A Cozy Night and the Beginnings of This Easy Chicken Bacon Gnocchi Soup
It was one of those crisp autumn evenings when the air smelled faintly of wood smoke and the windows misted with the promise of colder days ahead. The kind of night that almost begs for a hearty homemade meal. I remember pulling a soft blanket around my shoulders, listening to the rain patter against the window, and realizing I wanted something warm, creamy, and comforting for dinner. That night was when this Easy Chicken Bacon Gnocchi Soup was born.

As I stood by the stove, the aroma of sizzling bacon filled the kitchen, mingling with the earthy scent of fresh thyme and garlic. The sound of bubbling broth was comforting, almost melodic, as soft pillows of gnocchi floated gently to the surface. The first spoonful felt like a hug in a bowl — smoky, savory, and perfectly creamy. The tender chicken combined with crisp bacon bits and the delicate chew of gnocchi made the combination irresistible.
Over time, this Easy Chicken Bacon Gnocchi Soup became more than just a meal. It became part of our family’s cold-weather ritual — a dish that brought everyone to the table with smiles and eager appetites. There’s something special about that warm bowl in your hands while laughter and conversation swirl around you. Every time I make it, I’m reminded that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. With simple ingredients and love, this Easy Chicken Bacon Gnocchi Soup captures everything we crave on a chilly night — warmth, flavor, and pure coziness.
Print
Easy Chicken Bacon Gnocchi Soup
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This creamy, hearty soup features tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and crispy bacon in a savory broth. It’s an easy homemade comfort food perfect for cozy nights.
Ingredients
Instructions
1. Cook bacon in a large pot over medium heat until crispy, then transfer to paper towels and leave rendered fat in the pot.
2. Sauté butter, onion, carrots, and celery in the bacon fat until vegetables are soft, then add garlic and cook until fragrant.
3. Stir in flour and cook for one minute to form a roux, then gradually whisk in chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
4. Add shredded chicken and gnocchi, simmer until gnocchi float to the surface and are tender.
5. Pour in heavy cream, add thyme, salt, and pepper, and simmer until the soup is creamy and flavors meld.
6. Stir in spinach until wilted and return most of the bacon to the pot, reserving some for garnish.
7. Ladle soup into bowls, top with remaining bacon and Parmesan if desired, and serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: soup
- Method: stovetop
- Cuisine: american
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Unsaturated Fat: 8
- Trans Fat: 0.5
- Carbohydrates: 20
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 18
- Cholesterol: 60
Keywords: easy chicken bacon gnocchi soup, homemade chicken gnocchi soup, gnocchi soup, comfort food soup, creamy soup, bacon soup, chicken soup
Why Homemade Chicken Gnocchi Soup Became My Family’s Favorite
While we’ve tried plenty of soups over the years, none captured hearts quite like this Homemade Chicken Gnocchi Soup. The first time I prepared it, the creamy texture and layers of flavor impressed everyone — even the picky eaters. The smoky bacon played perfectly against the mild chicken, while the soft gnocchi gave every bite a satisfying richness. Since then, this soup has earned its place as our go-to comfort favorite.
What makes it special is its balance of simplicity and indulgence. It feels like something you’d order from your favorite café, yet it takes minimal effort to create at home. The creaminess never overpowers the savory notes; instead, everything blends harmoniously into a velvety, crave-worthy bowl. On busy weeknights, or on slow weekends when the world feels quiet, this Homemade Chicken Gnocchi Soup always hits the spot.
For anyone searching for that perfect comfort dish — something that’s filling, family-friendly, and easy to make — this recipe truly delivers. It embodies the essence of homemade cooking: real ingredients, flavorful broth, and the kind of warmth that lingers long after the bowls are empty.
Ingredients and Preparation for the Best Chicken Bacon Gnocchi Soup
Simple Ingredients That Make All the Difference
Creating the perfect bowl of Chicken Bacon Gnocchi Soup starts with choosing ingredients that complement each other’s textures and flavors. This recipe uses everyday staples but combines them in a way that produces a rich, creamy soup that tastes like it came from a café kitchen. Below is a simple guide to everything you’ll need, alongside helpful notes and substitutions.
| Ingredient | Measurement | Notes & Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Bacon | 6–8 slices | Use thick‑cut bacon for maximum flavor; turkey bacon works for a lighter version. |
| Cooked Chicken | 2 cups, shredded | Rotisserie chicken saves time; leftover roasted chicken works beautifully. |
| Potato Gnocchi | 16 oz (1 lb) | Use shelf‑stable or refrigerated gnocchi; for gluten‑free, pick a certified GF brand. |
| Butter | 2 tbsp | Olive oil can replace butter for dairy‑free options. |
| Onion | 1 medium, diced | Yellow or white onion gives the best sweetness. |
| Garlic | 3 cloves, minced | Fresh garlic adds depth; adjust to your taste. |
| Carrots | 2 medium, diced | Adds color and mild sweetness. |
| Celery | 2 stalks, diced | Balances richness and adds crunch early in cooking. |
| All‑Purpose Flour | 2 tbsp | Substitute with gluten‑free all‑purpose flour if needed. |
| Chicken Broth | 4 cups | Use low‑sodium broth to control salt; homemade adds extra depth. |
| Heavy Cream | 1 cup | Half‑and‑half or coconut cream (for dairy‑free) can be used. |
| Spinach | 2 cups, fresh | Kale works as a heartier alternative. |
| Salt & Pepper | To taste | Always season gradually and taste as you go. |
| Fresh Thyme | 1 tsp | Optional, but brings out earthy, aromatic notes. |
| Parmesan Cheese | Optional garnish | Adds a sharp, nutty finishing touch. |
When assembled with care, these ingredients yield a Chicken Bacon Gnocchi Soup that’s hearty yet elegant—perfect for cozy dinners or quick family meals.
