Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup with Spinach and Herbs Recipe

If you’re craving comfort in a bowl, you’ve got to try this Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup with Spinach and Herbs Recipe. It’s like a warm hug on a chilly day, rich and velvety with tender chicken, fluffy gnocchi, and a touch of fresh spinach and herbs to brighten every bite. When I first made this, I couldn’t believe how restaurant-quality it tasted – and the best part is, it’s surprisingly simple and quick to pull together. Stick around, and I’ll walk you through everything you need to make this your new favorite go-to soup.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

I’ve found that every ingredient in this Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup with Spinach and Herbs Recipe plays a key role in building flavor and texture. Stick with fresh veggies and good-quality chicken broth, and don’t skimp on the fresh spinach for that pop of color and nutrients!

• Butter: Use unsalted for control over saltiness and better flavor balance.
• Yellow onion: Diced finely to melt into the soup and add a gentle sweetness.
• Celery: Adds a subtle crunch and an earthy undertone.
• Carrots: Julienned carrots bring a natural sweetness that rounds out the soup.
• Garlic cloves: Freshly minced garlic gives depth and warmth – trust me, don’t use jarred.
• All-purpose flour: This is your thickening agent for that creamy base.
• Half-and-half: Light and creamy, it creates the soup’s signature velvety texture.
• Chicken broth: Go for a low-sodium variety so you can season as you go.
• Thyme: Fresh or dried, it adds a pretty herbal note that pairs beautifully with chicken.
• Mustard powder: A little twist that enhances the soup’s complexity without overpowering.
• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: You can cook them fresh or use leftovers – either works perfectly.
• Salt and pepper: Season carefully throughout to balance all the flavors.
• Potato gnocchi: Found in the pasta aisle, these little pillows soak up the broth wonderfully.
• Fresh spinach: Roughly chopped for bursts of freshness and color in every spoonful.
• Red pepper flakes (optional): Add a pinch if you want to wake up the flavors with a subtle heat.

Variations

I absolutely love playing around with this Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup with Spinach and Herbs Recipe to fit different moods and diets. You can easily swap ingredients to keep it interesting—my family has their favorites, and you might find your own twist too.

• Use kale instead of spinach: I once swapped in kale for a heartier, earthier bite, and the soup still came out perfect and vibrant.
• Make it dairy-free: I’ve used coconut milk in place of half-and-half for a creamy texture with a subtle coconut flavor – great for dairy-sensitive folks!
• Add mushrooms: When I’m in the mood for extra umami, sautéed mushrooms make a lovely addition.
• Spice it up: A little more red pepper flakes or a dash of smoked paprika is my go-to when we want a smoky kick.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup with Spinach and Herbs Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Veggies and Build Your Base

Start by melting butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, celery, and carrots and cook until they soften and the onion turns translucent – usually about 5 minutes. Then toss in the minced garlic and sauté for just a minute more until fragrant; you don’t want it to burn. This veggies-first approach builds a flavorful foundation that carries through the whole soup.

Step 2: Thicken It Up with Flour

Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the softened veggies and stir well to combine. Cook this mixture for 2-3 minutes to get rid of the raw flour taste — you’ll notice the mixture becomes a bit pasty and starts thickening, which is exactly what you want.

Step 3: Add Liquids and Seasonings

Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Then, stir in the half-and-half, thyme, mustard powder, salt, and pepper. Bring this to a gentle simmer, stirring often, and let it thicken up for about 10 minutes—that’s where it transforms into that creamy, dreamy base.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken and Gnocchi

Add your chicken breasts to the simmering soup and let them cook through, about 8-10 minutes if raw, or add diced cooked chicken to warm it up. Once your chicken is cooked, remove it, shred or dice it, then return it to the pot. Next, toss in the potato gnocchi and cook according to package instructions—usually about 2-3 minutes—until they float to the top and are tender.

Step 5: Finish with Spinach and Optional Heat

Finally, stir in the fresh chopped spinach and let it wilt down gently, about 2 minutes. If you like a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes here. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed, then get ready to ladle out bowls of pure comfort.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup with Spinach and Herbs Recipe

Garnishes

I love sprinkling freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top for that little salty, nutty touch. A few extra twists of black pepper or even a light drizzle of good-quality olive oil adds a lovely shine and richness. Sometimes, when we’re feeling fancy, a little chopped fresh parsley or basil brings a fresh herbal pop that makes the presentation sing.

Side Dishes

Crusty garlic bread or a warm baguette with butter is my go-to because it soaks up every bit of that creamy broth. A simple side salad with a lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness beautifully and adds a crisp balance to the meal. My family also loves pairing this soup with roasted veggies on the side for extra heartiness.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this soup in mini pumpkin bowls during fall, which gets guests talking and adds seasonal charm. Using individual ramekins, topped with fresh herbs and a sprinkle of cheese, makes it feel like a restaurant-style treat. You could even add a swirl of pesto or a dollop of sour cream for extra flair.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge, and the soup keeps beautifully for up to 3 days. If you want the best texture, add the spinach fresh when reheating instead of storing it cooked—it stays bright and avoids sogginess that way.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this soup once or twice, but be aware gnocchi can become a bit softer after freezing and reheating. To get around that, I tend to freeze the soup base without gnocchi and add fresh gnocchi when reheating. It’s a little extra step but totally worth it to keep texture intact.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low-medium heat, stirring occasionally so it doesn’t burn on the bottom. If the soup thickens too much after chilling, just splash in a little chicken broth or water to loosen it. Adding fresh spinach at this stage keeps the greens bright and fresh.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup with Spinach and Herbs Recipe enough—it’s one of those dishes that feels like a treat but comes together so easily that I make it regularly. Whether you’re cozying up for a solo lunch or feeding a family, it’s dependable, richly comforting, and adaptable to whatever ingredients you have on hand. Once you try it, I bet it’ll become a go-to comfort soup in your rotation, just like it did in mine. Trust me, your kitchen (and your taste buds) will thank you!

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