Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup is rich, comforting, and brimming with Italian-inspired flavors—from smoky bacon and aromatic rosemary to tender chicken and pillowy gnocchi. This cozy soup is ideal for cool autumn evenings and pairs beautifully with crusty bread. It’s straightforward to prepare and makes a hearty meal for family and friends.
Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup
As the weather turns cooler, this soup feels like true comfort food. The base combines sautéed vegetables and savory bacon rendered in the pot, then simmers with chicken broth, shredded chicken, and gnocchi. A splash of half and half and grated Parmesan finish the soup, creating a creamy, satisfying bowl packed with texture and depth.
I recently made this recipe for a group and it was an immediate favorite. If you’re short on time, using a store-bought rotisserie chicken is a simple shortcut—just shred the meat and add it toward the end of cooking. Fresh or packaged gnocchi both work well; they absorb the broth’s flavor and add a delightful chew that makes the soup especially filling.
Gnocchi (pronounced NO-KEE) are small potato dumplings that can be used anywhere you might use pasta. They take on the taste of the broth and seasonings, so they are an excellent addition to soups when you want extra body and texture. You’ll usually find gnocchi near the packaged pastas at the grocery store.
The combination of herbs in this recipe—dried basil, thyme, a touch of poultry seasoning, and fresh minced rosemary—gives the soup a balanced, savory aroma without overpowering the other ingredients. Bacon contributes a smoky richness while Parmesan adds savory depth and creaminess when melted into the broth.
People who have tried this recipe often comment on its robust flavor and pleasing texture. The tender shredded chicken and soft gnocchi balance the freshness of the spinach and the savoriness of the bacon, creating a well-rounded bowl that’s both comforting and elegant enough for guests.
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Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Ingredients
- 6 slices Thick bacon, chopped
- 2 Tbsp Butter
- 1 Medium yellow onion, diced (about 1-inch pieces)
- 2 Large carrots, chopped (about 1 1/2 cups)
- 2 Ribs of celery, diced (about 1 cup)
- 3 Garlic cloves, minced
- ½ tsp Coarse salt
- ½ tsp Black pepper
- ½ tsp Dried basil
- ¼ tsp Poultry seasoning
- ½ tsp Dried thyme
- 1 tsp Fresh rosemary leaves, minced
- 4 cups Chicken broth, low sodium
- 3 Chicken breasts or a rotisserie chicken, shredded
- 16 – 20 oz Fresh or packaged gnocchi
To Finish
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 3 cups Baby spinach
- 2 cups Half and half (or evaporated milk, or whole milk)
Instructions
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In a 6-quart pot, sauté the chopped bacon until crisp. Remove the bacon and drain on paper towels, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
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Add the butter to the pot, then add the onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened.
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Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about one minute.
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Add salt, black pepper, dried basil, poultry seasoning, dried thyme, and minced rosemary. Cook briefly to bloom the herbs, about one minute.
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Pour in the chicken broth, stir, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
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Add the shredded chicken, cooked bacon, and the gnocchi. Stir to combine, then simmer for about 15 minutes, until the gnocchi are tender and cooked through.
Finish
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Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and incorporated.
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Add the baby spinach and let it wilt for a few minutes.
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Stir in the half and half, then remove the pot from the heat. Cover and let it sit for a few minutes to warm through without boiling.
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Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.
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Serve hot with crusty bread on the side.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
Resources to Make This Recipe and More
Below are a few recommended tools and pantry basics that are helpful when making soups like this one: a good 6-quart pot, a sharp chef’s knife, a wooden spoon, and quality chicken broth. These items make preparation easier and help deliver consistent results.
Originally published Oct. 1, 2017