Gnocchi Soup

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I have a soft spot for creamy soups, especially when they manage to be both cozy and filling without being overly complicated. This Gnocchi Soup has become one of my favorite go-to comfort recipes for busy nights and lazy weekends alike. There’s something about the pillowy gnocchi floating in a rich, herbed broth, combined with tender chicken and wilted spinach, that makes every spoonful feel like a warm hug.

What I love most is how this recipe blends heartiness with ease. With a few simple ingredients and a single pot, you can whip up a meal that feels special, tastes indulgent, and satisfies every craving. Whether I’m meal-prepping or just want to curl up on the couch with a warm bowl, this soup delivers every single time.

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Why You’ll Love This Gnocchi Soup

This soup hits all the right notes: creamy without being heavy, rich in flavor, and packed with texture from the soft gnocchi and fresh vegetables. It’s incredibly easy to make in one pot, which means less cleanup and more time to relax. The balance of protein, veggies, and carbs makes it a well-rounded meal that everyone in my family loves. Plus, it tastes just as good the next day!

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What Kind of Gnocchi Should I Use?

Shelf-stable gnocchi from the pasta aisle is my go-to for this recipe—it’s convenient and cooks directly in the soup, absorbing all the savory flavors. You can also use refrigerated or homemade gnocchi, but be sure to reduce the cooking time slightly as they tend to cook faster. Whichever you choose, make sure the gnocchi are firm and not too soft, so they don’t fall apart in the broth.

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Options for Substitutions

• Chicken: Swap with leftover rotisserie chicken or even turkey if that’s what you have on hand.
• Heavy cream: Half-and-half works as a lighter option, or use full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
• Spinach: Kale or Swiss chard are great alternatives and add a similar earthy green to the soup.
• Carrots and celery: These are classic, but you could use diced zucchini, leeks, or even mushrooms for a twist.
• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free gnocchi and double-check your broth and other ingredients for hidden gluten.

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Ingredients for This Gnocchi Soup

Each ingredient plays a key role in building the creamy, comforting flavor and satisfying texture of this Gnocchi Soup:

• Olive oil – Used to sauté the base vegetables, adding richness and depth.
• Butter – Enhances the flavor and gives the soup a silky mouthfeel.
• Yellow onion – Brings savory sweetness as the aromatic base.
• Carrots – Adds natural sweetness and a touch of color.
• Celery – Offers a subtle herbal flavor and a classic soup texture.
• Garlic – Infuses the broth with a warm, savory aroma.
• All-purpose flour – Helps thicken the soup, creating that luxurious creamy texture.
• Chicken broth – The flavor backbone of the soup; choose low-sodium for better control over salt.
• Cooked shredded chicken – Adds protein and substance; rotisserie chicken works great.
• Potato gnocchi – Soft, pillowy dumplings that turn this soup into a meal.
• Heavy cream – Delivers creaminess and richness.
• Fresh spinach – Brightens the soup with color and nutrients.
• Salt and pepper – Essential seasonings to balance and bring out all the flavors.
• Dried thyme and Italian seasoning – Earthy, aromatic herbs that round out the flavor profile.

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Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat olive oil and butter in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add diced onions, carrots, and celery, and cook for about 5–6 minutes until softened and fragrant. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.

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Step 2: Make the Base

Sprinkle flour over the cooked vegetables and stir well to form a roux. Cook the flour for about 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, to remove the raw taste.

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Step 3: Add Broth and Simmer

Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes so it slightly thickens.

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Step 4: Stir in Chicken and Gnocchi

Add the shredded cooked chicken and gnocchi. Let the soup simmer for 5–7 minutes until the gnocchi are tender and floating.

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Step 5: Finish with Cream and Spinach

Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream, spinach, thyme, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer gently for 2–3 minutes until the spinach wilts and the soup is heated through.

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Step 6: Adjust and Serve

Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings as needed. Serve hot with cracked black pepper on top and optionally garnish with chopped parsley or grated Parmesan.

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How Long to Prepare the Gnocchi Soup

Prep Time: Preparing this soup takes about 15 minutes. That includes chopping the onions, carrots, celery, and garlic, as well as shredding cooked chicken (or pulling apart a rotisserie chicken). Gathering and measuring out your ingredients beforehand can streamline this process and make the cooking experience smoother.

Cook Time: Cooking the soup takes roughly 25–30 minutes. Sautéing the vegetables, creating the roux, simmering the broth, and allowing the gnocchi to cook all happen in stages but don’t take long individually. The spinach and cream are added at the end to keep everything fresh and vibrant.

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Tips for Perfect Gnocchi Soup

• Use rotisserie chicken to save time and add extra flavor.
• Stir the flour well when making the roux to avoid lumps and ensure smooth thickening.
• Don’t overcook the gnocchi – once they float, they’re done.
• Add spinach at the end to keep it from becoming mushy or discolored.
• Season gradually and taste often to find your preferred salt and spice level.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Adding cream too early: If the heat is too high, the cream can curdle. Lower the heat before adding.
• Skipping the roux: The flour is key to creating a thick, comforting texture. Don’t skip it!
• Overcrowding the pot: If doubling the recipe, make sure your pot is big enough so everything cooks evenly.
• Undercooking vegetables: Let the aromatics soften fully to maximize flavor before moving to the next step.
• Forgetting to stir: Keep stirring during the simmer to prevent sticking, especially with gnocchi.

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What to Serve With Gnocchi Soup?

1. Garlic Bread

The crispy, buttery texture of garlic bread pairs beautifully with the creamy soup.

2. Simple Side Salad

A crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette adds freshness and balances the richness of the soup.

3. Roasted Vegetables

Try roasted Brussels sprouts, carrots, or cauliflower to add a roasted depth to your meal.

4. Parmesan Crisps

Make oven-baked Parmesan crisps for a low-carb, crunchy side to contrast the softness of the gnocchi.

5. Crusty Artisan Bread

Warm, rustic bread is perfect for soaking up the last spoonfuls of the creamy broth.

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Storage Instructions

Refrigerator: Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for 3–4 days. The gnocchi may absorb some liquid over time, so you can add a splash of broth or cream when reheating.

Freezer: Cream-based soups can be tricky to freeze, as they may separate upon thawing. If you plan to freeze it, do so before adding the cream and spinach. Reheat and stir in those two ingredients fresh when serving.

Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat or microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.

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Estimated Nutrition

Please note these values are approximate per serving (based on 6 servings):

• Calories: 380
• Protein: 23g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 780mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make this soup dairy-free?

You can substitute the butter with olive oil and use full-fat coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative instead of heavy cream.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Skip the chicken and use vegetable broth. Add mushrooms or white beans for a protein boost.

Do I have to pre-cook the gnocchi?

Nope! Gnocchi cooks directly in the broth and absorbs all that delicious flavor as it simmers.

Can I freeze leftovers?

It’s not ideal due to the cream, but if you must, freeze it before adding the cream and spinach.

What kind of chicken works best?

Leftover cooked chicken or shredded rotisserie chicken are both excellent choices and save you time.

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Conclusion

Gnocchi Soup is the ultimate one-pot comfort meal – creamy, hearty, and rich with flavor. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd, meal-prepping for the week, or just treating yourself to something cozy, this soup is endlessly adaptable and always satisfying. It’s easy enough for weeknights but tasty enough to serve guests. Give it a try and you’ll see just how quickly it becomes a staple in your kitchen!

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