Quick Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe for Gen Z Foodies (2025)

When the weather cools down and you’re craving something warm, hearty, and soul-soothing, there’s nothing quite like a big bowl of creamy chicken gnocchi soup.

It’s rich yet light, creamy yet not heavy, and filled with soft, pillowy gnocchi that melt in your mouth.

This recipe has quickly become a family favorite in my kitchen, and I’m thrilled to walk you through the steps so you can make it at home too.

The best part? It comes together in under an hour with simple ingredients you probably already have on hand.

⭐ Why You’ll Love This Chicken Gnocchi Soup

There’s a reason this creamy chicken gnocchi soup has been requested for years. It’s one of those rare recipes that’s both simple to make and unforgettable.

Every spoonful feels like a warm hug, with a rich broth, pillowy gnocchi, tender chicken, and veggies that make it feel hearty and nourishing.

Here are a few reasons you’ll fall in love with it:

1. Simple ingredients, big flavor. You don’t need anything fancy. Just chicken, vegetables, gnocchi, cream, and a handful of pantry staples come together to create a soup that tastes like it simmered all day.
2. Perfect weeknight dinner. Store-bought gnocchi and pre-cooked chicken save time, making this meal doable even on busy evenings. It’s on the table in under 40 minutes.
3. Cozy and comforting. Cold nights call for something warm and creamy. This soup delivers comfort without being overly heavy.
4. Family-friendly. Both adults and kids love it. Gnocchi has that pasta-like appeal, and the creamy broth is mild but flavorful.
5. Versatile and customizable. You can make it your own. Add mushrooms, swap chicken for sausage, toss in extra spinach, or keep it vegetarian.

In short, this gnocchi soup is easy, comforting, and incredibly delicious, a recipe you’ll want to keep in your rotation all year long.

🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this soup, you only need a handful of ingredients, most of which you probably already have in your kitchen. Here’s a detailed table to help you see exactly what’s required and why each ingredient matters:

👉 Pro Tip: If you want an even deeper flavor, use homemade chicken stock. But don’t stress if you don’t have it; store-bought works beautifully, too.

🍲 Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Making gnocchi soup is much easier than you might think, and the payoff is incredible. To help you cook with confidence, let’s walk through each step in detail.

By the end, you’ll know precisely how to layer flavors, avoid common mistakes, and serve up a bowl of soup that tastes like it came from a cozy Italian trattoria.

🥕 Step 1: Build the Flavor Base

Every great soup begins with a solid flavor foundation. For this gnocchi soup, that foundation comes from a mix of aromatics, onion, celery, and carrots sautéed until soft and fragrant.

Start by heating olive oil and unsalted butter in a large soup pot. The olive oil ensures the butter doesn’t burn, while the butter adds richness and depth.

Once the butter has melted and the mixture shimmers slightly, it’s time to add the vegetables.

• Onion provides sweetness and body. As it cooks, it releases natural sugars that soften the sharp bite.
• Celery brings freshness and a subtle herbal flavor that balances the creaminess later.
• Carrots add natural sweetness and beautiful color to the soup.

Sprinkle in a small pinch of salt at this stage. This early seasoning helps draw moisture out of the vegetables, allowing them to soften faster and deepen their flavor.

👉 Pro Tip: Don’t rush this part. You’re not trying to brown the vegetables. You want them to turn slightly translucent. Browning would give the soup a stronger, roasted flavor, but in this case, we’re aiming for light, delicate notes that complement the creamy base.

As the vegetables gently cook, you’ll notice the kitchen filling with a comforting aroma. This is the heart of your flavor base, and it will set the tone for the entire soup.

🧈 Step 2: Make the Roux

Once your vegetables are softened, it’s time to make the roux, a simple mixture of fat and flour that thickens the broth.

Sprinkle all-purpose flour evenly over the sautéed vegetables and stir well to coat everything. At first, the flour may look clumpy, but keep stirring. Within a minute, it will absorb into the butter and oil, wrapping around the veggies.

This step might seem small, but it’s crucial for two reasons:

1. Thickening power – The flour will later combine with liquid to create a silky, velvety broth.
2. Avoiding raw flour taste – If you skip this or rush it, your soup could taste like gluey wallpaper paste (yes, that’s really what it reminds people of). Cooking the flour for a full minute ensures that the raw taste disappears.

