Name: Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 cup yellow onion, (diced); 1 cup carrots, (diced); 2 stalks celery, (diced); 1 tablespoon garlic (minced ); 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 6 cups chicken broth; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 2 teaspoons fresh thyme; 3-4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, (cooked and diced); 16 ounces potato gnocchi; 1 cup half and half; 1 cup fresh spinach (roughly chopped)

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My Chicken Gnocchi Soup has a velvety, creamy broth, lots of juicy chicken, tender veggies, and pillowy, fluffy gnocchi. It’s comfort food perfection — warm, cozy, and ready in about 35 minutes.

This soup is restaurant-quality yet simple enough for a weeknight. The broth is luxuriously creamy, the gnocchi are soft little pillows that soak up every bit of flavor, and the fresh spinach and thyme make it taste homemade in the best possible way.

If you love creamy Italian-style soups like this, you’ll also enjoy my Italian chicken soup and creamy chicken tortellini soup — both are rich, hearty, and full of cozy flavor. For something a little different, try my chicken tortilla soup or Mexican chicken soup — they’re zesty, brothy, and just as satisfying in their own way.

Now grab your favorite soup pot and get ready to make a bowl of pure comfort — this Chicken Gnocchi Soup is about to become a new family favorite!

✨ Before You Begin

✨ Use good chicken broth. Since it’s the base of the soup, a rich, flavorful broth makes all the difference. I love using Better Than Bouillon for depth.
✨ Don’t overcook the gnocchi. They cook right in the soup — no need to boil first!
✨ Fresh herbs matter. Thyme adds beautiful fragrance and warmth to the creamy base.
✨ Add spinach last. It wilts in seconds and keeps its bright color and freshness.
✨ For richer flavor: Swap half and half for heavy cream or stir in a knob of butter just before serving.

What Is Gnocchi?

Gnocchi are small Italian dumplings — and yes, they’re as dreamy as they sound. There are two main types: potato and ricotta. This recipe uses the more common potato gnocchi, made from flour, eggs, and cooked potato. When simmered in broth, they puff up into tender, fluffy, pillowy bites that make this soup irresistibly comforting.

Should You Cook Gnocchi Before Adding to Soup?

Nope! Just add them straight to the pot. They cook quickly and absorb all that delicious broth while becoming perfectly tender and fluffy. Cooking them separately can actually make them gummy or overdone.

Ingredients for Chicken Gnocchi Soup

This is just a quick glance at what you’ll need. For exact measurements and the full ingredient list, head down to the recipe card below.

Olive oil – For sautéing the vegetables.
Carrots, celery, and onion – The classic soup trio adds flavor and body.
Garlic – Freshly minced for the best aroma.
Flour – Thickens the soup and gives it that luscious texture.
Chicken broth – Use homemade or a high-quality store-bought variety.
Chicken breasts – Cooked and diced; use rotisserie chicken for ease.
Potato gnocchi – The pillowy heart of this recipe.
Half and half – Adds creamy richness.
Fresh spinach – A bright, fresh finish to every bowl.

Pro Tips

⭐ Use pre-cooked chicken. Rotisserie chicken works beautifully and saves time.
⭐ Don’t walk away while adding flour. Stir constantly for a minute to cook off the raw taste before adding broth.
⭐ Let the soup rest for 5 minutes before serving. The gnocchi will finish soaking up the broth, and the flavors meld together perfectly.
⭐ Want a thicker soup? Simmer uncovered for a few minutes to reduce, or stir in a tablespoon of cornstarch slurry at the end.

How to Make Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Saute onions, carrots, and celery.
Add garlic and saute.
Sprinkle flour over the veggies, cook and stir constantly.
Pour chicken broth and stir.
Add salt, pepper, thyme, and gnocchi. Bring to a boil.
Stir in chicken and simmer.
Add half and half and spinach. Continue to cook until the spinach is tender.
Serve.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best type of chicken to use?

White meat works beautifully in this recipe, but any cooked chicken will do. I often use rotisserie chicken when I’m short on time — it’s flavorful and easy!

Can I use frozen gnocchi?

Yes! Frozen gnocchi work just as well. Add them directly to the hot soup and simmer until they float to the top and are tender.

Can I make this ahead?

Absolutely. Make the soup base up to a day in advance and add the gnocchi and spinach just before serving for the best texture.

Can I freeze Chicken Gnocchi Soup?

Cream-based soups can separate a bit after freezing. For best results, freeze the soup before adding the half and half and spinach, then stir them in after thawing and reheating.

Still have questions? Drop them in the comments — I love helping you cook with confidence! 💗

Storing + Reheating + Freezing + Make-Ahead Tips

Storing

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The gnocchi will continue to soften slightly but stay delicious.

Reheating

Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often. Add a splash of broth or half and half if the soup thickens too much.

Freezing

As mentioned above, freeze the soup before adding dairy and spinach. When ready to enjoy, thaw, reheat, then stir in the half and half and spinach.

Make-Ahead

Perfect for meal prep — make the broth and veggies ahead, then add gnocchi and spinach right before serving for fresh, tender texture.

Food Safety

If you’d like more info on food safety, check out this link.

What to Serve With Chicken Gnocchi Soup

For a cozy, restaurant-worthy meal, pair this soup with a bright salad and warm bread — then finish with something sweet!

Fresh + Crisp Sides

House salad with homemade balsamic vinaigrette, sweet potato salad, or harvest salad are light and refreshing companions that balance the creamy soup beautifully.

Cozy Breads

Homemade Olive Garden breadsticks, easy dinner rolls, garlic bread, or practically no knead bread are ideal for dunking in that rich broth.

Sweet Finishes

Finish your meal with pear cobbler, fig pie, million dollar pie, or orange cake — all cozy GWS favorites.

More Chicken Soup Recipes

Tried This Recipe?

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Thanks for stopping by my kitchen today — happy cooking, friends! ❤️ Kathleen