A Pot Full of Comfort
This soup is like a warm hug on a chilly day. I love making it when the wind howls outside. It makes my whole kitchen smell wonderful.
You start with simple things. A little butter, some chopped carrots and onions. Doesn’t that smell amazing as it cooks? It is the best start to any soup.
The Little Cloud Dumplings
Gnocchi are my favorite part. They are like soft, little cloud dumplings. They puff up and float in the creamy broth. It is so fun to watch.
Fun fact: The word “gnocchi” is said like “nyoh-kee.” It comes from Italy. I always think that is a fun word to say. What is your favorite type of pasta?
A Soup Mistake That Worked Out
I first made this soup for my grandson. He was feeling poorly. I was in a hurry and added the spinach last.
It turned out to be the best mistake. The spinach stays bright green and lovely. It doesn’t get all mushy. I still laugh at that happy accident. This matters because cooking is about trying, not being perfect.
Why We Cook From Scratch
This soup has simple, real ingredients. You can name everything in the pot. There is no mystery. That feels good.
Making a meal for someone is a way to say “I care.” This matters more than a perfect recipe. It is a gift of your time. Have you ever cooked a meal to cheer someone up?
Your Turn in the Kitchen
This soup is very forgiving. You can use leftover chicken. You can add more carrots if you like. Make it your own.
The best part is dipping crusty bread into the creamy broth. It is so delicious. I hope you try this recipe. Tell me, what is your favorite comfort food?
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken | 2 breasts | Can use leftover or rotisserie chicken |
| Butter | 2 tbsp | |
| Celery | 2 stalks, diced | |
| Onion | 1 medium, diced | |
| Carrots | 2 medium, diced | |
| Garlic | 2 cloves, minced | |
| Flour | 1/4 cup | Used to create a roux |
| Broth or bone broth | 4 cups | |
| Thyme | 1 tsp | Dried |
| Gnocchi | 16 oz package | |
| Heavy cream | 1 cup | |
| Salt and pepper | To taste | |
| Fresh spinach | 2 cups |
My Cozy Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Hello, my dear! Come sit with me. The rain is tapping on the window. This calls for a big pot of soup. I’m thinking of my creamy chicken gnocchi soup. It feels like a warm hug from the inside.
This soup is so simple to make. We will chop some fresh veggies. We will cook a little chicken. The best part is the soft, pillowy gnocchi. They make the soup so hearty and fun. I love how the whole house smells. Doesn’t that smell amazing?
Step 1: Let’s start with our chicken. Cook it in a hot pan until it’s done. You can also use leftover chicken from last night. I do that often. It saves so much time. While that cooks, chop your celery, onion, and carrots. Keep the pieces small.
Step 2: Now, grab your big soup pot. Melt a good spoonful of butter in it. Add all your chopped veggies. Listen to that gentle sizzle. It is the sound of a good meal starting.
Step 3: Let the veggies cook until they look a bit soft. Then, stir in your minced garlic. Oh, the smell is just wonderful. It reminds me of my grandmother’s kitchen. (A hard-learned tip: don’t let the garlic burn. It turns bitter very fast!)
Step 4: Sprinkle the flour right over the veggies. Stir it all up. This makes a roux, which thickens our soup. Cook it for a minute. This gets rid of the raw flour taste.
Step 5: Slowly pour in your broth. I like to use a good bone broth. It makes the soup extra rich. Keep stirring as it thickens. The soup will start to look beautiful.
Step 6: Your chicken should be cool enough to handle now. Dice it into bite-sized pieces. Stir it right into the pot. The soup is coming together now.
Step 7: Add a pinch of thyme and your gnocchi. Let it all simmer for five minutes. The gnocchi will float when they are cooked. Do you know what gnocchi are made from? Share below!
Step 8: Pour in the heavy cream. It makes the soup so silky. Add a little salt and pepper. Taste it. You can always add more.
Step 9: Last, toss in a big handful of fresh spinach. It will wilt right down in the hot soup. This adds a lovely bit of green. I still laugh at how spinach disappears in soup.