👉 Chef’s Secret: Keep stirring until you no longer see any streaks of flour. You want the mixture to look smooth and slightly golden, but not browned.

This is your ticket to a broth that feels luxurious on the tongue without being overly heavy.

🥛 Step 3: Add the Broth and Cream

Now comes the transformation from vegetables and roux into something that looks and smells like soup.

Add the Broth

Slowly pour in chicken stock, whisking as you go. This prevents lumps and ensures the flour blends seamlessly into the liquid.

If you’re lucky enough to have homemade chicken stock, use it; it will add incredible depth. But don’t stress if you don’t. A good-quality store-bought stock (or even chicken base dissolved in water) works beautifully.

As the stock hits the hot pot, steam rises, and you’ll notice the flour mixture dissolving into a smooth base.

Add the Cream and Milk

Once the stock is in, stir in whole milk and heavy cream. The milk keeps the broth light, while the cream brings richness and a silky texture. Together, they strike the perfect balance of creamy without being too thick or heavy.

Season Well

This is the moment to layer in seasoning:

• A pinch of Italian seasoning (a blend of basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary) gives the soup an herbal backbone.
• A little salt enhances all the flavors.
• Freshly cracked black pepper adds gentle warmth.

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes. This gives the flavors time to mingle and allows the broth to thicken slightly.

👉 Pro Tip: Keep an eye on the simmer. You don’t want a rolling boil, which can break down the dairy and cause curdling. Gentle bubbling is perfect.

At this stage, you’ll already see the base of the soup taking shape as a creamy, fragrant broth that smells irresistible.

🍗 Step 4: Add the Chicken and Gnocchi

With the creamy base ready, it’s time to add the stars of the show: chicken and gnocchi.

Add the Chicken

If you’re using pre-cooked chicken breast (cubed or shredded), simply stir it in. Rotisserie chicken is also a fantastic shortcut; it saves time and adds flavor.

If you’d prefer to use raw chicken breast or thighs, you can add them earlier in the cooking process (before simmering the broth for 20 minutes).

They’ll poach gently in the liquid and turn out tender and juicy. Once cooked, remove the meat, shred or cube it, and return it to the pot.

Add the Gnocchi

Now for the pillowy goodness: gnocchi.

Store-bought gnocchi is perfect here because it cooks quickly and consistently. Add them directly to the simmering broth. Within just a few minutes, they’ll begin to float to the top, a sign they’re cooked through.

👉 Pro Tip: Don’t overcook gnocchi! They’re delicate and can turn mushy if left in the broth too long. As soon as they float, they’re ready.

At this stage, the soup is already hearty and filling. The chicken adds protein and texture, while the gnocchi brings that satisfying, melt-in-your-mouth bite.

🥬 Step 5: Finish with Spinach and Parmesan

The final touches transform this soup from delicious to unforgettable.

Add Spinach

Turn off the heat before adding baby spinach. Residual heat is enough to wilt it perfectly. Chop it roughly before adding for more manageable bites.

Within seconds, the bright green leaves soften into the creamy broth, adding color, freshness, and a nutrient boost.

Add Parmesan

Next, stir in a generous handful of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. It melts instantly, enriching the broth with a salty, savory kick that ties everything together.

👉 Pro Tip: Always grate Parmesan fresh from a block. Pre-shredded versions often contain anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.

Taste and Adjust

Before serving, taste the broth. Does it need more salt? A touch more pepper? Maybe another sprinkle of Italian herbs? Adjust until the flavor sings.

Now, ladle the soup into bowls, grab some crusty bread, and enjoy. The broth is creamy but light, the chicken tender, the gnocchi soft and pillowy, and the spinach adds just the right touch of brightness.

