Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup with Spinach & Parmesan

Simple Introduction

Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup with Spinach & Parmesan is the kind of recipe that instantly earns a permanent place in your comfort-food rotation. It’s rich without being heavy, creamy without being cloying, and hearty enough to serve as a complete meal in one bowl. Pillowy potato gnocchi float in a silky, Parmesan-infused broth alongside tender chicken, sweet vegetables, and vibrant spinach, creating a soup that feels indulgent yet balanced.

This is the type of soup that tastes like it simmered on the stove all afternoon—but it comes together in under an hour. It’s cozy enough for cold evenings, elegant enough for guests, and easy enough for a busy weeknight. If you love creamy soups like chicken pot pie soup, Zuppa Toscana-style dishes, or classic chicken and dumplings, this Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup with Spinach & Parmesan will absolutely win you over.

In this in-depth guide, you’ll learn exactly how to make the best version of Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup with Spinach & Parmesan at home, along with expert tips, substitutions, variations, storage advice, and serving ideas. Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal-prepping for the week, or hosting friends, this soup delivers every single time.

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Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup with Spinach & Parmesan

There are countless chicken soup recipes out there, but this one stands apart for a few key reasons:

1. Ultra-Creamy Without Being Overly Heavy

Thanks to a balanced blend of butter, flour, broth, and half-and-half, this soup is luxuriously creamy without crossing into overly rich territory. Parmesan adds depth and savoriness rather than just more fat.

2. Gnocchi Makes It Extra Comforting

Gnocchi is the secret weapon here. These soft, pillowy dumplings soak up the flavors of the broth while adding substance and texture. It’s more satisfying than noodles and more elegant than traditional dumplings.

3. One-Pot, Weeknight Friendly

Everything comes together in a single pot, making cleanup minimal. From start to finish, this Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup with Spinach & Parmesan is ready in about 40–45 minutes.

4. Balanced and Nourishing

Between the protein-rich chicken, iron-packed spinach, and vegetables in the base, this soup isn’t just comforting—it’s genuinely nourishing.

5. Customizable

From gluten-free adaptations to dairy swaps, spice adjustments, and vegetarian variations, this recipe is endlessly flexible.

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What Is Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup with Spinach & Parmesan?

Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup with Spinach & Parmesan is a modern comfort-food classic inspired by Italian flavors and American creamy soup traditions. It combines:

• A buttery mirepoix base (onion, carrot, celery)

• Garlic and herbs for aroma and depth

• A cream-based broth enriched with Parmesan

• Potato gnocchi for body and texture

• Cooked chicken for protein

• Fresh spinach for color and freshness

The result is a soup that’s thick, creamy, savory, and deeply satisfying—perfect for cold weather, cozy nights, or whenever you need a little extra comfort.

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Ingredients Breakdown (and Why Each One Matters)

Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients that make Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup with Spinach & Parmesan so special.

Fats: Butter + Olive Oil

Using both butter and olive oil gives you the best of both worlds: the rich flavor of butter and the higher smoke point of olive oil. Together, they create a flavorful base without burning.

Aromatics: Onion, Carrots, Celery, Garlic

This classic mirepoix adds natural sweetness and depth. Carrots bring subtle sweetness, celery adds savoriness, and onion ties everything together. Garlic adds warmth and aroma.

White Wine

Dry white wine deglazes the pan and adds brightness that balances the richness of the soup. It enhances flavor without making the soup taste “winey.”

Flour

Flour creates the roux that thickens the soup. Cooking it briefly removes the raw flour taste and ensures a smooth texture.

Chicken Broth

This is the backbone of the soup. A good-quality broth adds depth and savory richness. Low-sodium broth is ideal so you can control seasoning.

Half-and-Half

Half-and-half provides creaminess without the heaviness of full cream. Warming it before adding prevents curdling.

Herbs: Thyme & Italian Seasoning

Fresh thyme adds brightness and subtle earthiness, while Italian seasoning brings oregano, basil, and other classic flavors into the mix.

Gnocchi

Potato gnocchi are soft, tender, and perfect for creamy soups. They cook quickly and absorb flavor beautifully.

Chicken

Using cooked rotisserie chicken saves time and adds rich flavor. You can also use leftover roasted or poached chicken.

