There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm, creamy soup made in a flash, and this Pesto Chicken Gnocchi Soup is no exception. Combining the fluffy tenderness of potato gnocchi, the hearty richness of rotisserie chicken, and the herbaceous bite of basil pesto, it’s a beautifully balanced bowl that tastes like it’s been simmering for hours—yet it’s ready in just 15 minutes. Whether you’re winding down from a busy day or looking for a quick meal to impress, this soup is a crowd-pleaser. The addition of spinach brings freshness and a boost of nutrients, while a splash of cream makes every spoonful luxuriously silky. It’s simple, soulful, and destined to become a regular on your dinner table.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 (16 oz) package potato gnocchi
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1 quart chicken broth
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1 cup shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie or homemade)
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¼ cup heavy cream (or half and half)
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2 tablespoons basil pesto
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1 cup fresh spinach (or kale)
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Black pepper to taste
Directions:
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In a large soup pot, add gnocchi and chicken broth.
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Bring to a boil and cook until gnocchi is tender (about 2-3 minutes).
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Lower heat to medium-low and stir in the shredded chicken, heavy cream, basil pesto, and spinach.
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Simmer for 5-7 minutes until all ingredients are heated through and spinach is wilted.
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Taste and season with black pepper as needed.
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Optional: Garnish with grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, a squeeze of lemon juice, or red pepper flakes.
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Serve warm and enjoy!
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes
Kcal: 269 kcal | Servings: 6 (1-cup servings)
The Comfort of a Classic with a Modern Twist
Pesto Chicken Gnocchi Soup is the ultimate example of how you can create something indulgent, flavorful, and satisfying with minimal effort and simple ingredients. This dish beautifully marries Italian-inspired flavors with American comfort food, creating a quick and easy weeknight dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
The star elements—soft, pillowy gnocchi, rotisserie chicken, and fragrant basil pesto—are staples in many kitchens. When combined with creamy broth and fresh spinach, the result is a bowl of soup that’s luxurious, hearty, and surprisingly healthy. The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity: it’s made in one pot and comes together in about 15 minutes, making it ideal for both beginners and seasoned cooks.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are many reasons why this soup recipe stands out. First, it’s incredibly convenient. With the help of pre-cooked rotisserie chicken and store-bought gnocchi, this meal requires minimal prep and no complicated steps. It’s a go-to for busy weeknights or last-minute dinners when you still want something homemade and wholesome.
Second, the flavor profile is rich and layered. The basil pesto infuses the broth with herbal, garlicky depth, while the cream adds a luscious mouthfeel. Chicken adds substance and protein, and spinach brightens the dish with freshness and a nutrient boost. Together, these components create a perfectly balanced meal.
Finally, this recipe is versatile. You can substitute ingredients based on dietary needs or personal taste. Use gluten-free gnocchi, dairy-free cream alternatives, or switch spinach for kale. The flexibility ensures that this soup suits a wide range of preferences.
A Perfect Cold-Weather Companion
As the temperatures drop, there’s nothing more inviting than a warm bowl of soup. This Pesto Chicken Gnocchi Soup is cozy and comforting—exactly what your body craves on chilly days. Its creamy base and hearty texture make it feel indulgent, but the fresh greens and light gnocchi keep it from being too heavy.
Because it’s made with real, whole ingredients, this soup is a healthier alternative to many creamy soups that are high in sodium and additives. You control what goes into your pot, ensuring a nutritious and clean meal that still hits all the comfort food notes.
The Origin and Evolution of the Dish
While gnocchi originated in Italian cuisine as a dumpling-like pasta made from potatoes, chicken and gnocchi soups have long been a staple in Italian-American cooking. This version gives the traditional chicken gnocchi soup an exciting twist with the addition of pesto.
Pesto, traditionally made from basil, garlic, Parmesan, pine nuts, and olive oil, is known for its vibrant green color and bold, herbaceous flavor. Adding it to soup elevates the dish, giving it an aromatic boost that’s both familiar and unique. It’s a clever way to use up leftover pesto while introducing a fresh dimension to a comfort classic.
Ingredient Benefits
Gnocchi: These soft, potato-based dumplings are a satisfying carbohydrate that adds texture and substance. They’re quicker to cook than pasta and have a comforting chew.
Rotisserie Chicken: Pre-cooked and full of flavor, rotisserie chicken saves time while providing high-quality protein. It’s a great way to use leftovers and reduce food waste.
Pesto: Loaded with antioxidants from fresh basil, healthy fats from olive oil and nuts, and flavor from garlic and cheese, pesto is more than a sauce—it’s a nutritional powerhouse in small doses.
Spinach: A leafy green packed with iron, calcium, and fiber, spinach not only adds color and texture to the soup but also brings significant health benefits, including support for eye health and digestion.
Heavy Cream: Adds silkiness and body to the soup. While indulgent, you can reduce the fat by using half-and-half or plant-based alternatives like coconut cream.
Chicken Broth: The base of the soup, chicken broth is both hydrating and rich in minerals. Choose low-sodium versions to better control salt levels.
How to Customize It
This recipe is extremely adaptable. Here are a few ideas:
- Make it vegetarian: Omit the chicken and use vegetable broth. Add white beans or chickpeas for protein.
- Make it dairy-free: Use unsweetened oat cream or cashew cream in place of dairy cream.
- Use different greens: Swap spinach for kale, chard, or arugula based on availability or personal preference.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper or a dash of hot sauce to introduce heat.
These small changes can help accommodate dietary needs or just add variety if you make this soup often.
Meal Prep Friendly
One of the best things about this dish is how well it works for meal prep. Since it only takes 15 minutes to cook, you can easily whip up a batch on Sunday night and portion it out for weekday lunches or quick dinners.
Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. When reheating, you may need to add a splash of broth or water, as gnocchi tend to absorb liquid over time. You can also freeze the soup, but keep in mind that gnocchi might soften slightly upon thawing.
Perfect Pairings
Pair this soup with:
- Crusty Bread: Dip a toasted sourdough slice or garlic bread into the creamy broth.
- Simple Salad: A fresh arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup.
- White Wine: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the herbal notes in the pesto.
Great for All Seasons
While this soup is ideal for winter, it’s light enough to enjoy year-round. The pesto and spinach keep it feeling fresh and vibrant, even in the spring and summer. You can even serve it with chilled sparkling water and lemon for a summer-friendly twist on comfort food.
Why This Soup is a Reader Favorite
Readers consistently rave about how fast and flavorful this soup is. Whether you’re a student, a parent, or someone who just doesn’t want to spend an hour over a stove, this recipe delivers big results in little time.
Many people comment on how it satisfies the craving for something warm and indulgent without leaving you feeling overly full. It’s also a popular recipe among those looking for creative ways to use rotisserie chicken or leftover pesto.
Conclusion
In a world where we’re constantly pressed for time, recipes like this Pesto Chicken Gnocchi Soup are a lifesaver. It’s fast, flexible, and full of flavor—a trifecta that’s hard to beat. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a family of picky eaters, this dish is bound to become a staple in your weekly meal rotation.
So the next time you’re in need of a quick dinner idea or a comforting dish to cozy up with, remember this soup. It brings gourmet flavor to your table in minutes, and with a few tweaks, it can be tailored to fit just about any lifestyle.