Name: Creamy Chicken & Gnocchi Soup with Spinach
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 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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Creamy Chicken & Gnocchi Soup with Spinach is the perfect dish to cozy up with on a chilly evening. This hearty soup blends tender potato gnocchi, succulent chicken, and vibrant spinach all in a luscious, creamy broth. The simplicity of the ingredients belies the incredible flavor each one contributes, making this recipe an instant classic in any kitchen. You’ll find yourself reaching for a second bowl before you even know it!

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 stumbled upon this recipe during a family gathering, when the aroma wafting through the kitchen pulled me in like a warm hug. Everyone was clamoring for a taste, and the smiles on their faces as they savored each spoonful said it all. Since then, Creamy Chicken & Gnocchi Soup with Spinach has become my go-to dish for gatherings, comforting weeknight dinners, and even when I’m feeling a bit under the weather. It’s a deliciously creamy yet light soup that fills the belly and warms the heart, and I’m excited for you to try it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Irresistible Flavor: A creamy, savory broth paired with tender chicken and pillowy gnocchi—what’s not to love?
Eye-Catching Appeal: A bright green swirl of spinach adds a pop of color and freshness.
Flexible Serving: Enjoy it for lunch, dinner, or as a party starter—this soup fits every occasion!
Meal Prep Friendly: The rich flavors deepen after a day in the fridge, making it perfect for leftovers.

Ingredients You’ll Need

2 tablespoons butter or olive oil: Use butter for a richer flavor or olive oil for a lighter touch.
1 large yellow onion, diced (about 1.5 cups): Sweet and aromatic; ensures a flavorful base.
2 large carrots, diced (about 1.5 cups): Adds natural sweetness and texture to the soup.
2 ribs celery, plus leaves if available, diced (about 1.5 cups): Provides a slight crunch and depth of flavor.
1 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 tablespoon fresh: Offers an earthy aroma that complements all the ingredients.
1 teaspoon dried oregano or 1 tablespoon fresh: A classic Italian herb that enhances the overall flavor profile.
2 cloves garlic, minced: For that fragrant kick that makes everything irresistible.
1/4 cup all-purpose flour: To thicken the soup and give it a luxurious creaminess.
4 cups chicken stock/broth (preferably low-sodium): The base of your soup, rich in flavor.
16 oz. potato gnocchi, store-bought or homemade: Pillowy dumplings that soak up the broth beautifully.
2 cups cooked shredded or chopped chicken: Rotisserie chicken works great for an easy option.
2 cups roughly chopped fresh spinach (about 5 oz.): A vibrant addition that gives the dish both color and nutrition.
1 cup half and half (or whole milk, or heavy cream): Adds creaminess; choose based on your desired richness.
1 cup grated parmesan cheese (about 3 oz.): Melts beautifully and adds a lovely nutty flavor.
Kosher salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for balancing flavors.

How to Make Creamy Chicken & Gnocchi Soup with Spinach

Sauté the Vegetables: In a large heavy pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter (2 tablespoons) over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion (1), diced carrots (2), diced celery (2 ribs), dried thyme (1 teaspoon), and dried oregano (1 teaspoon). Stir to coat in the butter and sauté until the vegetables are softened and browned, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes.
Add Garlic: Toss in the minced garlic (2 cloves) and sauté until fragrant, which should take about 15-30 seconds.
Incorporate Flour: Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour (1/4 cup) and stir to coat the veggies, cooking for about 1 minute while stirring frequently to avoid burning.
Bring to a Boil: Pour in the chicken broth (4 cups) and give it a good stir, scraping up any stuck bits from the bottom of the pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Cook the Gnocchi: Add the potato gnocchi (16 oz.) and let it simmer uncovered for about 3 minutes, until the gnocchi are cooked and begin to float to the top.
Add Chicken and Spinach: Stir in the cooked chicken (2 cups), chopped fresh spinach (2 cups), half and half (1 cup), and grated parmesan cheese (3/4 cup). Continue to heat and stir frequently until the spinach is wilted, the cheese is melted, and the chicken is warmed through, which should take another 3 minutes.
Season and Serve: Taste and season with kosher salt and black pepper as needed. Serve warm, and prepare for compliments!

Storing & Reheating

To store your creamy delight, let the soup cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for about 3-5 days. If you want to save some for later, you can freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply reheat it in a pot over medium heat until it’s warmed through. Just a heads up — the texture may change a bit when frozen, but adding a splash of cream or broth during reheating can freshly revitalize it.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

To avoid a lumpy texture, whisk the flour thoroughly with the veggies before adding broth.
Make sure your chicken is fully cooked and shredded or diced to ensure it heats evenly in the soup.
Feel free to add in other veggies you may have on hand, like peas or corn, for an extra nutritional boost.
If the soup seems too thick, simply add more broth or water during reheating to reach your desired consistency.
This soup is even better the next day! Letting it sit overnight allows the flavors to meld.

Inspired by Italian comfort food, this Creamy Chicken & Gnocchi Soup with Spinach brings joy and warmth to any table. Whether it’s a breezy evening or a quiet weekend, this soup promises hearty satisfaction. Don’t hesitate to experiment with the ingredients; maybe add some mushrooms or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for heat. The layers of flavor will surely impress your family and friends. I can’t wait for you to enjoy this creamy delight as much as I do!

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the soup a day in advance. Just reheat it gently on the stove when you’re ready to serve. The flavors will deepen overnight, making it even tastier.

Can I substitute the gnocchi with something else?

Yes! If you can’t find gnocchi, you can use small pasta shapes like ditalini or orzo. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose.

What if I want to make it dairy-free?

You can substitute the half and half with coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for added cheesy flavor without the dairy.

How do I store leftovers?

Allow any leftover soup to cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you want to freeze it, use a freezer-safe container and consume within 3 months for best quality.