30-minute Homemade Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

There's nothing cozier than a warm bowl of chicken gnocchi soup on a chilly evening. This creamy, hearty dish is packed with tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and fresh vegetables, making it the ultimate comfort food. The best part? You can have it on the table in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or a quick weekend lunch.

this Recipe

I first made this soup when I was craving something rich and filling but didn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Since then, it’s become a staple in our home, loved by kids and adults alike. Let’s dive into what makes this recipe a must-try.

Why You'll Love This 30-Minute Homemade Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Get ready to discover your new go-to soup recipe. This chicken gnocchi soup is everything you love about comfort food—delicious, satisfying, and incredibly easy to prepare.

First off, it’s a time-saver. In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a restaurant-quality dish that tastes like it’s been simmering all day. Ideal for those nights when you need something fast without compromising on flavor.

This recipe is also budget-friendly. Using simple, accessible ingredients like pre-cooked chicken and store-bought gnocchi, you can create a gourmet dish without breaking the bank.

What truly sets this soup apart is its versatility. You can customize it to fit your preferences or what you have on hand, making it perfect for picky eaters or using up leftover veggies.

Lastly, this soup is a one-pot wonder, which means fewer dishes to wash at the end of the day. Quick, delicious, and hassle-free—what’s not to love?

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this soup lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each one plays a key role in creating the perfect balance of textures and tastes.

The gnocchi is the star of the dish. These soft potato dumplings cook right in the soup, soaking up the flavors of the creamy broth. I recommend using shelf-stable or refrigerated gnocchi for convenience, but homemade gnocchi is always a special treat if you have the time.

For the chicken, shredded rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut. It’s tender, flavorful, and eliminates the need for extra cooking time. If you prefer, you can use diced, cooked chicken breasts or thighs.

The base of the soup combines chicken broth and heavy cream for a luscious, creamy texture. You can swap the cream for half-and-half if you’re looking for a lighter option, though the result will be slightly less rich.

Fresh vegetables like spinach, carrots, and celery add a burst of color and nutrition. The spinach wilts beautifully in the hot broth, while the carrots and celery provide a subtle crunch that complements the soft gnocchi.

A touch of minced garlic and dried Italian seasoning rounds out the flavors, giving the soup that classic, comforting taste.

How To Make This 30-Minute Homemade Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Making this soup is as simple as it is satisfying. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a hearty bowl of goodness ready in no time.

Start by prepping your ingredients. Dice the carrots, celery, and onion into small, even pieces for quick cooking. If you’re using rotisserie chicken, shred it into bite-sized pieces.

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté the vegetables for 3-4 minutes, or until they start to soften. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.

Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle boil. Once boiling, stir in the gnocchi and let them cook according to the package instructions, usually about 3-5 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they float to the top.

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, shredded chicken, and fresh spinach. Simmer the soup for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the spinach to wilt and the flavors to meld together.

Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve immediately, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of chopped parsley for a finishing touch.

Storage Options

Leftovers of this chicken gnocchi soup are a blessing, and they store beautifully for future meals. Here’s how to keep your soup fresh and delicious.

Refrigerate the soup in an airtight container for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently over medium-low heat to prevent the cream from curdling.

If you’d like to freeze the soup, it’s best to do so without the gnocchi. The dumplings can become mushy when thawed and reheated. Simply prepare the soup up to the point of adding the gnocchi, then freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, reheat the soup, add fresh gnocchi, and cook until tender.

For individual portions, divide the soup into smaller containers before freezing. This makes reheating quick and convenient, whether for a single meal or a family dinner.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this chicken gnocchi soup is its adaptability. Here are some ideas to make it your own:

• Swap the protein: Not a fan of chicken? Try turkey, sausage, or even cooked bacon for a different twist.
• Go dairy-free: Use coconut milk or a dairy-free cream substitute for the broth. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
• Add more veggies: Mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers make great additions to this soup. Simply sauté them with the other vegetables at the start.
• Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free gnocchi, which is widely available in most grocery stores, to accommodate dietary needs.
• Spice it up: A pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce adds a nice kick for those who like a little heat.

The possibilities are endless, so don’t be afraid to experiment and make this recipe uniquely yours. Whether you stick to the classic version or put your own spin on it, this chicken gnocchi soup is sure to become a household favorite. Enjoy!

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