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Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup - Cozy, Hearty, and Easy to Make

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Olive oil or butter: For sautéing the aromatics and building flavor.
  • Onion: One medium, diced.
  • Celery: Two ribs, diced.
  • Carrots: Two medium, diced.
  • Garlic: 3–4 cloves, minced.
  • Fresh thyme: 1 teaspoon, chopped (or 1/2 teaspoon dried).
  • Italian seasoning: 1 teaspoon.
  • All-purpose flour: 2 tablespoons, to thicken.
  • Chicken broth: 6 cups, low-sodium if possible.
  • Chicken: 2–3 cups cooked, shredded or diced (rotisserie works great).
  • Gnocchi: 1 pound (shelf-stable, refrigerated, or homemade).
  • Heavy cream: 1 cup (or half-and-half for a lighter version).
  • Baby spinach: 2 cups packed (or chopped kale).
  • Parmesan cheese: 1/3 cup, finely grated, plus more for serving.
  • Bay leaf: 1 (optional, but adds depth).
  • Salt and black pepper: To taste.
  • Red pepper flakes: A pinch (optional, for mild heat).
  • Lemon juice: 1–2 teaspoons, to brighten at the end.

Method
 

  1. Warm the pot: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat.
  2. Sauté aromatics: Add onion, celery, and carrots. Cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring, until softened. Add garlic, thyme, and Italian seasoning. Cook 30 seconds more until fragrant.
  3. Build the base: Sprinkle in the flour and stir to coat the vegetables. Cook for 1 minute to remove raw flour taste.
  4. Add broth: Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring to avoid lumps. Add the bay leaf if using. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  5. Add the chicken: Stir in the shredded or diced chicken. Simmer for 5–8 minutes to meld flavors.
  6. Cook the gnocchi: Add the gnocchi and simmer until they float and are tender, about 3–4 minutes (follow your package directions).
  7. Make it creamy: Reduce heat to low. Stir in the cream and Parmesan. Do not boil after adding dairy. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
  8. Add greens: Fold in the spinach and let it wilt, 1–2 minutes. Remove the bay leaf.
  9. Brighten and serve: Stir in lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasoning. Ladle into bowls and top with extra Parmesan and cracked pepper.