Is there anything better than a big, cozy bowl of homemade soup on a chilly fall evening? I don't think so! When the temperatures start dropping and sweater weather officially arrives, there's nothing I love more than something warm, creamy, and comforting simmering away on the stove.
And let me tell you, this Creamy Garlic Chicken & Gnocchi Soup with Spinach is exactly the kind of recipe you'll want to keep on repeat all season long!
We're talking tender bites of chicken, pillowy potato gnocchi, fresh spinach, and a rich, velvety broth loaded with savory flavor. The secret to making this homemade chicken gnocchi soup extra delicious? A little help from our Garlic Olive Oil at The Little Shop of Olive Oils!
It's hearty enough for dinner, simple enough for a busy weeknight, and delicious enough to have everyone asking for seconds. Grab your favorite soup pot, because we're making something wonderful!
Why You'll Love This Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup
If you're a fan of creamy chicken soup, this recipe is about to become your new fall favorite. It has all the comforting flavors of a classic homemade chicken soup, but with soft potato gnocchi and a luscious, creamy broth that makes every spoonful feel a little extra special.
- One-pot comfort food: Everything comes together in one pot for an easy, satisfying meal with minimal cleanup.
- Ready in about 40 minutes: Perfect for busy weeknights when you want something homemade without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Rich, savory garlic flavor: Our Garlic Olive Oil adds a delicious depth to the chicken and vegetables.
- Hearty and satisfying: Tender chicken, fluffy gnocchi, and fresh vegetables make this soup a complete meal.
- Family-friendly: Creamy, cozy, and full of familiar flavors that everyone can enjoy.
- Perfect for fall and winter: Just the thing for chilly evenings, cozy weekends, or a comforting Sunday supper.
The Secret Ingredient: Garlic Olive Oil
You know I love a recipe that takes simple ingredients and turns them into something special, and that's exactly what our Garlic Olive Oil does here!
Instead of using plain Extra Virgin Olive Oil, we're cooking the chicken and sautéing our vegetables in Garlic Olive Oil. It brings a wonderful savory garlic flavor to every layer of the soup, from the tender chicken to the creamy broth.
And because we're using fresh garlic too, you get that lovely combination of mellow, infused garlic flavor and the irresistible aroma of garlic cooking with onions, carrots, and celery. Trust me, your kitchen is going to smell amazing!
Our Garlic Olive Oil is one of those pantry favorites you'll find yourself reaching for again and again. It's wonderful for roasting vegetables, making homemade garlic bread, tossing with pasta, and adding a little extra flavor to everyday cooking.
Simple Ingredients, Big Comforting Flavor
One of my favorite things about this easy chicken and gnocchi soup is that it uses simple ingredients you may already have in your kitchen.
- Garlic Olive Oil: Adds rich, savory flavor to the chicken, vegetables, and broth.
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts both work beautifully. Thighs offer a little extra richness, while breasts are a leaner option.
- Onion, carrots, and celery: The classic soup trio that builds a flavorful, aromatic base.
- Fresh garlic: Adds another delicious layer of garlicky goodness.
- Chicken broth: Creates the savory foundation for the soup.
- Heavy cream: Gives the broth its wonderfully smooth, velvety texture.
- Potato gnocchi: Soft, pillowy bites that make this soup extra hearty and satisfying.
- Fresh spinach: Adds beautiful color and a little freshness to balance the creamy broth.
- Dried thyme: Brings a subtle, earthy herbal flavor that pairs perfectly with chicken.
- Parmesan cheese: An optional finishing touch that adds a little salty, savory goodness.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Chicken & Gnocchi Soup
Don't let that rich, creamy broth fool you. This homemade chicken gnocchi soup is surprisingly easy to make!
Start with Golden, Flavorful Chicken
Heat a tablespoon of our Garlic Olive Oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add your diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden and fully cooked. Remove the chicken and set it aside while you build the rest of the soup.
Build That Delicious Soup Base
Add the remaining Garlic Olive Oil to the same pot, followed by the onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until the vegetables begin to soften, then stir in the minced garlic and dried thyme.
