Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup

January has always felt like the perfect soup season. The holidays are over, it’s still cold and snowing outside, for many households unfortunately it’s sick season, you’re over the cooked ham, turkey, etc. Soup just sounds right and hits the spot every time. If you’re craving a cozy, comforting soup that tastes like it came straight from your favorite Italian restaurant, the creamy chicken gnocchi soup is for you. It’s rich, filled with flavorful chicken and potato gnocchi, and best part- it comes together in one pot. Literally perfect for a busy weeknight.

This soup is inspired by the classic Olive Garden favorite, but made from scratch with simple ingredients you probably already have. It’s ready in under 40 minutes. It’s creamy, cozy and delicious! Once you try it, it’s guaranteed to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

• 2 TBSP Butter

• 1 TBSP olive oil

• 1 Small onion, diced

• 2 Cloves garlic, minced

• 2 Carrots, thinly sliced

• 2 Celery sticks, diced

• 1/4 C All-purpose flour

• 4 C Chicken broth

• 1 C Whole milk or half and half

• 1 C Cooked, shredded chicken

• 1 (16 oz) package potato gnocchi

• 1 C Fresh spinach, chopped

• 1/2 TSP dried thyme

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Optional: A pinch of nutmeg (elevates the flavor)

Instructions

1. In a large pot, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook 5-6 minutes until softened.

2. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

3. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir continuously for 1 minute.

4. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth until smooth. Pour in the milk or half and half, then add thyme, salt and pepper. Let simmer for 10 minutes.

5. Stir in the shredded chicken and gnocchi. Simmer 3-4 minutes, or until the gnocchi float to the top.

6. Add spinach and cook just until wilted. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Tips for the best gnocchi soup

• Use a rotisserie chicken to save time

• Don’t overcook the gnocchi. They’re done once they float

• For extra richness, use half and half instead of milk

• A pinch of nutmeg really brings all the flavors together in the best way

Ways to make it your own

• Add everything except gnocchi and spinach into your slow cooker. Cook on low 4-5 hours. Add gnocchi and spinach at the last 20 minutes of cook time.

• Make it dairy free! Use olive oil instead of butter and full fat coconut milk or a dairy free creamer.

• Add sun dried tomatoes and a sprinkle of parmesan for a Tuscan style flavor.

• Serve it with garlic bread, a side salad with a fun lemon vinaigrette, or keep it classic with some homemade (or store bought) dinner rolls.

If you make this recipe, don’t forget to save it on Pinterest and share it with someone who loves cozy soups as much as you do!