Creamy Chicken Bacon Gnocchi Soup Recipe

When the weather turns cold, I crave something rich and comforting, and this Creamy Chicken Bacon Gnocchi Soup always hits the spot.

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It’s a warm, velvety bowl filled with tender chicken, crispy bacon, and soft gnocchi that melt in your mouth.

I love making it on cozy evenings when I want something that feels homemade and hearty.

This soup is perfect for family dinners, lazy weekends, or whenever you need a comforting meal that tastes like it took hours to make.

Nutritional Info (Per Serving)	Details
Calories	420 kcal
Protein	25 g
Carbohydrates	30 g
Fat	22 g
Fiber	3 g
Gluten-Free	No
Dairy-Free	No
Vegan	No
Contains Meat	Yes
Best Served	Hot

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This soup is the perfect balance of creamy, savory, and filling flavors that make every spoonful comforting.

• It combines crispy bacon, juicy chicken, and pillowy gnocchi for a rich and hearty texture.
• The creamy broth feels luxurious yet is easy to make with simple ingredients.
• It’s a complete meal in one bowl, so there’s no need for sides.
• Perfect for cold nights, it warms you from the inside out.
• You can easily adjust the recipe with your favorite veggies or seasonings.
• Leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavors deepen.
• It’s easy to make in one pot, so cleanup is quick and simple.

Ingredients to Make Chicken Bacon Gnocchi Soup

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I love how easy this soup is to put together with simple pantry staples. Each ingredient adds something unique to its rich and creamy flavor.

• Chicken breasts (2 cups, cooked and shredded): They add lean protein and a tender texture to the soup. You can also use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
• Bacon (6 slices, chopped): Crispy bacon gives the soup its smoky flavor and rich aroma. It’s best to cook it until golden and slightly crisp.
• Gnocchi (1 pound, potato-based): These soft dumplings soak up the creamy broth perfectly. Use store-bought or homemade for a fluffy texture.
• Butter (2 tablespoons): It adds richness and helps create the creamy base. Butter also enhances the flavor of the vegetables and broth.
• Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Used to sauté the veggies without burning the butter. It balances the fat content nicely.
• Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Adds depth and a savory note that complements the creaminess. Always use fresh garlic for the best aroma.
• Yellow onion (1, diced): Brings sweetness and body to the soup. It’s the perfect base flavor for creamy dishes.
• Carrots (2, diced): They add natural sweetness and a pop of color. Their soft texture pairs beautifully with the creamy broth.
• Celery (2 stalks, diced): Adds a mild crunch and balances the richness. It’s a classic ingredient for soups and stews.
• Chicken broth (4 cups): Forms the flavorful base of the soup. You can use low-sodium broth to control salt levels.
• Heavy cream (1 ½ cups): Makes the soup silky, smooth, and indulgent. If you want it lighter, substitute half-and-half.
• Parmesan cheese (½ cup, grated): Adds a nutty, salty finish. It helps thicken the soup and enhances the creamy flavor.
• Spinach (2 cups, fresh): Gives a touch of freshness and color. It wilts perfectly into the hot soup.
• Salt and black pepper (to taste): Bring all the flavors together. Always taste before serving to balance seasoning.
• Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): Adds herby warmth to the soup. You can substitute with a mix of oregano and thyme if needed.

Steps to Make Creamy Chicken Bacon Gnocchi Soup

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This soup comes together beautifully in one pot, making it perfect for busy nights when you want something quick yet comforting.

Step 1: Cook the Bacon

Start by heating a large pot over medium heat and adding chopped bacon. Let it cook until golden and crisp, then remove it with a slotted spoon and set it aside. Leave a little bacon grease in the pot for flavor.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Add butter and olive oil to the pot. Once melted, toss in the diced onions, carrots, and celery, cooking until they soften and turn fragrant.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Chicken

Stir in minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds. Then, add the shredded chicken and mix everything to coat it with the aromatics.

Step 4: Pour in Broth and Seasonings

Add chicken broth and Italian seasoning to the pot. Stir well, then bring it to a gentle boil, allowing all the flavors to blend together.

Step 5: Add Gnocchi and Simmer

Once the broth is bubbling, add the gnocchi. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes until the gnocchi become tender and slightly plump.

Step 6: Make it Creamy

Pour in the heavy cream and stir in grated Parmesan cheese. Simmer gently without boiling until the soup thickens slightly and becomes creamy.

Step 7: Add Spinach and Bacon

Finally, toss in the spinach and cooked bacon. Stir until the spinach wilts, then adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the soup into bowls while hot. Garnish with extra Parmesan or crispy bacon bits if desired.

Serving Suggestions

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I love serving it with a warm crusty baguette or buttery garlic bread for dipping into the creamy broth.

You can also serve it alongside a fresh green salad to balance the richness of the soup. A mix of crisp lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette complements the creamy texture beautifully.

