Name: Cozy Chicken & Gnocchi Soup – A Bowl of Comfort
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works great); 16 oz gnocchi (shelf-stable, frozen, or fresh); 1 small onion, diced; 2 carrots, diced; 2 ribs celery, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 4 cups chicken broth; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; ½ teaspoon dried thyme; 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half); 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped; 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil; Salt & black pepper, to taste

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If you love a warm, creamy, and hearty soup, this Chicken & Gnocchi Soup is going to be your new favorite. It’s rich, velvety, and loaded with tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and fresh veggies, making it the perfect meal for a cozy night in. Whether you’re craving a restaurant-style soup or just need something quick and satisfying, this recipe is easy to make and packed with flavor!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Better than takeout – Tastes just like the one from your favorite Italian restaurant.
One-pot meal – Fewer dishes, more flavor!
Quick and easy – Ready in about 30 minutes.
Comforting & filling – Creamy, hearty, and perfect for chilly nights.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a quick look at what goes into this comforting soup—full list below!

Chicken – Cooked and shredded (rotisserie chicken works great).
Gnocchi – Soft, pillowy dumplings that make this soup extra hearty.
Vegetables – Carrots, celery, onion, and spinach add freshness.
Garlic & herbs – Garlic, thyme, and Italian seasoning for extra flavor.
Broth & cream – A mix of chicken broth and heavy cream makes it rich and cozy.

Step-by-Step Directions

Sauté the Vegetables

In a large pot, heat a little butter or olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.

Make the Base

Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in thyme and Italian seasoning for that classic flavor.

Add the Chicken & Gnocchi

Toss in the shredded chicken and gnocchi, letting them cook until the gnocchi are tender and float to the top.

Stir in the Cream & Spinach

Lower the heat and stir in heavy cream for that rich, velvety texture. Add the fresh spinach, stirring until it wilts.

Season & Serve

Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed. Serve warm and enjoy!

Expert Tips and Tricks

Use rotisserie chicken – It saves time and adds extra flavor.
Don’t overcook the gnocchi – Once they float, they’re done!
For a thicker soup – Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with a little water and stir it in.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Lighter Version – Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or milk.
Gluten-Free – Use gluten-free gnocchi or potatoes.
Extra Protein – Add crumbled sausage for even more flavor.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Crusty Bread – Perfect for soaking up the creamy broth.
Side Salad – A simple Caesar or garden salad makes a great pairing.
Parmesan Cheese – A sprinkle of fresh Parmesan takes this soup to the next level.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Fridge – Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer – Freeze without the gnocchi for up to 3 months. Add fresh gnocchi when reheating.
Reheat – Warm on the stove over low heat, stirring often. Add a splash of broth if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes! Add all ingredients except the gnocchi, cream, and spinach, and cook on low for 6 hours. Stir in the remaining ingredients 30 minutes before serving.

What kind of gnocchi should I use?

Shelf-stable, frozen, or fresh gnocchi all work great—just follow package instructions.

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

Yes, but the soup won’t be as thick. A mix of milk and a little cornstarch can help.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Absolutely! Use coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative.

Conclusion

This Chicken & Gnocchi Soup is creamy, cozy, and full of flavor—just like your favorite restaurant version, but even better! Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a comforting weekend meal, this easy recipe is sure to become a staple. Give it a try, and let me know how it turns out!

Cozy Chicken & Gnocchi Soup – A Bowl of Comfort

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This Chicken & Gnocchi Soup is a creamy, comforting, and hearty one-pot meal that’s perfect for chilly nights. Loaded with tender shredded chicken, soft pillowy gnocchi, and fresh vegetables, it’s a restaurant-quality dish that’s easy to make at home.

Author: Touria Elkoudssi
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
Category: Soup
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-American

Instructions

Sauté the Vegetables – In a large pot, heat butter or olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
Create the Soup Base – Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in Italian seasoning and thyme.
Add Chicken & Gnocchi – Toss in the shredded chicken and gnocchi. Let it cook until the gnocchi floats to the top (about 3-4 minutes).
Stir in Cream & Spinach – Lower the heat, pour in the heavy cream, and stir. Add chopped spinach and stir until wilted.
Season & Serve – Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve warm with crusty bread.

Notes

For a thicker soup – Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water, then stir it into the soup.
Lighter version – Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
Make ahead – The soup can be made ahead but add the gnocchi right before serving to prevent them from getting too soft.