Spinach

Fresh spinach adds color, freshness, and nutrients. It wilts quickly and balances the richness of the soup.

Parmesan Cheese

Freshly grated Parmesan melts into the broth, adding umami and a nutty, savory finish. This is key to the soup’s signature flavor.

Nutmeg (Optional)

Just a pinch enhances the creamy base and brings warmth without being noticeable.

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Full Ingredient List

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 3 tbsp unsalted butter

• 1 cup diced yellow onion

• ¾ cup grated carrots

• ½ cup finely chopped celery

• 2 large garlic cloves, minced

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• ½ cup dry white wine

• ¼ cup all-purpose flour

• 4 cups chicken broth

• 2 cups half-and-half, warmed

• 1–2 tsp fresh thyme, chopped

• ½ tsp dried Italian herbs

• 1 lb gnocchi

• 2 cups cooked rotisserie chicken, shredded or cubed

• 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped

• ½–¾ cup freshly shredded Parmesan cheese

• ⅛ tsp fresh nutmeg (optional)

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

In a large heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Once the butter has melted and the foaming subsides, add the onion, carrots, and celery along with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly golden. Add the garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Deglaze the Pan

Pour in the white wine and stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until nearly evaporated. Sprinkle in the flour and stir continuously for 1–2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste.

Step 3: Create the Soup Base

Gradually whisk in the chicken broth until smooth. Slowly add the warmed half-and-half, stirring constantly. Add the thyme and Italian herbs. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer—avoid boiling.

Step 4: Cook the Gnocchi and Add Remaining Ingredients

Add the gnocchi and simmer for 3–5 minutes, or until tender and floating. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, chicken, and spinach. Simmer for another 2–3 minutes until the spinach wilts and the chicken is warmed through.

Step 5: Final Seasoning and Serving

Season with nutmeg if using, then adjust salt and pepper to taste. Let the soup rest for 5–10 minutes to thicken slightly. Serve hot with extra Parmesan and cracked black pepper.

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Pro Tips for the Best Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup with Spinach & Parmesan

• Warm the dairy to prevent curdling

• Grate Parmesan fresh for smooth melting

• Don’t overcook the gnocchi—they’re done as soon as they float

• Adjust thickness with extra broth as needed

• Season gradually—Parmesan adds saltiness

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Variations and Substitutions

Lighter Version

Use milk instead of half-and-half and reduce the cheese slightly.

Gluten-Free

Use gluten-free flour and gluten-free gnocchi.

Vegetarian

Swap chicken broth for vegetable broth and replace chicken with mushrooms or white beans.

Extra Veggies

Add mushrooms, zucchini, or peas for extra texture and nutrition.

Spicy Twist

Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne.

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What to Serve with Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup with Spinach & Parmesan

• Crusty artisan bread

• Garlic bread or focaccia

• Simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette

• Roasted vegetables

• Grilled cheese sandwich for the ultimate comfort meal

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Storage and Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days

• Reheat: Gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding broth as needed

• Freezing: Not ideal due to dairy and gnocchi texture changes

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Nutrition (Approximate per Serving)

• Calories: ~520

• Protein: ~32g

• Fat: ~28g

• Carbohydrates: ~38g

• Fiber: ~3g

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Final Thoughts

Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup with Spinach & Parmesan is more than just a soup—it’s a full comfort experience in a bowl. From the silky, Parmesan-rich broth to the pillowy gnocchi and tender chicken, every spoonful feels warm, nourishing, and deeply satisfying. This is the kind of recipe you turn to when you want something cozy yet refined, familiar yet special.

What truly sets this Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup with Spinach & Parmesan apart is its balance. It’s indulgent without being heavy, hearty without being overwhelming, and flavorful without requiring complicated techniques. It’s approachable enough for beginner cooks and impressive enough for seasoned home chefs.

Whether you’re making it for a quiet family dinner, serving it to guests on a chilly evening, or prepping lunches for the week ahead, this soup delivers comfort, flavor, and reliability every time. Once you try it, it’s bound to become one of those recipes you come back to again and again—especially when you need a little warmth and comfort from the kitchen.