If you’re craving a cozy, comforting dish that feels like a warm hug from the inside, then this Italian Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. This soup is a harmonious blend of tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, fresh vegetables, and a creamy, savory broth infused with Italian herbs. It’s incredibly satisfying, easy to make, and perfect for any day you want to treat yourself to a delicious meal that feels homemade and heartwarming. Every spoonful delivers a delightful mix of textures and flavors that keep you coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Italian Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in building layers of flavor, ensuring the soup is rich, hearty, and vibrant. From the sweetness of carrots to the aromatic Italian seasoning, every component adds a unique touch that transforms the soup into a comforting classic.
- Butter: Provides a silky base and rich depth as you sauté the vegetables.
- Carrots: Adds natural sweetness and a lovely pop of color to the soup.
- Celery: Brings a mild crunch and fresh earthiness for balance.
- Yellow onion: Creates a flavor foundation with its subtle sweetness.
- Kosher salt: Essential for enhancing all the flavors.
- All-purpose flour: Thickens the soup to a creamy consistency without heaviness.
- Minced garlic: Infuses the broth with warm, aromatic notes.
- Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend elevating the overall soup experience.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Builds a flavorful, savory base without overwhelming salt.
- Shelf-stable gnocchi: Soft, pillowy dumplings that soak up the broth perfectly.
- Whole milk: Adds creaminess and a gentle richness to the broth.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breast: Tender protein that makes the soup hearty and filling.
- Chopped spinach: Brings vibrant color and a touch of earthiness to finish.
How to Make Italian Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Start by melting the butter over medium heat in a large pot. Once melted, add the carrots, celery, and diced onion, seasoning with a pinch of kosher salt. Cook them until they’re tender but still retain a bit of crunch, about 6 to 8 minutes. This step builds the base flavor and adds wonderful aromatic sweetness to the soup.
Step 2: Add Flour and Garlic
Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the softened vegetables and stir continuously for about 1 to 2 minutes. This creates a roux that will help thicken the soup. Next, toss in the minced garlic and Italian seasoning, stirring to coat the vegetables and toast the garlic slightly — this deepens the flavor wonderfully.
Step 3: Pour in the Broth and Simmer
Slowly pour in the chicken broth, whisking to avoid lumps, then bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Lower the heat and let it simmer for 10 to 12 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld together and the soup to thicken just right.
Step 4: Add Chicken and Gnocchi
Trim and add the boneless chicken breasts directly to the simmering soup. Poach them for 10 to 12 minutes until cooked through. Then, carefully remove the chicken, shred it using two forks, and return it to the pot. Add the shelf-stable gnocchi, cooking according to package directions—usually just a few minutes, until they float and become tender.
Step 5: Finish with Milk and Spinach
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the warmed whole milk for a creamy finish. Next, fold in the chopped spinach, letting it wilt gently into the soup. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional kosher salt if needed. Your Italian Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe is now ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Italian Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes to your Italian Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe can elevate its flavor and presentation in a flash. Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese or a handful of chopped fresh parsley to add a bit of zing and color contrast. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes will add a subtle richness or a gentle kick, respectively.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or garlic knots that are perfect for dipping into the creamy broth. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can balance the richness of the soup by adding freshness and crunch to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in rustic bread bowls to make the experience feel extra special and cozy. You could also offer a small topping bar with ingredients like crispy bacon bits, shredded cheese, or fresh herbs for guests to customize their bowls. This not only adds flavor but also makes the meal interactive and memorable.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Italian Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to meld, making it even tastier the next day. Be sure to store it separately from any garnishes to maintain their freshness.
Freezing
You can freeze this soup, but be mindful that gnocchi can become a bit soft after thawing. To maintain the best texture, freeze the soup without gnocchi and add fresh gnocchi when reheating. Store the soup in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
Reheating
When ready to enjoy leftovers, gently reheat the soup on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge first. Add fresh gnocchi and spinach near the end of reheating to keep everything perfectly tender and fresh.
FAQs
Can I use leftover cooked chicken instead of cooking it in the soup?
Absolutely! Using leftover cooked chicken is a great shortcut. Just add the shredded chicken when you add the gnocchi and heat through until everything is warm and the flavors meld.
Is there a dairy-free version of this soup?
You can substitute the whole milk with coconut milk or any other plant-based milk to make a creamy, dairy-free alternative. Just be aware it might alter the flavor slightly, but it will still be delicious.
Can I use fresh gnocchi instead of shelf-stable?
Yes, fresh gnocchi works wonderfully in this recipe. Since fresh gnocchi cooks faster, add it in during the last few minutes of cooking, watching carefully so it doesn’t become mushy.
How do I keep the spinach from getting soggy?
To keep spinach bright and fresh, stir it in at the very end of cooking and remove the soup from heat immediately after the spinach wilts. This preserves its color, texture, and nutrients.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Definitely! Use the same ingredients, but add the chicken cooked or raw and let it cook on low for 4 to 6 hours. Add gnocchi and spinach about 30 minutes before serving to avoid overcooking.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about a bowl of soup that warms both your body and soul, and this Italian Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe does just that with ease and flavor. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy night in or impressing family and friends, this recipe offers that perfect mix of comfort and satisfaction. Don’t wait to try it — your kitchen and taste buds will thank you!
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Italian Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
This comforting Italian Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a creamy and hearty dish loaded with tender chicken, soft gnocchi, fresh vegetables, and flavorful Italian herbs. Perfect for cozy nights, this soup combines the richness of whole milk with the lightness of spinach, creating a satisfying meal that brings the warmth and taste of Italy to your table.
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 3 large carrots, cut into ¾-inch pieces (2 cups)
- 3 large stalks celery, cut into ¾-inch pieces (1 ½ cups)
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 2 cups chopped spinach
Proteins and Dairy
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 1½ cups whole milk, warmed
- 2 tablespoons butter
Pantry Ingredients
- Kosher salt, to taste
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 5 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 (17-ounce) package shelf-stable gnocchi
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables: Begin by dicing the yellow onion and cutting the carrots and celery into ¾-inch pieces. This ensures all the vegetables cook evenly and add to the soup’s texture and flavor.
- Sauté the aromatics and vegetables: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Season with kosher salt to enhance flavors. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and the onions become translucent, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Add garlic and seasonings: Stir in the minced garlic and Italian seasoning, cooking for another minute until fragrant, making sure not to burn the garlic.
- Incorporate flour: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the vegetables and stir well to coat. This will help thicken the soup base. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
- Add chicken broth and simmer: Slowly pour in the low-sodium chicken broth while stirring to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Cook the chicken: Add the whole chicken breasts to the simmering broth. Simmer gently until the chicken is cooked through, approximately 15 to 20 minutes. Remove the chicken and shred it using two forks.
- Cook gnocchi and heat milk: Add the package of shelf-stable gnocchi to the simmering soup. Cook until the gnocchi float to the surface, which takes about 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in the warmed whole milk.
- Combine chicken and spinach: Return the shredded chicken to the pot and add the chopped spinach. Stir to combine and cook until the spinach wilts, about 2 to 3 minutes. Adjust seasoning with salt as needed.
- Serve hot: Once the soup is heated through and all ingredients are well combined, ladle into bowls and serve immediately. This soup pairs well with crusty bread or a light salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- For a thicker soup, add an extra tablespoon of flour when sautéing the vegetables.
- You can substitute the chicken breast with cooked rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Use fresh gnocchi instead of shelf-stable for a different texture and flavor.
- To make the soup lighter, substitute whole milk with half-and-half or a milk alternative, though it will affect creaminess.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