For a cozy dinner, enjoy this soup with roasted vegetables or a side of grilled cheese sandwiches or Chicken Quesadilla. The combination makes it a complete comfort meal that feels restaurant-quality at home.

If you’re serving guests, sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs on top before bringing it to the table. It adds a touch of elegance and makes each bowl look even more inviting.

Meal Prep Tips: Can We Make Creamy Chicken Bacon Gnocchi Soup in Advance?

Yes, you can easily prepare this soup ahead of time to save effort on busy days. The flavors actually deepen as it sits, making it even more delicious the next day.

To make it in advance, cook the soup as directed but leave out the gnocchi and spinach until you’re ready to serve. This prevents them from getting too soft or mushy.

Store the soup base in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2–3 days. When reheating, simply add fresh gnocchi and spinach to keep the texture perfect.

If you plan to freeze it, skip adding cream until after thawing and reheating. This keeps the broth from separating and maintains its creamy consistency.

Tips and Tricks

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Always cook bacon first and use a bit of the rendered fat for extra flavor in the base. It gives the soup that smoky, comforting aroma that makes it irresistible.

Use store-bought gnocchi for convenience or homemade ones for a more authentic texture. Either way, make sure they’re cooked just until tender, not overdone.

If the soup feels too thick, stir in a splash of chicken broth or cream until you reach your preferred consistency. Don’t boil after adding cream to avoid curdling.

For extra richness, sprinkle more Parmesan right before serving. It melts into the soup and creates a velvety, cheesy layer that everyone loves.

And finally, let the soup rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows all the flavors to meld together, making every spoonful even more comforting and delicious.

Variations

You can easily customize this Creamy Chicken Bacon Gnocchi Soup to fit your taste or dietary needs. Try swapping chicken with shredded turkey for a delicious post-holiday version.

If you prefer a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. It still stays creamy but with fewer calories and fat.

For extra veggies, add mushrooms, peas, or kale to boost nutrition and color. These mix-ins blend beautifully with the creamy base.

You can also give it a spicy twist by adding red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper. It adds a gentle kick that pairs well with the smoky bacon.

To make it gluten-free, simply use gluten-free gnocchi and check that your broth and seasonings are certified gluten-free. The flavor stays just as comforting and rich.

Storage Instructions

Let the soup cool completely before storing. Keeping it hot in a container can create excess moisture and change the texture.

Transfer the soup into an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. This helps maintain freshness and flavor.

If you plan to store it longer, freeze it without the gnocchi and spinach. They can be added later when reheating for the best texture.

When freezing, use freezer-safe bags or containers to prevent freezer burn. Label them with the date so you know how long it’s been stored.

Always thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. It keeps the creamy texture smooth and prevents separation.

Can We Reheat Creamy Chicken Bacon Gnocchi Soup

Yes, this soup reheats beautifully if done right. You just need to warm it gently to preserve its creamy consistency.

Reheat it over low to medium heat on the stovetop, stirring often to prevent sticking. Avoid boiling since that can make the cream separate.

If it thickens too much after refrigeration, add a little chicken broth or milk while warming. This helps restore the silky texture.

You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave using 30-second intervals. Stir between each round to heat evenly.

For best results, always reheat only what you’ll eat immediately. This keeps the soup fresh and prevents overcooking the gnocchi.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use rotisserie chicken to save time. It adds flavor and cuts down on prep work, making the recipe quicker and easier.

Can I use milk instead of cream?
You can use whole milk or half-and-half, but the soup will be slightly thinner. If you want to keep it creamy, add a little extra Parmesan cheese.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, just leave out the chicken and bacon and use vegetable broth instead. Add more veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or chickpeas for protein.

Why did my soup curdle?
It probably boiled after adding cream. Always keep the heat low and stir gently to maintain a smooth and creamy texture.

Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, but it’s best to freeze the soup before adding the gnocchi and cream. Add them fresh after thawing to keep the perfect consistency.

How can I thicken the soup more?
Add a little extra Parmesan cheese or a cornstarch slurry. Stir it in slowly over low heat until it reaches your desired thickness.

What can I serve this with?
It’s perfect with garlic bread, a green salad, or roasted vegetables. These sides balance the richness and make it a complete meal.

Conclusion

This Creamy Chicken Bacon Gnocchi Soup is pure comfort in a bowl. It’s rich, hearty, and full of flavors that warm you from the inside out.

I love how simple it is to make, yet it tastes like something from a cozy café. Every spoonful gives that perfect blend of creamy broth, smoky bacon, and soft gnocchi.

It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table with a smile just like Sausage Tortellini Soup. Whether it’s a chilly evening or a lazy weekend, this soup makes the moment feel special.

Once you try it, you’ll find yourself making it again and again. It’s one of those recipes that turns ordinary nights into comfort-filled memories.