Chicken and Gnocchi Soup Recipe: A Classic Creamy Comfort Dish

Introduction

Chicken and Gnocchi Soup is a timeless, restaurant-style soup that combines tender chicken, soft potato gnocchi, and fresh vegetables in a lightly creamy, well-balanced broth. Rooted in Italian-inspired home cooking and popularized by Italian-American kitchens, this soup is valued for its refined simplicity and satisfying texture.

This formal Chicken and Gnocchi Soup recipe is designed to deliver consistent, professional results. Each component is prepared with intention: vegetables are gently softened to create a flavorful base, chicken is cooked carefully to remain moist, and the gnocchi are added at the proper stage to preserve their delicate structure. The cream enriches the broth without overpowering it, allowing every ingredient to remain distinct.

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Ingredients

Base Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)

• 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced (about ¾ cup)

• 2 celery stalks, diced (about ¾ cup)

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Chicken and Broth

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces

• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth

Creamy Components

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 1 cup whole milk

• ½ cup heavy cream

Gnocchi and Greens

• 1 pound shelf-stable potato gnocchi

• 2 cups fresh baby spinach, roughly chopped

Seasoning and Finish

• ½ teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste

• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

• ½ teaspoon dried thyme

• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)

• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sauté the Vegetables

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery, stirring occasionally. Cook for 6–8 minutes, until the vegetables are soft, aromatic, and translucent, without developing color.

Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, stirring continuously until fragrant.

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2. Cook the Chicken

Season the chicken pieces lightly with salt and pepper. Add them to the pot and cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the exterior is opaque. The chicken will finish cooking during the simmering process.

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3. Thicken the Soup Base

Sprinkle the flour evenly over the chicken and vegetables. Stir well and cook for 1 minute to remove any raw flour taste.

Gradually add the chicken broth, stirring constantly to create a smooth consistency. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer.

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4. Add Dairy and Seasonings

Reduce the heat to medium-low. Stir in the milk, heavy cream, dried thyme, and nutmeg if using. Simmer gently for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend and the soup to thicken slightly. Avoid boiling to maintain a smooth, stable texture.

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5. Add the Gnocchi

Stir the potato gnocchi directly into the soup. Cook for 2–3 minutes, or until the gnocchi float to the surface and are tender throughout.

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6. Finish with Spinach

Add the chopped spinach and cook for 1–2 minutes, just until wilted. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

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Expert Tips & Variations

Professional Cooking Tips

• Maintain a gentle simmer after adding dairy to prevent curdling.

• Add gnocchi only at the final stage to avoid overcooking.

• Use low-sodium broth to maintain control over seasoning.

Ingredient Substitutions

Dietary Variations

• Light Version: Replace heavy cream with additional milk and reduce gnocchi to 12 ounces.

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free gnocchi and thicken with a cornstarch slurry instead of flour.

• Vegetarian: Omit chicken, use vegetable broth, and add white beans for protein.

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Serving Suggestions

Chicken and Gnocchi Soup is best served hot and freshly prepared. Suitable accompaniments include:

• Crusty artisan bread or garlic toast

• A lightly dressed green salad

• Roasted seasonal vegetables

The soup functions equally well as a main course or as a refined starter.

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Storage & Make-Ahead Notes

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Freezing: Not recommended, as cream and gnocchi may lose texture.

• Reheating: Reheat gently over low heat, stirring frequently. Add a small amount of milk or broth if the soup thickens.

For make-ahead preparation, cook the soup base without gnocchi and add them just before serving.

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Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 410

• Protein: 27 g

• Fat: 21 g

• Saturated Fat: 11 g

• Carbohydrates: 32 g

• Fiber: 3 g

• Sugar: 5 g

• Sodium: 760 mg

Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredient brands and portion sizes.