Ingredients for Creamy Marry Me Chicken Gnocchi Soup

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein of this creamy marry me chicken gnocchi soup. Provides lean, tender bites. Poach or shred rotisserie for ease.
• Olive oil: Essential for sautéing vegetables and chicken. Adds a fruity, robust flavor foundation to the soup. Use a good quality extra virgin.
• Unsalted butter: Creates a rich, velvety base for the roux and enhances overall flavor. Unsalted allows precise salt control.
• Yellow onion: Provides a sweet, aromatic base when sautéed, building foundational flavor for the entire soup. Dice finely for even cooking.
• Carrots: Adds natural sweetness, vibrant color, and essential nutrients to the soup. Cut into small, uniform pieces.
• Celery: Contributes a subtle, earthy flavor and aromatic depth to the mirepoix. Dice similar to carrots for consistency.
• Garlic: An indispensable aromatic, providing pungent depth and warmth to the soup. Mince fresh for best flavor.
• All-purpose flour: This is crucial for creating the roux, thickening the soup to that desired creamy consistency. Whisk well to avoid lumps.
• Chicken broth: The liquid base for the soup, infusing it with savory chicken flavor. Choose low-sodium to control seasoning.
• Heavy cream: The secret to the ultimate creamy texture, making this marry me chicken gnocchi soup truly indulgent. Don’t substitute for lower fat options.
• Potato gnocchi: These pillowy potato dumplings are the comforting heart of this creamy marry me chicken gnocchi soup. Cook directly in the broth.
• Fresh spinach: Wilts beautifully into the soup, adding a pop of color, freshness, and healthy greens. Stir in at the very end.
• Dried thyme: Infuses the soup with a classic, earthy, and aromatic herbal note. Rub between palms to release oils.
• Kosher salt: Essential for enhancing all the flavors and balancing the richness. Add gradually and taste as you go.
• Freshly ground black pepper: Provides a pungent warmth and subtle spice, elevating the overall taste profile. Grind fresh for maximum impact.
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty, umami finish and extra creaminess. Grate from a block for superior flavor.

How to Make Creamy Marry Me Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Sauté Aromatics:

In a large pot, melt butter with olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 8-10 minutes until softened, which builds the foundational flavors for our Creamy Marry Me Chicken Gnocchi Soup.

Build Roux:

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Then, sprinkle in the all-purpose flour, stirring constantly for 2 minutes to create a light roux. This forms the thick base for your delicious soup.

Whisk Base:

Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, ensuring no lumps form. Bring to a gentle simmer, then stir in the heavy cream until fully incorporated. This creates the rich, creamy texture for your Marry Me Chicken Gnocchi Soup.

Simmer Soup:

Add the shredded chicken, dried thyme, salt, and pepper to the pot. Bring to a simmer, then add the potato gnocchi. Cook for 5-7 minutes, until the gnocchi float and are tender.

Finish Soup:

Stir in the fresh spinach until it wilts into the hot soup, which usually takes just a couple of minutes. Then, gently fold in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and enriches the flavor.

Serve Warm:

Ladle your comforting Creamy Marry Me Chicken Gnocchi Soup into bowls. Garnish with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan or fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy this deeply satisfying dish with loved ones.

How to Store Creamy Marry Me Chicken Gnocchi Soup

To store your Creamy Marry Me Chicken Gnocchi Soup, transfer cooled leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. Don’t leave it out too long; I learned that the hard way! Check for off-smells or discoloration before reheating.

For make-ahead, prep veggies and cook chicken a day or two in advance. Store these components separately. Assemble the full soup, adding gnocchi and spinach, just before serving for best texture.

Reheat gently on the stovetop. A splash of broth or cream helps restore its creamy texture.

What to Serve with Creamy Marry Me Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Ladle this comforting soup into warm bowls and serve hot. For a special touch, garnish with fresh parsley or a swirl of cream, perfect for impressing guests. It would pair wonderfully with a crusty baguette for dipping or a crisp green salad to balance the richness. Enjoy every spoonful!

I personally love to serve this soup with a generous sprinkle of extra Parmesan and a warm, crusty slice of garlic bread. The added cheesy richness and crunchy bread perfectly complement the creamy texture, making it deeply satisfying.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I prevent a lumpy base when making Creamy Marry Me Chicken Gnocchi Soup?

Gradually whisk in chicken broth to avoid lumps, a mistake I often made. Consistent whisking ensures a smooth, creamy base. Keep stirring as you add liquid for the best result, creating that perfect texture.

→ Can I make this Creamy Marry Me Chicken Gnocchi Soup gluten-free?

Yes, you absolutely can! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the roux. Ensure your gnocchi are also certified gluten-free. The rich, comforting flavor remains wonderfully intact.

→ How long can I store leftover Creamy Marry Me Chicken Gnocchi Soup in the fridge?

Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. I learned the hard way not to leave it out too long. Always check for off-smells or discoloration before reheating.

→ Can I freeze Creamy Marry Me Chicken Gnocchi Soup for later enjoyment?

Freezing isn’t ideal for gnocchi, as they can become mushy and lose their pillowy texture upon thawing. However, you can freeze the soup base without gnocchi and spinach. Add them fresh when reheating.

→ Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breasts for this soup?

Absolutely! Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver for this recipe. Just shred it and add it at step 4, ensuring it heats through. This speeds up your prep considerably, trust me.