Creamy Chicken Bacon Gnocchi Soup for Busy Weeknights

This rich, creamy soup blends pillowy gnocchi, tender shredded chicken, and smoky bacon in a silky broth. It’s warm, comforting, and just the kind of dish that makes your kitchen smell like heaven on a rainy day. The texture is creamy with soft gnocchi and crunchy bacon bits on top simple but satisfying.

Top reasons to make it: it’s quick, uses leftover chicken and pantry staples, and the whole family usually asks for seconds. If you need another cozy chicken option, try this Marry Me Chicken Soup for a different twist.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ready in about 30 minutes perfect for weeknights.
• Uses simple ingredients you likely already have.
• Great for using leftover cooked chicken.
• Crowd-pleaser that’s easy to double for meal prep.

Ingredients

For the Soup

• 1 package gnocchi, store-bought or fresh
• 2 cups cooked leftover chicken, shredded
• 6 strips bacon, chopped
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Topping

• Fresh parsley for garnish of Creamy Chicken Bacon Gnocchi Soup

Step-by-Step Instructions of Creamy Chicken Bacon Gnocchi Soup

1. Cook the bacon in a large pot over medium heat until crisp; remove with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the pot.
2. Sauté the chopped onion in the bacon fat until soft and translucent, about 4–5 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook 30 seconds, until fragrant.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and stir in the shredded chicken and Italian seasoning; bring to a gentle simmer.
5. Add the gnocchi and cook according to package directions (usually 2–4 minutes) until they float and are tender.
6. Stir in the heavy cream and simmer 2–3 minutes more to warm through; do not boil hard once cream is added.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then ladle into bowls and top with the crisp bacon and chopped parsley.
8. Serve hot and enjoy.

Tips for Success

• Crisp the bacon well for texture contrast; drain on paper towels before topping the soup.
• Use full-fat heavy cream for the creamiest, richest finish.
• Don’t overcook the gnocchi they cook fast and turn mushy if left too long.

Substitutions & Variations of Creamy Chicken Bacon Gnocchi Soup

To Make It Vegan/Gluten-Free:

• For vegan: use dairy-free cream (oat or cashew cream) and replace bacon with smoked tempeh; use vegan gnocchi or potato dumplings.
• For gluten-free: choose certified gluten-free gnocchi or swap for gluten-free pasta or rice.

Variations:

• Stir in a handful of baby spinach or kale at the end for color and nutrients.
• Add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or a spoonful of pesto to change the flavor profile.
• Swap Italian seasoning for a pinch of smoked paprika for extra smoky warmth.

Storage Instructions of Creamy Chicken Bacon Gnocchi Soup

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently on the stove to avoid breaking down the cream too much.

Freezer: Soup with cream and gnocchi doesn’t freeze well (texture changes). If you must, freeze the broth and chicken only for up to 3 months; thaw and add fresh cream and gnocchi when reheating.

Make-Ahead: Cook the bacon and shred the chicken ahead of time. Chop the onion and garlic a day ahead to save 10–15 minutes when you’re ready to cook.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) of Creamy Chicken Bacon Gnocchi Soup

Can I use raw chicken instead of leftover cooked chicken?
Yes. Add bite-sized raw chicken to the pot with the broth and simmer until cooked through before adding gnocchi.

What if I don’t have heavy cream?
Use half-and-half for a lighter soup, but the texture will be a bit thinner. For a dairy-free option, use a thick oat or cashew cream.

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
You can, but add the gnocchi only in the last 30 minutes to avoid mushy results. Finish with cream and crisp the bacon separately to top.

Conclusion

This Creamy Chicken Bacon Gnocchi Soup is a quick, feel-good meal that turns leftover chicken and a few pantry items into something special. It’s creamy, smoky, and perfect for busy nights when you want comfort without fuss. Try it, leave a comment, and drop a star rating to let others know how it turned out your kitchen will thank you.

Creamy Chicken Bacon Gnocchi Soup

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A rich, creamy soup blending gnocchi, shredded chicken, and smoky bacon in a silky broth for a cozy dinner.

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

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• 1 package gnocchi, store-bought or fresh
• 2 cups cooked leftover chicken, shredded
• 6 strips bacon, chopped
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. Cook the bacon in a large pot over medium heat until crisp; remove with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the pot.
2. Sauté the chopped onion in the bacon fat until soft and translucent, about 4–5 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook 30 seconds, until fragrant.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and stir in the shredded chicken and Italian seasoning; bring to a gentle simmer.
5. Add the gnocchi and cook according to package directions (usually 2–4 minutes) until they float and are tender.
6. Stir in the heavy cream and simmer 2–3 minutes more to warm through; do not boil hard once cream is added.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then ladle into bowls and top with the crisp bacon and chopped parsley.
8. Serve hot and enjoy.

Notes

Crisp the bacon well for texture contrast; drain on paper towels before topping the soup. Use full-fat heavy cream for the richest finish.

• Author: soukaina
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Paleo