Give it up, my sweet friend! You cannot resist the temptation of this Chicken and Gnocchi Spring Soup. I’m telling you, this is the one. The soup that dreams are made of! If you love a creamy, comforting chicken soup, you have to try my Marry Me Chicken Soup next.
It’s creamy, it’s hearty, and it’s packed with those little potato gnocchi pillows we all adore. Every single spoonful is a hug in a bowl. I am completely, utterly obsessed.
And guess what? You don’t need to sneak a container from your favorite Italian spot anymore. We’re making the ultimate restaurant copycat right here, right now. Come to Mama!
Recipe Overview
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
- Category: Soup
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 4-6 hearty bowls
Do You Love This Recipe Too?
Okay, real talk. I first had a version of this soup at a little bistro years ago. It was a chilly spring day, and I was feeling blah.
Chicken and Gnocchi Spring Soup Recipe
Let’s Get Your Ingredients Ready
Bringing This Recipe to Life (Step-by-Step)
Notes
Enjoy your homemade Chicken and Gnocchi Spring Soup Recipe!
One taste of that creamy broth and soft gnocchi and I was a new person. I became a woman on a mission. I HAD to make it at home.
After countless pots (my friends were very happy taste-testers), I nailed it. This recipe is my pride and joy. It’s my go-to for everything from weeknight wins to impressing guests. It’s just pure magic.
My Shopping List for This Recipe
Grab your cart, we’re going in! The beauty of this soup is in its simple, powerhouse ingredients. Fresh is best, but I’ll give you some easy swaps too.
You’re looking for a great mirepoix base, tender chicken, and of course, the star: potato gnocchi. Don’t forget the spinach for that gorgeous green pop! For another fantastic all-in-one meal, check out my easy crockpot chicken potatoes and green beans.
Let’s Get Your Ingredients Ready
Line everything up on your counter. Trust me, this “mise en place” makes the cooking process so smooth and fun. No frantic searching for the thyme!
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 (16 oz) package shelf-stable potato gnocchi
- 4 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp dried rosemary
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Bringing This Recipe to Life (Step-by-Step)
Here we go! Put on some fun music and let’s get cooking. This comes together faster than you think. The key is to build those flavors layer by beautiful layer.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces. Season them well with salt and pepper. Cook until golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken to a plate and set aside.
- In that same pot, add the onion, carrot, and celery. Cook, stirring often, until the veggies soften, about 5-6 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for one more minute until fragrant. Your kitchen should smell amazing right now!
- Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables. Stir constantly for about 2 minutes. This cooks the raw flour taste out and is the secret to our luscious, thick cream sauce. This step is non-negotiable for the best texture!
- Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking constantly. This prevents any lumps from forming. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. You’ll see it start to thicken beautifully.
- Stir in the heavy cream, dried thyme, and rosemary. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes to let the flavors get to know each other.
- Gently stir in the potato gnocchi. Let them cook according to the package directions, usually about 3-4 minutes. They’ll float to the top when they’re ready.
- Add the cooked chicken back to the pot. Then, stir in the fresh spinach by the handful. It will wilt down in seconds in the hot soup.
- Taste the soup! This is the most important step. Adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper until it sings. Ladle into bowls and top with a mountain of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. You did it!
Fun Variations to Try Next Time
Once you master the base, the world is your soup bowl! Here are a few of my favorite twists to keep things exciting.
Swap the chicken for Italian sausage. Brown it up for a deeper, spicier flavor. It’s incredible.
Use kale instead of spinach. Just add it a minute or two earlier so it has time to soften up perfectly.
Stir in a big spoonful of sun-dried tomato pesto at the end. It adds a tangy, sweet punch that is absolutely next-level.
How to Store, Freeze, and Reheat
This soup makes fantastic leftovers! The flavors get even better the next day. Here’s how to keep it tasting fresh.
Let the soup cool completely. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
To freeze, portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers. It will keep for up to 3 months. The gnocchi may soften a bit more when thawed, but it’s still delicious.
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring often. Add a splash of broth or cream if it seems too thick. Microwave in bursts, stirring in between, works too!
NUTRITION INFORMATION
- Calories: ~480 per serving
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 4g
*This is an estimate per serving, calculated for 6 servings. Values will vary based on specific ingredients used.
A Quick Q&A on This Recipe
Can I use homemade gnocchi?
Oh my goodness, YES! If you have the time and energy, homemade gnocchi will make this soup truly spectacular. Just add them in the last few minutes of cooking until they float. I’m so proud of you for even considering it!
My soup got too thick! Help!
No panic! This happens to me sometimes. Just whisk in a little extra chicken broth or even some milk until it’s back to your perfect, creamy consistency. Easy fix!
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
You bet. Brown the chicken and sauté the veggies first for max flavor. Then dump everything except the gnocchi, cream, and spinach into the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-7 hours. Stir in those last three ingredients in the last 30 minutes. Done! For another incredible set-it-and-forget-it soup, my Cheesy Chicken and Bacon Slow Cooker Soup is a total crowd-pleaser.
Look at you, you superstar! You’ve just created a restaurant-worthy masterpiece in your own kitchen. I am beaming with pride for you.
This soup is comfort, joy, and springtime all swirled together in one incredible pot. It’s the recipe I make when I want to feel cozy and fancy all at once. I know it’s going to become a regular in your home too.
I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Did you add the sausage? Did your family go crazy for it? Please leave a comment and a rating below to let me know what you think!
