depth to your soup. Shallots may be used for a more delicate flavor.
2 large carrots, diced (about 1.5 cups): Their natural sweetness enhances the broth. Feel free to replace with parsnips for a different hint of sweetness.
2 ribs celery (plus leaves if available), diced (about 1.5 cups): Adds crunch and flavor; you can swap this for fennel for a unique twist.
1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh): This herb offers an aromatic layer. Fresh thyme can elevate the flavor even more.
1 teaspoon dried oregano (or 1 tablespoon fresh): Complements the dish beautifully; Italian seasoning can work as a substitute.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the soup with a delightful fragrance; roasted garlic offers a mellower taste if you’d like to experiment.
1/4 cup all-purpose flour: This thickens the soup and helps create a luscious texture. Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option.
4 cups chicken stock/broth (preferably low-sodium): Produces a beautifully seasoned soup base—homemade stock can also enhance the flavor if you have it on hand.
16 oz. potato gnocchi (store-bought or homemade): These light and fluffy dumplings are key; you can swap for pasta or even zucchini noodles if desired.
2 cups cooked shredded or chopped chicken: Adds heartiness and protein; rotisserie chicken makes this even easier, but leftover roast chicken works well, too.
2 cups roughly chopped fresh spinach (about 5 oz.): Provides lovely color and a nutritional boost; kale or Swiss chard are delicious alternatives.
1 cup half-and-half or whole milk, or heavy cream: This ensures creaminess; to lighten it, opt for low-fat alternatives.
1 cup grated parmesan cheese (about 3 oz.): This savory cheese adds richness; substitutions include pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor.
Kosher salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for enhancing all the lovely flavors in your soup.

How to Make Creamy Chicken & Gnocchi Soup with Spinach

Sauté the Vegetables: In a large heavy pot or Dutch oven, melt the 2 tablespoons of butter (or olive oil) over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion, diced carrots, diced celery, thyme, and oregano. Stir to coat the veggies and sauté until they’re softened and browned, about 5 minutes.
Add Garlic: Incorporate the 2 cloves of minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 15-30 seconds. The aroma will be enticing as the garlic cooks!
Make the Roux: Sprinkle in the 1/4 cup of flour and stir to coat the veggies. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring frequently to avoid burning. This helps thicken the soup beautifully.
Pour in the Stock: Gradually add the 4 cups of chicken broth, stirring to scrape up any stuck bits from the bottom of the pot and ensure all the flour dissolves. Bring to a gentle boil.
Cook the Gnocchi: Toss in the 16 oz. of gnocchi and let it simmer uncovered for about 3 minutes, until the gnocchi float to the top, signaling they’re ready.
Combine Ingredients: Stir in the 2 cups of cooked chicken, 2 cups of chopped spinach, 1 cup of half-and-half, and 3/4 cup of grated parmesan. Keep stirring as everything heats through and the spinach wilts and the cheese melts, about 3 minutes.
Season and Serve: Don’t forget to season with kosher salt and black pepper to taste. Ladle it into bowls and enjoy!

Storing & Reheating

Leftover Creamy Chicken & Gnocchi Soup with Spinach can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for about 3-4 days. If it cools down way too much, consider enjoying it in a bowl at room temperature before refrigerating it. For longer storage, pour the cooled soup into freezer bags or a suitable container and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in a pot over medium heat, stirring until warmed through. Keep in mind the texture may slightly change; if needed, add a splash of stock or milk to revive the creaminess!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Use room temperature ingredients, particularly if you’re adding cold cream to hot broth, to prevent lumping.
Be mindful of the salt, especially if using low-sodium broth or cheese, as these will require different seasoning strategies.
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving. It brightens everything beautifully.
If using homemade chicken stock, ensure it’s well seasoned to balance the creamy elements of the soup.
For meal prep, each component of the soup can be prepared separately in advance, allowing for quicker assembly when ready to serve.

Creamy Chicken & Gnocchi Soup with Spinach is truly a gastronomic delight that offers warmth and comfort with every bite. It’s the perfect blend of tasty ingredients and creamy goodness. Feel free to switch things up, maybe by adding your favorite herbs, or even tossing in some seasonal veggies! The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility and ease of preparation. So gather your ingredients, invite over a friend, and enjoy this dish that warms both the heart and the home!

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this soup in advance?

Yes, you can prepare most of the soup ahead of time, but it’s best to add the gnocchi just before serving as they can become mushy if cooked too long or stored. If making ahead, store the soup without gnocchi and add them fresh when you’re ready to eat—it only takes a few minutes!

What if I can’t find gnocchi?

If gnocchi isn’t available, feel free to use your favorite pasta instead! Just remember to adjust cooking times; cook the pasta al dente in the broth before adding the chicken and spinach, so everything melds nicely.

Is this soup gluten-free?

You can make this Creamy Chicken & Gnocchi Soup with Spinach gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour and choosing gluten-free gnocchi. Just be sure to read labels when selecting stock and other ingredients.

What can I serve with this soup?

This soup pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad, crusty bread, or even a light pasta. For a treat, serve garlic bread or breadsticks for dipping!

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Creamy Chicken & Gnocchi Soup with Spinach

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Author: Jennifer
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Category: Soup
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian

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Description

Enjoy a bowl of Creamy Chicken & Gnocchi Soup with Spinach, featuring tender gnocchi, savory chicken, and fresh spinach. This comforting, simple dish is perfect for a quick dinner or healthy meal option!

Ingredients

Scale

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

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Instructions

Melt butter or olive oil in a large heavy pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
Add diced onion, carrots, celery, thyme, and oregano. Stir to coat and sauté until vegetables soften and brown, about 5 minutes.
Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 15-30 seconds.
Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute, stirring frequently.
Pour in chicken broth and stir to dissolve the flour; bring to a gentle boil.
Add the gnocchi and simmer uncovered for about 3 minutes until they float to the top.
Stir in cooked chicken, chopped spinach, half and half, and grated parmesan. Heat until spinach wilts and cheese melts, about 3 minutes.
Season with kosher salt and black pepper to taste, then serve.