If you’re looking for a rich, creamy, and utterly comforting soup that brings restaurant-level flavor straight to your kitchen, this Chicken & Bacon Gnocchi Soup is the answer. Combining tender chicken, smoky bacon, pillowy gnocchi, and a medley of vegetables all bathed in a velvety broth, this dish delivers bold taste with every spoonful. It’s a cozy meal perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a soul-satisfying bowl of warmth. Easy to prepare yet packed with gourmet-level flavors, this soup can be a main course or a hearty starter that will impress family and guests alike.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cooked and shredded)
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp dried rosemary
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 lb potato gnocchi
- 2 cups fresh spinach (roughly chopped)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: fresh parsley or chives for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the bacon
In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon pieces with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving about 1 tablespoon of the bacon fat in the pot. - Sauté vegetables
Add olive oil to the pot along with the chopped onion. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent. Add garlic, carrots, and celery, and continue to cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. - Season and build the base
Sprinkle in thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat the vegetables and let the herbs release their fragrance for about 1 minute. - Add broth and simmer
Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and let the vegetables cook until just tender, about 10-12 minutes. - Stir in chicken and gnocchi
Add the cooked, shredded chicken to the pot. Then gently stir in the gnocchi. Let everything simmer for about 3-5 minutes, or until the gnocchi float and become soft and fluffy. - Add cream and milk
Pour in the heavy cream and milk, stirring slowly to combine. Bring the mixture back to a gentle simmer without boiling. - Incorporate spinach and cheese
Add the chopped spinach and cook for another 2-3 minutes until wilted. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed. - Finish and serve
Return the cooked bacon to the pot, stirring it in just before serving. For extra flavor and color, garnish with fresh parsley or chives if desired.
This Chicken & Bacon Gnocchi Soup is pure comfort in a bowl. The balance of creamy texture, smoky bacon, tender chicken, and satisfying gnocchi makes it a standout dish. Whether you serve it with crusty bread or on its own, it’s a meal that feels indulgent and nourishing at the same time. Perfect for family dinners, leftovers the next day, or cozy weekend lunches, this recipe will quickly become a household favorite.