This is where the magic starts! All those wonderful flavors come together to create the perfect base for your creamy soup.
Add the Broth and Pillowy Gnocchi
Pour in the chicken broth and bring everything to a gentle boil. Add the potato gnocchi and cook according to the package directions, usually just a few minutes.
If you prefer a slightly thicker soup, whisk a tablespoon of flour into the cold heavy cream before adding it to the pot later.
Make It Creamy and Cozy
Return the cooked chicken to the pot and stir in the fresh spinach. Pour in the heavy cream and let everything simmer gently until the spinach wilts and the broth becomes rich and creamy.
Season with additional salt and pepper to taste, then ladle into bowls and finish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
And just like that, dinner is served!
Make It Your Own: Delicious Variations
One of the best things about homemade soup is how easy it is to customize. Here are a few ways to make this creamy chicken gnocchi soup your own!
- Add mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the onions, carrots, and celery for an extra earthy flavor.
- Try kale: Swap the spinach for chopped kale and give it a few extra minutes to soften.
- Make it extra cheesy: Stir a handful of freshly grated Parmesan directly into the soup before serving.
- Add a little heat: Sprinkle in crushed red pepper flakes for a gentle kick.
- Use leftover chicken: Short on time? Substitute cooked shredded rotisserie chicken and add it toward the end.
- Lighten it up: Replace some of the heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter broth.
Can You Make Chicken Gnocchi Soup Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! This is a wonderful recipe for meal planning, but there are a couple of little tricks to keeping it tasting its best.
You can prepare the chicken, vegetables, and broth a day ahead, then refrigerate everything in an airtight container. When you're ready to serve, bring the soup base back to a gentle simmer and add the gnocchi, spinach, and cream.
If you're storing leftovers, keep them refrigerated and enjoy within 3 to 4 days. The gnocchi will continue absorbing liquid as the soup sits, so you may need to add a splash of chicken broth when reheating.
For the best texture, reheat gently over medium-low heat rather than bringing the creamy soup to a hard boil.
Tracey's Tip: If you're making a big batch for later, cook the gnocchi separately and add it to individual bowls just before serving. That way, those little potato pillows stay perfectly tender!
What to Serve with Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup
This soup is hearty enough to enjoy all on its own, but you know I can never resist a little something on the side!
Serve it with warm, crusty artisan bread or homemade garlic bread for soaking up every last drop of that delicious creamy broth.
A simple green salad with a bright balsamic vinaigrette also makes a lovely pairing, adding a fresh contrast to the richness of the soup.
Planning a cozy fall dinner? Pair this comforting chicken gnocchi soup with roasted seasonal vegetables and finish with a sweet autumn dessert, like our Apple Cranberry Mini Galettes.
Tracey's Notes
- Choose your chicken: Chicken thighs stay especially tender and juicy, but chicken breasts work just as well.
- Don't overcook the gnocchi: Potato gnocchi cooks quickly, so follow the package directions and avoid letting it simmer too long.
- Adjust the thickness: For a thicker, creamier soup, whisk the optional flour into the cold heavy cream before adding it to the pot.
- Keep the heat gentle: Once the cream is added, maintain a gentle simmer to help keep the broth smooth.
- Save those leftovers: Add a little extra broth when reheating if the gnocchi has absorbed some of the liquid.
Bring a Little Extra Comfort to Your Kitchen!
There's nothing quite like a warm bowl of homemade soup to make a chilly day feel a little cozier, and this Creamy Garlic Chicken & Gnocchi Soup with Spinach is one recipe you'll want to make all season long.
With tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, fresh spinach, and that delicious savory flavor from our Garlic Olive Oil, every spoonful is pure comfort.
Ready to bring a little more flavor to your fall cooking? Pick up a bottle of our Garlic Olive Oil at The Little Shop of Olive Oils and discover just how delicious everyday recipes can be!
Shop our flavorful olive oils and balsamic vinegars at www.shopevoo.com.
Happy cooking!
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