Name: Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 tablespoons butter; 1 small yellow onion, diced; 1 stick celery, diced; ½ cup carrots, julienned; 3 garlic cloves, minced; ¼ cup all-purpose flour; 2 cups half-and-half; 4 cups chicken broth; ½ teaspoon thyme; ½ teaspoon mustard powder; 1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts (or 2 cups diced cooked chicken); Salt and pepper, to taste; 16 oz. potato gnocchi; 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped; 1 pinch red pepper flakes (optional)

If you’ve ever craved a cozy, comforting bowl that feels like a warm hug, you’re in for a treat with this Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s a favorite around my kitchen table. It’s rich, velvety, and packed with tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and fresh spinach—all simmered in a dreamy buttery broth that’s surprisingly easy to whip up. Whether you’re new to gnocchi or a longtime fan, this recipe will be your new go-to comfort food star.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: You’ll have this soup on the table in about 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Family Favorite: My family literally goes crazy for this soup—gnocchi make it irresistible for kids and adults alike.
Creamy Without Fuss: The half-and-half makes it rich without needing heavy cream, striking a perfect balance.
Versatile and Adaptable: Use leftover chicken or fresh, add veggies you love, and it still turns out amazing every time.

A large green pot filled with thick creamy white soup containing several ingredients including small white biscuit pieces, green spinach leaves, orange carrot bits, and small fowl pieces, all mixed throughout the soup. A silver ladle is scooping a portion of the soup, showing the creamy texture with some pepper flakes visible on the surface. The pot is placed on a white marbled surface with a few small round crackers nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe comes down to simple, fresh ingredients that blend flavors beautifully. When you shop, look for good-quality chicken and fresh gnocchi in the pasta aisle—fresh gnocchi gives the best pillowy texture.

Butter: The base of the soup’s flavor, it adds richness and helps sauté the veggies.
Yellow Onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth when diced and sautéed.
Celery: Gives a gentle aromatic crunch—don’t skip it!
Carrots: Julienned carrots add color and a bit of natural sweetness.
Garlic: Minced garlic brings a fragrant punch that ties the flavors together.
All-purpose Flour: This thickens your soup to that perfect creamy consistency.
Half-and-Half: Provides just the right creaminess without being too heavy like cream.
Chicken Broth: The flavorful liquid base for your soup—homemade or store-bought works.
Thyme: A hint of herbal warmth that lifts the soup’s taste.
Mustard Powder: Adds a subtle kick and depth without overpowering.
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: You can cook fresh or use leftover diced chicken for convenience.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning, adjust to your taste.
Potato Gnocchi: The star ingredient! Look for fresh or refrigerated gnocchi for best texture.
Fresh Spinach: Adds a pop of color and nutrition—roughly chopped works great.
Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): If you like a mild kick, these are perfect for some subtle heat.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One thing I absolutely love about this Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe is how adaptable it is. If you want to mix things up or accommodate different tastes, here are a few ideas I’ve tried:

Use turkey or leftover rotisserie chicken: Perfect for a faster meal and adds extra flavor from those leftovers I always have on hand.
Swap spinach for kale or Swiss chard: I swapped in kale once, and the earthy notes were amazing with the creamy broth.
Make it veggie-forward: Add mushrooms or zucchini for extra texture and nutrition—I love throwing in what’s fresh at the market.
Spice it up: A pinch more red pepper flakes or even a dash of smoked paprika gives it a cozy warmth that’s wonderful on chilly days.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Your Veggies to Flavor Town

Start by melting the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, add the diced onion, celery, and julienned carrots. I love how this combo creates a mellow, slightly sweet veggie base that’s just irresistible. Cook, stirring often, until the onions are translucent and the carrots start to soften—about 4 to 5 minutes. Then toss in your minced garlic and let it cook for just 30 seconds to a minute; trust me, garlic burns easily and turns bitter, so watch it closely.

