This easy creamy chicken gnocchi soup is a comforting, rich dish perfect for a cozy winter day. Combining tender chicken, soft gnocchi, and a flavorful Parmesan broth, it’s a delicious twist on classic chicken soup that’s sure to impress.
1cupdry white winee.g., Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc
2tablespoonsfresh thyme leavesplus more for serving
2bay leaves
1teaspoonpaprika
½teaspooncrushed red pepper flakes
1Parmesan rind
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
116-ounce box mini potato gnocchi
½cupgrated Parmesan cheeseplus more for serving
¾cupwhole milk or heavy cream
For Sautéing and Garnish:
2tablespoonsextra-virgin olive oil
2poundsmixed mushroomsroughly torn
4garlic clovessmashed
4tablespoonssalted butter
Zest of 1 lemon
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Instructions
Slow Cooker Method (5 to 6 hours)
Place the chicken, onion, carrots, chicken broth, white wine, 1 tablespoon of thyme, bay leaves, paprika, red pepper flakes, and Parmesan rind into your slow cooker. Season generously with salt and pepper. Cover and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours until the chicken is tender and easy to shred.
When about 30 minutes remain, stir in the gnocchi, grated Parmesan, and milk. Discard the Parmesan rind and bay leaves.
Use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker, ensuring it mixes well with the soup.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over high heat, sauté the mushrooms until golden and caramelized, then reduce the heat to medium. Add garlic, butter, thyme, and lemon zest, and cook for an additional 3 to 5 minutes until fragrant.
Add the mushroom mixture to the soup, stir thoroughly, and ladle the soup into bowls. Top with Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh thyme.
Pressure Cooker Method (10 minutes)
Add chicken, onion, carrots, broth, white wine, 1 tablespoon thyme, bay leaves, paprika, red pepper flakes, and Parmesan rind to your pressure cooker. Season with salt and pepper. Secure the lid and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. Release pressure naturally or manually.
Open the lid and stir in the gnocchi, Parmesan cheese, and milk. Use the sauté function to heat the soup until the gnocchi is fully cooked and the soup is creamy. Remove the Parmesan rind and bay leaves.
Shred the chicken in the pot using forks, then stir it back into the soup.
In a pan, cook the mushrooms with olive oil until golden, add garlic, butter, thyme, and lemon zest, and cook until fragrant. Add this mixture to the soup.
Serve hot with Parmesan and fresh thyme on top.
Stovetop Method (45 minutes)
Heat olive oil in a large pot over high heat. Add the mushrooms and cook undisturbed for about 5 minutes until caramelized. Stir and cook an additional 3 to 5 minutes. Lower the heat, then add garlic, butter, thyme, and lemon zest. Stir well and set the mushrooms aside.
In the same pot, combine chicken, onion, carrots, chicken broth, white wine, 1 tablespoon thyme, bay leaves, paprika, red pepper flakes, and Parmesan rind. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Take out the chicken, shred it with forks, and return it to the pot.
Stir in gnocchi, grated Parmesan, and milk, and cook for another 5 minutes until everything is heated through and the soup thickens slightly. Discard the Parmesan rind and bay leaves.
Stir in the sautéed mushrooms and mix thoroughly. Serve in bowls topped with Parmesan and thyme.
Notes
For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free gnocchi and ensure the broth is gluten-free.
Adjust spice levels by increasing or reducing red pepper flakes.
Mini gnocchi are recommended for this recipe, but regular gnocchi can also work.