30-minute Homemade Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

There's nothing quite like a warm, comforting bowl of chicken gnocchi soup to chase away the chill of a busy day. Creamy, hearty, and packed with tender chicken and pillowy gnocchi, this dish is like a hug in a bowl that the whole family will adore.

I first discovered this gem during a whirlwind week of meetings and errands. With just 30 minutes to spare, I whipped it up, hoping for the best. To my delight, it became an instant hit, earning a permanent spot in our weeknight dinner rotation. Let me show you how to make it!

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

Get ready to meet your new favorite soup! This recipe is a lifesaver for anyone who craves comfort food but doesn't have hours to spare in the kitchen.

First off, this soup is fast. From chopping to ladling, the entire process takes just half an hour, making it ideal for those busy weeknights when time is of the essence.

Not only is it quick, but it's also loaded with flavor. A creamy broth seasoned with herbs, juicy bites of chicken, and soft, pillowy gnocchi come together to create a dish that tastes like it simmered all day.

It’s a one-pot wonder. With minimal cleanup required, you’ll spend less time scrubbing and more time enjoying the meal with your loved ones.

Finally, this recipe is incredibly versatile. You can tweak the ingredients to fit your dietary needs or preferences, making it perfect for a wide range of tastes and lifestyles.

Let’s dive into the ingredients that make this soup so special.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of chicken gnocchi soup lies in its simple, fresh ingredients. Each one contributes to the rich, comforting flavor that defines this dish.

Chicken is the heart of this recipe. I recommend using shredded rotisserie chicken for convenience, but cooked chicken breasts or thighs work beautifully too. The key is ensuring the chicken is tender and flavorful.

Gnocchi brings a unique texture to the soup. These tender potato dumplings cook quickly and add a hearty element that turns this into a satisfying meal. Store-bought gnocchi is perfect for a quick fix, but you can use homemade if you have extra time.

Vegetables like carrots, celery, and spinach add nutrition and vibrant color. Chop them finely so they cook quickly and evenly. The spinach wilts beautifully in the hot broth, adding a pop of green.

Cream is the secret to the soup’s luxurious texture. Heavy cream provides the best richness, but you can substitute half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative if needed.

Chicken broth forms the base of the soup. Opt for a high-quality broth or stock to build a deep, savory flavor.

You’ll also need a large pot to make this one-pot wonder come together seamlessly. Now, let’s move on to creating this delightful dish.

How To Make This 30-Minute Homemade Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Making this soup is incredibly simple, even if you’re new to cooking. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious dinner ready in no time.

Start by heating a splash of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onions, carrots, and celery, and sauté until the vegetables are soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.

Next, stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute. Be careful not to let it burn—it should smell aromatic and slightly sweet.

Pour in chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Add shredded chicken and gnocchi, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the gnocchi is tender and floats to the surface.

Stir in the heavy cream and season with dried thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Let the soup simmer for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly and meld the flavors together.

Finally, add fresh spinach and stir until it wilts. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed before serving. In just 30 minutes, your hearty, comforting soup is ready to enjoy!

Storage Options

Leftovers of this chicken gnocchi soup are a treat, so don’t let any go to waste. Here’s how to store it properly.

Refrigerate the soup in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure it heats evenly.

If you want to freeze the soup, do so before adding the gnocchi and cream. Once cooled, transfer it to a freezer-safe container, leaving some room for expansion. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat and finish with gnocchi and cream.

To avoid mushy gnocchi, store them separately and add them freshly cooked when reheating.

Variations and Substitutions

This chicken gnocchi soup is endlessly adaptable, so don’t hesitate to get creative!

Swap the chicken for turkey or sausage for a twist on the classic recipe.

Make it vegetarian by skipping the chicken and using vegetable broth. You can add mushrooms or beans for extra protein and texture.

Experiment with different greens. Kale or Swiss chard makes excellent alternatives to spinach.

Add extra vegetables like diced zucchini, peas, or bell peppers for even more nutrition.

For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free gnocchi and double-check that your broth is also gluten-free.

Cooking should be fun, so don’t be afraid to personalize this recipe to suit your tastes. This versatile soup is sure to become a household favorite!

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