Step 2: Thicken the Soup and Add Your Liquids

Sprinkle the flour over your sautéed veggies and stir well to coat them evenly. This step might seem small but it’s what gives your soup that signature creamy texture. Cook this mixture for about 1 to 2 minutes to cook off the raw flour taste. Then slowly whisk in the half-and-half and chicken broth. Whisking helps avoid lumps and makes everything silky smooth. Add thyme, mustard powder, salt, and pepper here. Bring everything to a gentle simmer and let it thicken up for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 3: Add Chicken and Gnocchi

If you’re using raw chicken breasts, add them now and let them poach gently in the simmering broth for about 10-12 minutes until cooked through. Then remove the chicken, shred or dice, and return it to the pot. If you’re using cooked or leftover chicken, just toss it in now to warm through. Next, stir in the potato gnocchi. They cook quickly—usually 3 to 4 minutes is all you need. The gnocchi floating to the top is a great sign that they’re done.

Step 4: Finish With Spinach and Seasoning

Finally, stir in the fresh spinach and let it wilt gently in the hot soup, which takes about a minute. Taste your soup and adjust salt and pepper as needed. If you’re feeling adventurous, add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle heat that brings everything alive. Then, give everything one last good stir and you’re ready to serve!

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Pro Tips for Making Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Use Fresh Gnocchi: Fresh gnocchi cooks better and gives that perfect soft, pillowy bite that dried gnocchi just can’t match.
Don’t Skip the Sauté Step: Sautéing the veggies first builds layers of flavor—this is what turns a good soup into an amazing one.
Stir Gently When Adding Flour: Coating the veggies well and cooking the flour for a minute avoids lumps and the dreaded raw flour taste.
Check Salt at the End: Broth and chicken add saltiness too, so always taste before your final seasoning to avoid over-salting.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

A creamy soup served in a white bowl placed on a white marbled surface. The soup has a thick, smooth texture with pieces of soft white cauliflower floating in it. There are thin orange carrot strips and bright green spinach leaves mixed throughout, with some small black pepper flakes sprinkled on top. A wooden spoon is scooping up the soup from the bowl, showing the creamy, rich broth and vegetables. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For garnishes, I like a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan and a few torn fresh basil leaves for brightness. A little cracked black pepper on top just adds a peppery zing that really elevates the soup. If you enjoy a little heat, a tiny pinch of extra red pepper flakes on each bowl makes it extra cozy.

Side Dishes

I often pair this soup with a crisp green salad or some crusty garlic bread to soak up every last creamy drop. Trust me, you’ll want that bread for mopping and enhancing every spoonful.

Creative Ways to Present

I’ve served this soup in rustic bread bowls for casual dinner parties, and it’s always a hit. Pouring the creamy goodness right into a hollowed-out sourdough loaf makes for an impressive, cozy presentation that your guests will love—and keeps the soup warm longer too!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and it keeps beautifully for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so leftovers taste even better the next day.

Freezing

Freezing this soup can be a bit tricky because of the gnocchi—they can get a bit mushy after thawing. If you plan to freeze, I recommend storing the broth and chicken separately from the gnocchi and spinach, then adding them freshly cooked when reheating.

Reheating

When reheating, I gently warm it on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. If it’s too thick, thin it with a splash of broth or half-and-half. Adding fresh spinach at this stage perks it right up again.

FAQs

Can I use frozen gnocchi for this Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe?

Yes, you can! Just keep in mind that frozen gnocchi might take a little longer to cook and could be slightly softer in texture. To avoid mushiness, cook them separately, drain, then add to the soup just before serving.
What can I substitute if I don’t have half-and-half?

If half-and-half isn’t available, a mixture of milk and heavy cream works well. About 50/50 milk and cream will mimic the richness without being too heavy. Whole milk alone will make it lighter but still tasty.
Is it okay to use leftover cooked chicken?

Absolutely! Leftover cooked chicken is great here and saves you prep time. Just add it in at the end to warm through, so it doesn’t overcook and dry out.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

You sure can! Sauté your veggies first for flavor, then combine all ingredients (except spinach and gnocchi) in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours. Add spinach and gnocchi in the last 15 minutes so they stay fresh and tender.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe always brings comfort and smiles to the table, no matter the occasion. It’s one of those dishes you’ll want to make again and again—easy enough for weeknights but special enough for guests. Give it a try and see how those soft gnocchi and silky broth become your new comfort obsession. Seriously, consider this your new favorite soup—I can’t wait to hear what you think!