Step‑by‑Step Preparation and Cooking Tips
A delicious bowl of Homemade Chicken Gnocchi Soup doesn’t require professional skills—just the right process. Follow these clear, simple steps for best results:
- Cook the Bacon: Place the bacon slices in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Let them render slowly until crisp, about 6–8 minutes. Remove and set aside, leaving a spoonful of rendered fat in the pot.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Melt butter, then add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté 4–5 minutes until fragrant. Stir in garlic for another 30 seconds.
- Build the Base: Sprinkle flour, stir 1 minute, then whisk in broth gradually until slightly thickened.
- Add Chicken and Gnocchi: Stir in shredded chicken and gnocchi. Simmer 5 minutes until the gnocchi rises to the surface.
- Make It Creamy: Add cream, thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer 4–6 minutes until silky and well‑blended.
- Finish with Greens and Bacon: Add spinach to wilt. Stir in most bacon, reserving some for garnish.
- Serve and Enjoy: Ladle into bowls; top with remaining bacon and Parmesan.
- Use pre‑cooked chicken to cut down prep time.
- If too thick after cooling, add more broth or cream.
- Add nutmeg or smoked paprika for depth.
- Blend a portion before adding greens for extra creaminess.
With these straightforward steps, anyone—from novice cooks to experienced food lovers—can create this comforting Homemade Chicken Gnocchi Soup with ease.
Serving, Storing, and Pairing Ideas for Delicious Soup Recipes
How to Serve Your Delicious Chicken Bacon Gnocchi Soup
Once your pot of creamy Chicken Bacon Gnocchi Soup is ready, presentation becomes the final touch that transforms it into a comforting, restaurant‑style experience. With a few small details, you can elevate every bowl and impress the family.
Ladle the hot soup into deep bowls so the fluffy gnocchi and chicken pieces peek through. Crumble over reserved bacon, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan, and finish with a pinch of chopped parsley or baby spinach for color. The melted cheese on the surface gives that irresistible, glossy finish.
Pair your soup with crusty bread or buttery garlic toast to soak up the creamy broth. Add a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance richness. For those who enjoy exploring Delicious Soup Recipes, serve this soup in small ramekins as an appetizer at gatherings. With candlelight and chilled white wine, it feels special yet delightfully simple.
Storing Leftovers and Reheating for Best Results
One of the best parts about this easy recipe is how well it keeps. That means you can enjoy the comforting taste of Homemade Chicken Gnocchi Soup all week long with minimal effort.
- Refrigeration: Cool and store in airtight containers up to 3–4 days. Add a splash of cream or broth when reheating to restore texture.
- Freezing: Freeze before adding cream and spinach; reheat and finish those steps later for a fresh texture. Lasts 2 months frozen.
- Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop over medium‑low heat, stirring often. Avoid boiling to keep the cream smooth.
Creative Leftover Ideas: Reduce leftovers to a sauce for pasta or baked chicken, or use as a base for casseroles topped with breadcrumbs or cheese.
These simple storage and reheating steps keep your Delicious Soup Recipes tasting fresh, creamy, and homemade—not to mention wonderfully comforting on any day of the week.
FAQ + Conclusion
Common Questions About Easy Chicken Bacon Gnocchi Soup
Can you use store‑bought gnocchi for this Easy Chicken Bacon Gnocchi Soup?
Yes. Shelf‑stable or refrigerated gnocchi are perfect time‑savers that absorb the creamy broth beautifully.
How long does Chicken Bacon Gnocchi Soup last in the fridge?
Stored in airtight containers, it keeps 4 days. Stir in extra broth or cream while reheating to restore the consistency.
Can I make this recipe gluten‑free?
Absolutely—use gluten‑free gnocchi and flour. The remaining ingredients in this Homemade Chicken Gnocchi Soup are naturally gluten‑free.
What can I use instead of bacon?
Try turkey bacon or smoked sausage. For a vegetarian option, omit bacon and add smoked paprika or liquid smoke for flavor.
Bringing Comfort to Every Bowl
Few dishes capture cozy home cooking like this Easy Chicken Bacon Gnocchi Soup. Each spoonful combines creamy broth, tender chicken, and crisp bacon nestled with pillowy gnocchi—a warm, fragrant blend that brings people together.
What makes it one of the Best Soup Recipes is its heartwarming simplicity. It’s adaptable for any diet or occasion and always feels like comfort served in a bowl. Whether made for a quiet night in or shared with guests, it’s pure homemade happiness.
As you garnish your bowls with Parmesan and that final sprinkle of bacon, remember that comfort food only needs good ingredients and care. This Easy Chicken Bacon Gnocchi Soup delivers both—creamy, smoky, and utterly satisfying every time.













