Experience the uplifting comfort of a warm bowl of “The Perfect Homemade Chicken Gnocchi Soup.” Imagine tender gnocchi lovingly simmered in a flavorful, rich broth, bursting with the taste of hearty chicken and fresh vegetables. This soup is creamy without relying on heavy cream, making it feel indulgent yet lighter for your weeknight meals. It’s perfect on a chilly evening or when you’re simply craving a dish that hugs you from the inside out. And here’s a bonus: it’s straightforward to prepare, so you can whip it up on a busy day and still enjoy a delicious, heartwarming meal. Trust me, you’re going to want to make this.
Why You’ll Love The Perfect Homemade Chicken Gnocchi Soup (Creamy, Easy, and Cozy)
There’s so much to adore about this soup! Picture cozy evenings spent together with family or friends, spoons dipping into a steaming bowl of goodness. You’ll appreciate how quickly it comes together, making it a perfect weeknight meal or a make-ahead option for lunch. Not to mention, the flavors deepen the longer it simmers, so it’s a dish that gets better with time.
Benefits:
- Quick to prepare: Make this soup in under 30 minutes!
- Satisfying texture: The gnocchi create a delightful pillow-like bite.
- Pantry-friendly: Uses ingredients you likely already have at home.
- Meal-prep friendly: Great for making in bulk and enjoying later.
- Dietary notes: Easy to adapt for gluten-free diets by using gluten-free gnocchi.
- Kid-approved: A comforting recipe that even picky eaters will love.
Key Ingredients for The Perfect Homemade Chicken Gnocchi Soup
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts – Adds heartiness and protein.
- 8 cups chicken broth – The flavorful base that brings everything together.
- 1 medium onion, diced – Adds sweetness and depth of flavor.
- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced – A touch of sweetness and best texture.
- 3 celery stalks, sliced – Brings a fresh crunch and aroma.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced – Infuses the soup with a warm, savory smell.
- 1 bay leaf – Enhances flavor with its subtle, herbal notes.
- 1 tsp dried thyme – Gives a slight earthiness.
- 1 tsp dried parsley – Brightens the flavors in the soup.
- 1/2 tsp dried rosemary – Adds a pine-like fragrance.
- Salt and pepper, to taste – Essential for brightening the flavor.
- 16 oz package of gnocchi – These little doughy pillows are key to the soup’s charm.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional) – For when you want extra creaminess.
Ready to cook? See the recipe card for exact measurements below.
How to Make The Perfect Homemade Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Phase 1 – Prep
- Dice the onion, carrots, and celery.
- Mince the garlic.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
Phase 2 – Cook/Assemble
- In a large pot, heat some oil over medium heat.
- Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add chicken, broth, bay leaf, thyme, parsley, and rosemary. Bring to a boil.
- Lower the heat and let it simmer until chicken is cooked through, about 15 minutes.
- Remove chicken, shred it, and return it to the pot along with the gnocchi. Cook until gnocchi float to the top, about 3-5 minutes.
- If desired, stir in heavy cream and mix well.
Phase 3 – Serve
- Ladle the soup into bowls.
- Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
- Enjoy with warm bread for a cozy meal.
Pro Tips for the Best Results
- Use rotisserie chicken for a time-saver if you’re short on time.
- For extra flavor, sear the chicken breasts in the pot before adding other ingredients.
- Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days without losing charm.
- To make it gluten-free, simply swap in gluten-free gnocchi.
- Always taste your soup before serving and adjust seasoning as needed.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One common mistake is overcooking the gnocchi. This can make them gummy and unappetizing. To prevent this, add them towards the end of cooking when the broth is simmering but not boiling.
Another mistake could be not seasoning adequately. A pinch of salt or a hint of pepper can make a world of difference in elevating flavor, so remember to taste as you go!
Lastly, using low-quality chicken broth can lead to a bland soup. Opt for homemade or high-quality store-bought broth for a deliciously rich base that truly enhances the dish.
Recipe Variations
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free gnocchi.
- Dairy-free: Swap heavy cream for coconut milk or leave it out completely.
- Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a kick.
- Herbal: Experiment with fresh herbs like basil or dill at the end.
- Instant Pot: Cook on high pressure for faster results.
How to Serve The Perfect Homemade Chicken Gnocchi Soup
- Best Pairings: Serve with a side of crusty bread for dipping!
- Toppings & Garnishes: Freshly chopped parsley or grated Parmesan cheese.
- Drink Pairing: A crisp white wine or iced tea balances the flavors perfectly.
Make Ahead & Storage
Can I Meal Prep This?
Absolutely! This soup stores well, making it a great option for meal prep.
Storing Leftovers
Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing
Freeze soup in safe containers for up to 3 months. The texture of gnocchi can change slightly after freezing but it will still be delicious!
Reheating
Reheat on the stove over medium heat until warm, stirring occasionally, or in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
FAQs
Can I use frozen gnocchi?
Yes, you can! Just add them directly to the simmering soup; they will cook through in the broth.
How to make it extra creamy without cream?
Mash some of the cooked gnocchi and stir it back into the broth for a creamy finish without any cream.
Can I double it?
Definitely! Just make sure you have a big enough pot to accommodate the additional ingredients.
How to fix a too-thick soup?
Add a little more broth or water until you reach your desired consistency.
Ready to dive into The Perfect Homemade Chicken Gnocchi Soup? This creamy, cozy dish is sure to warm your heart and belly. Give it a try, and let us know how it goes by leaving a comment or rating! If you enjoyed this recipe, check out our other comforting soups for more delicious ideas.
Homemade Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts Adds heartiness and protein.
- 8 cups chicken broth The flavorful base that brings everything together.
- 1 medium onion, diced Adds sweetness and depth of flavor.
- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced A touch of sweetness and best texture.
- 3 stalks celery, sliced Brings a fresh crunch and aroma.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced Infuses the soup with a warm, savory smell.
- 1 bay leaf Enhances flavor with its subtle, herbal notes.
- 1 tsp dried thyme Gives a slight earthiness.
- 1 tsp dried parsley Brightens the flavors in the soup.
- 1/2 tsp dried rosemary Adds a pine-like fragrance.
- Salt and pepper, to taste Essential for brightening the flavor.
- 16 oz package of gnocchi These little doughy pillows are key to the soup’s charm.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional) For when you want extra creaminess.
Instructions
Preparation
- Dice the onion, carrots, and celery.
- Mince the garlic.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
Cooking
- In a large pot, heat some oil over medium heat.
- Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add chicken, broth, bay leaf, thyme, parsley, and rosemary. Bring to a boil.
- Lower the heat and let it simmer until chicken is cooked through, about 15 minutes.
- Remove chicken, shred it, and return it to the pot along with the gnocchi. Cook until gnocchi float to the top, about 3-5 minutes.
- If desired, stir in heavy cream and mix well.
Serving
- Ladle the soup into bowls.
- Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
- Enjoy with warm bread for a cozy meal.