🍽 Serving Suggestions

Gnocchi soup is hearty enough to stand alone, but pairing it with the right sides turns it into a complete dining experience. Here are some of the best ways to serve it:

• Crusty Bread or Dinner Rolls. Nothing beats tearing into warm bread and dipping it into the creamy broth. Ciabatta, sourdough, or even homemade garlic knots are perfect companions.
• Fresh Green Salad. Balance the richness with something crisp and refreshing. A simple arugula salad with balsamic vinaigrette works beautifully.
• Roasted Vegetables. If you’d like a more nutrient-dense meal, serve it with roasted asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers. The smokiness adds depth to the soup.
• Cheese Pairing. Extra shaved Parmesan or Pecorino Romano on the side enhances the soup’s savory notes.
• Wine Suggestion. For a cozy dinner, pair it with a glass of crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio, or go for Chardonnay if you prefer something buttery to match the creaminess.

👉 Pro Tip: Serve the soup in wide bowls so there’s plenty of surface area for the steam to rise and for bread dipping.

🌟 Pro Tips for the Best Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Want to make your gnocchi soup taste like a chef prepared it? Here are five pro-level secrets:

1. Cook the flour thoroughly in the roux. This prevents that raw, paste-like taste and ensures your broth thickens smoothly. Give it at least 1 minute of cooking time before adding stock.
2. Use freshly grated Parmesan. Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as well and can leave your soup clumpy. Fresh Parmesan melts into the broth like silk.
3. Don’t overcook the gnocchi. These little potato pillows are delicate. The moment they float to the top, they’re done any longer, and they can become mushy.
4. Balance cream with milk. Using both heavy cream and whole milk gives you richness without heaviness. If you go all cream, the soup can feel too heavy; if you go all milk, it won’t feel luxurious enough.
5. Finish with fresh ingredients. Add spinach and Parmesan only at the very end. Spinach wilts perfectly in the residual heat, and cheese melts into the broth without clumping.

🥔 Store-Bought vs Homemade Gnocchi

The star of this soup is, of course, gnocchi. But the question often comes up: should you make it from scratch or buy it at the store? The answer depends on your time, mood, and what you’re aiming for.

Homemade gnocchi is undeniably special. Soft, tender, and melt-in-your-mouth, it gives the soup an elevated, authentic feel. But it takes time and effort to boil potatoes, mash, mix, shape, and roll each piece.

Store-bought gnocchi, on the other hand, is a lifesaver on busy weeknights. Found vacuum-sealed in the pasta aisle, it’s shelf-stable, quick to cook, and still delivers fantastic results.

Here’s a breakdown to help you decide:

👉 Verdict: Keep a pack of store-bought gnocchi in your pantry for emergencies, but when you have time, treat yourself to the joy of homemade gnocchi.

🥬 Variations to Try

One of the best things about this gnocchi soup is its adaptability. With a few tweaks, you can create entirely new versions that suit different tastes and diets. Here are some fun variations to inspire you:

👉 Pro Tip: Start with the classic base, then experiment with these variations depending on what’s in your fridge.

🏆 Final Thoughts

This creamy chicken gnocchi soup is everything you want in a cozy bowl of comfort food. It’s hearty yet balanced, creamy without being too heavy, and packed with flavor from the simple layering of vegetables, herbs, chicken, and pillowy gnocchi.

Whether you make it with store-bought gnocchi on a busy weeknight or go the extra mile with homemade, it’s a recipe that always feels special.

Serve it with crusty bread, a simple salad, or even on its own, and you’ll have a meal that warms both body and soul. This is the kind of recipe you’ll want to make over and over again and share with family and friends.

So the next time the weather turns chilly, or you need something comforting, you’ll know exactly what to cook.

💡 More 5-Star Recipes for Soup Lovers

If you loved this gnocchi soup, here are a few more cozy, soup-inspired recipes you’ll enjoy:

• Rich & Creamy Mushroom Soup Recipe for Winter – Silky, earthy, and perfect for chilly nights.
• Best 25-Min Miso Soup Recipe for Fall Evenings – A quick, healthy, and authentic Japanese-inspired soup.
• 5-Star 30-Min Wonton Soup Recipe You Must Try – Light, flavorful, and ready in just half an hour.

Ella Foster

Ella Foster, co-founder of FoodBears.com, is a skilled writer whose love for cooking fuels her creative work. Her passion for experimenting in the kitchen brings authentic flavor and culinary inspiration to every piece she crafts for the platform.