If you’re looking for a warm, filling, and satisfying meal that feels like a hug in a bowl, this Chicken Gnocchi Soup is the answer. It’s packed with soft mini gnocchi, shredded chicken, fresh vegetables, and a creamy, flavorful broth that brings everything together beautifully. Perfect for chilly days, family dinners, or when you simply want something cozy and homemade!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the soup base:
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp salted butter
- 1 large sweet onion, chopped
- 1 large shallot, chopped
- 4 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 large yellow bell pepper, chopped
- 6 garlic cloves, chopped
- 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth (add more if needed)
- ½ cup uncooked rice (basmati, jasmine, or long grain)
- 2 tsp kosher salt
- 1 pound carrots, thinly sliced (divide for stages)
- 2 bay leaves
- To finish the soup:
- 1 pound mini gnocchi
- 3 to 3½ cups shredded rotisserie chicken
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan (Reggiano or any good quality Parmesan)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- For serving (optional but recommended):
- Fresh rosemary or thyme, finely chopped
- Extra Parmesan cheese
- Freshly ground black pepper
How to Make Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Veggies
Heat a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add oil and butter. Once butter melts, add the onion, shallot, celery, and bell pepper. Cook for 4-5 minutes until onions are soft. Add garlic and cook for 2 more minutes.
Step 2: Build the Base
Add broth, rice, 1 cup of sliced carrots, salt, and bay leaves. Bring it to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 25 minutes until rice is soft and vegetables are tender.
Step 3: Blend Until Smooth
Turn off the heat and use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. (If using a regular blender, let it cool a bit and vent the lid to prevent pressure build-up.)
Step 4: Cook the Remaining Carrots
Add the remaining sliced carrots. Return to heat and simmer for 15-18 minutes until carrots are tender. Stir often to avoid burning at the bottom.
Step 5: Add Gnocchi and Chicken
Loosen any stuck-together gnocchi before adding them. Stir into the soup and cook for 2 minutes. Add shredded chicken, Parmesan, and black pepper. Stir well.
Step 6: Final Touch
If the soup is too thick, add more broth to get the right consistency. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
Serve hot, topped with extra grated Parmesan, a sprinkle of rosemary or thyme, and a bit of black pepper. You can also pair it with toasted bread or a light salad.
This creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup is the perfect meal to warm up any day. With soft gnocchi, hearty chicken, and comforting veggies blended into a rich broth, each spoonful is full of flavor. It’s simple to make, budget-friendly, and perfect for meal prep. Whether you’re cooking for family or just treating yourself, this bowl of comfort is sure to impress.
Nutrition
- Calories: 231kcal
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Protein: 18gFat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0.1g
- Cholesterol: 39mg
- Sodium: 649mg
- Potassium: 425mg
- Fiber: 2gSugar: 3g
- Vitamin A: 5596IU
- Vitamin C: 28mg
- Calcium: 92mg
- Iron: 2mg
FAQ’s
Can I use homemade gnocchi for this recipe?
Yes, you can use homemade gnocchi, but make sure it’s not too soft or it might break apart in the soup. Lightly dust with flour to prevent sticking.
Can I freeze Chicken Gnocchi Soup?
It’s best eaten fresh, but you can freeze it without the gnocchi. Add fresh gnocchi when reheating to avoid them turning mushy.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes! Skip the chicken and use vegetable broth. Add more veggies like mushrooms or chickpeas for extra heartiness.
What can I use instead of rotisserie chicken?
You can use any cooked, shredded chicken—boiled, grilled, or leftover roasted chicken will work just as well.
What if I don’t have an immersion blender?
You can use a regular blender. Just let the soup cool a bit before blending, and always leave a gap in the lid to let steam escape safely.