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4-6 servings
Category: Dinner, Soup
Three Fun Twists to Try
This soup is like a blank canvas. You can change it in so many ways. Here are a few of my favorite ideas. They are all so delicious.
Veggie Lover’s Dream: Skip the chicken. Use vegetable broth. Add extra veggies like zucchini and mushrooms. It becomes a wonderful vegetarian meal.
A Little Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the thyme. It gives the soup a warm, tingly feeling. Perfect for a chilly evening.
Autumn Harvest: Swap the carrots for some cubed butternut squash. It makes the soup taste sweet and cozy. It just feels like fall.
Which one would you try first? Comment below!
The Perfect Cozy Meal
Now, let’s talk about serving this lovely soup. A big bowl is wonderful on its own. But a few extras make it a real feast. I always have some crusty bread for dipping. It’s perfect for getting every last drop.
You could also add a simple green salad. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top is lovely. For a drink, a cold glass of apple cider is so nice. For the grown-ups, a crisp Chardonnay pairs beautifully. Which would you choose tonight?
Keeping Your Cozy Soup Just Right
This soup keeps well in the fridge for three days. Just let it cool first. I store mine in a big glass bowl with a lid.
You can also freeze it for a chilly night. Leave out the cream and spinach when you make it. Add them fresh when you reheat the soup.
I once froze it with the cream already in. It was a bit grainy when it thawed. We live and we learn in the kitchen.
Batch cooking this soup saves you on a busy week. A warm meal is ready in minutes. This matters because it brings comfort to a hectic day.
Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!
Simple Fixes for Common Soup Troubles
Is your soup too thin? Make a quick slurry. Mix one tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water. Stir it into your simmering soup.
I remember when I burned my first roux. I was chatting and not stirring. Getting the roux right matters. It gives your soup a lovely, rich base.
Are the gnocchi too mushy? They cook very fast. Add them only at the very end, just until they float. This keeps them nice and soft.
Fixing small problems builds your cooking confidence. You learn that most mistakes have an easy answer. This matters because it makes cooking fun, not scary.
Which of these problems have you run into before?
Your Soup Questions, Answered
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Yes! Just use your favorite gluten-free flour blend for the roux. It will work just the same.
Q: Can I make it ahead of time?
A: Absolutely. Follow the make-ahead tips in the first section. It tastes even better the next day.
Q: What can I use instead of heavy cream?
A: Half-and-half will work for a lighter soup. It will still be wonderfully creamy.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: You sure can. Just use a very large stockpot. You will have plenty to share.
Q: Any other fun additions?
A: A little grated parmesan cheese on top is delicious. My grandson taught me that trick.
Which tip will you try first?
A Note From My Kitchen to Yours
I hope this soup warms your home like it warms mine. It is a hug in a bowl. I love seeing your kitchen creations.
Have you tried this recipe? Tag us on Pinterest! My handle is @ElowensKitchen. I would be so delighted to see your photos.
*Fun fact: Gnocchi is an Italian word meaning little lumps. I think that is a very cute name for pasta.
Happy cooking!
—Elowen Thorn.
Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Description
A comforting and creamy soup featuring tender chicken, soft gnocchi, and fresh spinach in a rich, flavorful broth.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook chicken in a cast iron skillet over medium high heat, about 4-5 minutes on each side until cooked through. Alternatively, you could use leftover chicken or a rotisserie chicken. Dice celery, onion, and carrots.
- Place a large pot over medium heat and add butter. Add the diced celery, onion, and carrots.
- Cook veggies for five minutes until they start to become translucent. Add garlic and cook an additional two minutes.
- Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and butter to create a roux. Cook for another minute, stirring constantly to avoid burning. This will help thicken the soup. You want to make sure to cook the flour a few minutes (without burning) to cook out the flour taste.
- Add in the broth and cook until thickened.
- Dice chicken and add to soup.
- Add thyme and gnocchi. Simmer for 5 minutes, or until gnocchi is cooked.
- Add cream and a little salt and pepper to taste.
- Lastly, add fresh spinach and cook until wilted.
- Serve with some crusty bread and enjoy.
Notes
- Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.