Nonna’s Gnocchi Chicken Soup
Nonna's secret to this heavenly soup is combining tender chicken and pillowy gnocchi in a velvety, herb-kissed broth that tastes like pure Italian grandmother love. One spoonful and you'll know why this recipe could turn any kitchen into Nonna's warm, welcoming heart of home!
Nonna’s Nourishing, Gnocchi!
Between the soft potato gnocchi and the tender chicken, this texture beats out a LOT of soups! And I don’t know about you, but I am a picky texture eater, so this soup was a quite the surprise. The chicken gives a bit of chew, the gnocchi melts away, and the broth ties it all together.
On top of that the flavor is delicious! The chicken is herby, buttery, and a tad salty and is perfectly balanced with the soft little gnocchi dumplings that have a mild potato flavor.
There is no rushing through this soup, you will want to savor each bite!
What are the health benefits?
This nourishing soup combines protein-rich chicken for muscle support, energy-sustaining potato gnocchi, antioxidant-packed onions for heart health, and vitamin A-loaded carrots for immune function—all in one comforting bowl!
Nutrition facts per 1 cup serving:
Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy only, and is not to be taken as medical information or advice. The nutritional values of your preparation of this recipe are impacted by several factors, including, but not limited to, the ingredient brands you use, any substitutions or measurement changes you make, and measuring accuracy.
Chicken
Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein that helps build muscles while keeping you feeling satisfied longer. It's also packed with essential B vitamins and selenium, which supports immune function.
Potato Gnocchi
Potato gnocchi provides complex carbohydrates that give your body sustained energy throughout the day. The potatoes also contain potassium for heart health and vitamin C for immune support.
Onions
Onions are rich in antioxidants and sulfur compounds that may help reduce inflammation and support heart health. They also contain prebiotic fibers that promote healthy gut bacteria and digestive wellness.
Carrots
Carrots are packed with beta-carotene, which your body converts to vitamin A for healthy vision and immune function. They also provide fiber and antioxidants that support overall cellular health.
What you will need
6-7.5 quart pot
Measuring Spoons
Two 48 oz Storage Containers
How to Make it Step by Step
1. Gather Ingredients
You will need quite a bit of veggies for this one including onions, celery, carrots and spinach! You will need 3-4 chicken breasts, potato gnocchi, garlic, salt, pepper, thyme, and optional red pepper. Don’t forget the butter and flour for the roux. I use half and half with chicken broth for the thickness, but some people who want it creamier will use whole milk instead. It is up to you!
2. Cook Buttery Chicken
Season raw chicken breast halves with salt and pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in pot over medium high heat. Add chicken and cook covered for approximate 6 minutes on each side.
Remove chicken from pot and cut into 1" cubes or shred, and set aside for later.
3. Cook Butter-Flour Roux
Add 2 more tablespoons of butter to the pot, onions, garlic, celery, carrots and optional red pepper, and cook covered until onions turn translucent, about 5 minutes.
Add flour, and cook until it turns pasty, around 1 minute.
4. Put It All Together
Add cooked chicken, potato gnocchi, chicken broth, and thyme. Bring the pot to a boil over high heat, and boil for 4 minutes. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Final Touch: Milk and Spinach
Remove pot from heat and let cool for 5-10 minutes. Add half and half and spinach and stir.
5. Serve!
Serve 1-cup servings with buttery garlic flatbread! Since this soup has an Italian flavor, it pairs well with breadsticks and a side salad. Enjoy!
Storage (Because You’ll Want Leftovers)
This soup stores well, which makes it practical for meal prep. After cooling completely, it keeps in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors develop and improve overnight.
For longer storage, it freezes well for up to 3 months. I portion it into individual containers so I can thaw single servings as needed. Just thaw overnight in the fridge, then gently reheat on the stovetop with a stir to restore the smooth texture. It reheats nicely and maintains its quality.
Nonna’s Gnocchi Chicken Soup
Ingredients
Instructions
- Season raw chicken breast halves with salt and pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in pot over medium high heat. Add chicken and cook covered for approximate 6 minutes on each side.
- Add 2 more tablespoons of butter to the pot, onions, garlic, thyme, parsley, and oregano, and cook covered until onions turn translucent, about 10 minutes.
- Remove chicken from pot and chop into 1" cubes or shred, and set aside.
- Add the carrots, celery, and flour, and cook until it turns pasty, around 1 minute.
- Add chopped or shredded chicken, bay leaf, and chicken broth. Bring the pot to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer covered for 30 minutes.
- Bring pot to a boil and add egg noodles, and cook covered for 6 minutes, stirring occasionally. Noodles soak up the broth and you may want to cook separately if you want more broth!
- Remove pot from heat and let cool for 10-15 minutes. Remove bay leaf, add milk, and stir.
- Serve with crusty buttery garlic bread!
- Storage: Pour into airtight storage containers and keep refrigerated for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Notes
Add more flour and butter or use heavy cream if you want it even thicker!
Nutrition Facts
Calories
246Fat
8 gSat. Fat
4 gCarbs
19 gFiber
2 gNet carbs
17 gSugar
5 gProtein
20 gSodium
968 mgCholesterol
71 mgNutritional information is provided as a courtesy only, and is not to be taken as medical information or advice. The nutritional values of your preparation of this recipe are impacted by several factors, including, but not limited to, the ingredient brands you use, any substitutions or measurement changes you make, and measuring accuracy.
