Save This comforting dish features shredded chicken combined with potato gnocchi, fresh spinach, and a cream-enriched broth. Aromatics like garlic, onion, carrots, and celery provide depth while thyme and basil add warmth. The gnocchi are cooked until soft and floating, then folded into the creamy base alongside spinach that wilts gently. Finished with fresh parsley and Parmesan, it offers a cozy meal perfect for chilly evenings.
Discovering Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi Soup felt like stumbling upon a cozy secret—warmth in a bowl that comforts like a friend on a chilly evening.
I remember the first time unexpected guests arrived just as I was simmering this soup, and it turned out to be the perfect last-minute dinner that felt thoughtful and homemade.
Ingredients
- Cooked chicken breast: I love using shredded rotisserie chicken for a shortcut that never sacrifices flavor.
- Unsalted butter: It gives a buttery base without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth, diced finely to blend seamlessly.
- Carrots and celery: Classic soup vegetables, diced to soften nicely during sautéing.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic brings that essential hint of savory aroma.
- Baby spinach: Added at the end for vibrant color and nutrition, wilts beautifully in the cream broth.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: The flavorful liquid foundation that lets you control salt perfectly.
- Heavy cream: Creates that luscious, velvety texture that makes this soup unforgettable.
- Potato gnocchi: Whether fresh or shelf-stable, it’s the star that turns soup into comfort food.
- Thyme, basil, black pepper, salt: Seasonings that round out the flavor without overshadowing the fresh ingredients.
- Fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese: Optional garnishes for a bright, savory finish.
Instructions
- Get Everything Ready:
- Gather your ingredients and prep the veggies by dicing the onion, carrots, and celery. Have the chicken shredded and the garlic minced ready to go.
- The Smell That Eats Up The Kitchen:
- Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. When it starts to bubble, toss in onion, carrots, and celery, sautéing until softened and fragrant—about 5 to 7 minutes. You'll notice the sweet aroma filling the kitchen.
- Garlic Goes In:
- Stir in the minced garlic, cooking just long enough for the smell to bloom, roughly a minute. Be careful not to burn it, just coax out that savory fragrance.
- Making The Soup Sing:
- Add the shredded chicken, chicken broth, thyme, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring everything to a gentle boil and watch the flavors start mingling together.
- Soft Pillows Incoming:
- Drop in the gnocchi and cook according to package instructions, usually 2 to 3 minutes. You'll know they're done when they float to the top, soft and inviting.
- Finishing Touches:
- Turn down the heat to low. Stir in the cream and baby spinach, simmering for 3 to 5 minutes until the soup turns creamy and the spinach wilts beautifully. Taste and adjust seasoning to your liking.
- Serve Warm:
- Ladle the soup into bowls, garnishing with fresh parsley and Parmesan if you like. This is the comforting finish that makes it feel like home.
Save This soup isn't just food; it became a symbol of comfort during long winters and a celebration when friends gathered around the table seeking warmth and good company.
Keeping It Fresh
Using fresh herbs when possible really lifts the dish, but dried thyme and basil do a fine job too. Always add spinach last so it stays vibrant and doesn't turn soggy.
When You're Missing Something
If gnocchi is hard to find, try small pasta like mini shells or orzo for a similar comforting texture. Also, leftover rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver without losing the homemade feel.
Serving Ideas That Clicked
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a simple side salad to keep things light. It also reheats beautifully, making it a great make-ahead meal.
- Don't forget to sprinkle fresh Parmesan just before serving for that extra pop.
- If you like a little kick, a pinch of red pepper flakes stirred in warms things up nicely.
- Leftover soup thickens overnight; just add a splash of broth when reheating to bring it back to creamy perfection.
Save Thanks for sharing this kitchen moment with me. May your soup warm more than just your belly on those chilly days!
Questions & Answers
- → Can I use leftover chicken in this dish?
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Yes, shredded or diced cooked chicken works well and speeds up preparation.
- → What type of gnocchi is best?
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Fresh or shelf-stable potato gnocchi both cook quickly and absorb flavors nicely.
- → How do I make this lighter?
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Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream to reduce richness without sacrificing texture.
- → Are there gluten-free options?
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Use gluten-free gnocchi and ensure broth ingredients are gluten-free to accommodate dietary needs.
- → What herbs are used for seasoning?
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Dried thyme and basil provide fragrant herbal notes, balanced with garlic and fresh parsley garnish.
