Name: Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup – A Comforting Bowl of Italian-Inspired Warmth
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil – for sautéing vegetables and adding flavor; 1 onion, diced – adds sweetness and aroma; 2 carrots, chopped – provides natural sweetness and color; 2 celery stalks, chopped – gives mild bitterness and crunch; 2 tablespoons butter – creates a creamy base; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour – thickens the soup; 1 pound chicken breast or thighs – adds protein and heartiness; 3 cloves garlic, minced – enhances the savory depth; 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning – for classic herb flavor; 1/2 teaspoon paprika – adds warmth and color; 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme – gives earthy aroma; 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes – optional for mild spice; Salt and pepper to taste – balances all flavors; 4 cups chicken broth – forms the flavorful base; 2 cups fresh spinach – adds nutrients and freshness; 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped – provides tangy sweetness; 1 cup heavy cream or whole milk – for creaminess; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese – adds umami richness; 1 pound potato gnocchi – creates the signature texture

Description

This Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a cozy, comforting Italian-inspired dish made with tender chicken, soft potato gnocchi, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes in a rich, creamy broth. Perfect for chilly evenings or quick weeknight dinners, it delivers indulgent flavor with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale

2 tablespoons olive oil – for sautéing vegetables and adding flavor
1 onion, diced – adds sweetness and aroma
2 carrots, chopped – provides natural sweetness and color
2 celery stalks, chopped – gives mild bitterness and crunch
2 tablespoons butter – creates a creamy base
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour – thickens the soup
1 pound chicken breast or thighs – adds protein and heartiness
3 cloves garlic, minced – enhances the savory depth
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning – for classic herb flavor
1/2 teaspoon paprika – adds warmth and color
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme – gives earthy aroma
1/4 teaspoon chili flakes – optional for mild spice
Salt and pepper to taste – balances all flavors
4 cups chicken broth – forms the flavorful base
2 cups fresh spinach – adds nutrients and freshness
1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped – provides tangy sweetness
1 cup heavy cream or whole milk – for creaminess
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese – adds umami richness
1 pound potato gnocchi – creates the signature texture

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until fragrant.
Add carrots and celery; cook for another 3 minutes to soften the vegetables.
Stir in the butter and flour, cooking for 1 minute to form a roux that will thicken the soup.
Add chicken, garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, thyme, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat the chicken with the spices.
Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 20 minutes until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
Remove the chicken and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
Stir in spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, cream or milk, Parmesan cheese, and gnocchi. Simmer for 5 minutes, or until the gnocchi is soft and the soup becomes creamy.
Adjust the consistency with extra broth if needed. Serve hot with grated Parmesan and crusty bread.

Notes

For leftovers, store the gnocchi separately to prevent it from absorbing too much broth.
Freeze the soup without the dairy and gnocchi for best texture upon reheating.
Add lemon juice before serving for a fresh, bright finish.
Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Soup, Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 400g)
Calories: 483 kcal
Sugar: 6 g
Sodium: 890 mg
Fat: 22 g
Saturated Fat: 11 g
Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 38 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 32 g
Cholesterol: 115 mg

Keywords: Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup, chicken soup, gnocchi recipes, creamy soup, Italian comfort food, weeknight dinner, easy soup recipe