When the days get shorter and the chill starts to whisper through the air, nothing comforts quite like a warm, hearty bowl of soup. Enter our Velvety Chicken Gnocchi Soup-a luscious blend of tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a creamy broth that wraps around your taste buds like a cozy blanket. Best of all? This scrumptious, soul-soothing delight comes together in just 30 minutes flat, making it the perfect go-to recipe for busy weeknights or whenever you crave a quick escape to comfort food heaven. Ready to transform simple ingredients into a bowl of pure bliss? Let’s dive in.
Velvety chicken gnocchi soup ready in 30 minutes flat is a comforting classic that blends creamy textures with tender morsels of chicken and pillowy gnocchi. Inspired by rustic Italian kitchens and perfected for an easy weeknight meal, this soup’s luscious broth and harmonious flavors will quickly become your go-to comfort dish. Its secret lies not only in the ingredients but in the technique that elevates every spoonful into pure indulgence.
Prep and Cook Time
Preparation: 10 minutes
Cooking: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield
Serves 4 hearty bowls
Difficulty Level
Easy – perfect for cooks of all levels
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 1/2 cups cooked shredded chicken breast
- 1 package (16 oz) refrigerated gnocchi
- 2 cups whole milk or heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach, roughly chopped
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to avoid browning.
- Incorporate minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, ensuring the garlic remains golden but never burnt for that gentle aromatic flavor.
- Sprinkle the flour evenly over the sautéed veggies and stir vigorously for 2 minutes to form a roux, which will be the base for the velvety texture in your soup.
- Gradually pour in the chicken broth while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it thicken slightly, about 5 minutes.
- Add shredded chicken, dried thyme, and sage. Stir well, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Pour in the milk or cream slowly, stirring to maintain a smooth consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Carefully stir in the gnocchi and cook according to package instructions-usually 3 to 5 minutes-until they float to the top, indicating they are perfectly tender and cooked through.
- Just before serving, fold in the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, approximately 1-2 minutes.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish generously with fresh parsley. Serve immediately for maximum comfort and flavor.
Tips for Success
- For the creamiest result, use whole milk or heavy cream. Avoid skim milk as it may curdle during cooking.
- Homemade chicken broth gives a deeper flavor but store-bought low-sodium broth works beautifully for convenience.
- Shred chicken from a rotisserie or poach your own breasts for tenderness and moisture.
- If you prefer a dairy-free option, swap milk for coconut milk-just expect a slight variation in flavor and texture.
- Don’t overcook the gnocchi; they should be tender but not mushy for the best mouthfeel.
- Make ahead: Prepare the base and store refrigerated; add gnocchi, spinach, and fresh herbs just before reheating to keep everything fresh and vibrant.
Serving Suggestions
Present this velvety chicken gnocchi soup in rustic bowls, ladled generously to showcase the creamy broth studded with golden gnocchi and colorful vegetables. Accompany the soup with crisp, buttery garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan or a drizzle of chili oil can also amp up the flavor profile to your liking.
| Nutritional Info (per serving) | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 kcal |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Carbohydrates | 32 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
For those curious about other comforting soup recipes, check out our Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup guide for a similar taste adventure. For ingredient guidance and health benefits, visit the Food Network’s Soup Collection.
Q&A
Q&A: Velvety Chicken Gnocchi Soup Ready in 30 Minutes Flat
Q1: What makes this Chicken Gnocchi Soup so “velvety”?
A1: The secret lies in the creamy broth-rich with a gentle blend of butter, cream, and chicken broth. As the gnocchi simmer, they soften and release a subtle starchiness that naturally thickens the soup, creating that irresistibly smooth and luxurious texture.
Q2: How can this hearty soup be ready in just 30 minutes?
A2: Efficiency is key! Pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken speeds things up, while quick-cooking potato gnocchi means no time spent simmering dough. Plus, fresh veggies and a streamlined process keep prep and cook times minimal without sacrificing flavor.
Q3: What ingredients are essential for this recipe’s flavor profile?
A3: Tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, fresh garlic, earthy thyme, and a mix of vibrant greens like spinach or kale combine to build layers of flavor. A touch of Parmesan adds umami richness, while white pepper gives gentle warmth without overpowering.
Q4: Can this recipe be adapted for a dairy-free or vegan diet?
A4: Absolutely! Swap cream and butter for coconut milk and olive oil, use vegetable broth, and replace chicken with sautéed mushrooms or tofu for protein. Vegan gnocchi is also increasingly available, ensuring everyone can enjoy the velvety goodness.
Q5: What’s the best way to serve and store this soup?
A5: Serve hot with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and crusty bread for dipping. Leftovers refrigerate beautifully for up to 3 days but keep in mind that gnocchi may soften further-reheat gently to maintain texture. For longer storage, freezing before adding gnocchi preserves both flavor and consistency.
Q6: Any pro tips for enhancing this Chicken Gnocchi Soup?
A6: Definitely-toast your gnocchi in a little butter before adding them to the broth for a subtle nuttiness. Fresh lemon zest adds unexpected brightness, and a dash of crushed red pepper flakes can kick up the cozy comfort factor just a notch.
The Conclusion
In just half an hour, you can transform simple ingredients into a bowl of pure comfort with this Velvety Chicken Gnocchi Soup. Creamy, hearty, and packed with tender chicken and pillowy gnocchi, it’s the perfect weeknight remedy for chilly evenings or whenever you need a quick culinary hug. So next time you’re pressed for time but craving something truly satisfying, remember this recipe-ready to warm your soul and impress your taste buds without keeping you in the kitchen all night. Happy cooking!
