The Ultimate Pesto Chicken and Gnocchi Soup: A Flavorful Family Favorite

Welcome to a culinary journey that brings together some of the most beloved ingredients into one comforting bowl: Pesto Chicken and Gnocchi Soup. This particular rendition stands out among many versions I’ve experimented with, consistently earning its spot as a household favorite. It’s not just a recipe; it’s an experience that’s incredibly easy to prepare, exceptionally delicious, and bursting with vibrant flavors that will warm you from the inside out.

Imagine tender, savory chicken mingling with soft, pillowy gnocchi, all swimming in a rich, creamy broth infused with the aromatic essence of pesto. This soup is designed for maximum flavor with minimal fuss, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend dinner. Its wholesome ingredients and comforting texture make it universally appealing, perfect for gathering family and friends around the table.

Why This Pesto Chicken and Gnocchi Soup Will Become Your Go-To Recipe

There are countless reasons why this Pesto Chicken and Gnocchi Soup has earned its top spot. First and foremost, its simplicity. We all crave delicious homemade meals, but time often works against us. This recipe understands that, offering a straightforward cooking process that doesn’t compromise on taste. From the sautéing of fresh vegetables to the final stir of pesto, each step is intuitive and rewarding.

Beyond its ease, the flavor profile is simply unparalleled. The combination of savory chicken, earthy vegetables, and the bright, herbaceous kick of pesto creates a symphony of tastes that excites the palate. The gnocchi adds a delightful chewiness, absorbing the rich broth and contributing to the soup’s incredibly satisfying texture. It’s a complete meal in one bowl, offering warmth, nourishment, and a touch of gourmet flair without the complexity.

This recipe is also incredibly versatile, allowing for minor adjustments to suit your preferences or what you have on hand. Whether you’re looking for a hearty meal to combat a chilly evening or a flavorful way to utilize leftover chicken, this Pesto Chicken and Gnocchi Soup is the answer. It truly embodies what comfort food should be: accessible, delicious, and deeply satisfying.

Mastering Meal Prep and Savory Leftovers

One of the many benefits of this Pesto Chicken and Gnocchi Soup is its potential for fantastic leftovers. I often recommend doubling the recipe, not just for an extra cozy meal, but to ensure you have enough for lunches throughout the week. Having a ready-to-heat, wholesome meal can be a game-changer for busy schedules.

However, a crucial tip for preserving the best texture in your leftovers, especially concerning the gnocchi, is to store the soup and gnocchi separately. Gnocchi, like many pasta types, can absorb too much liquid and become overly soft or “funky” in texture if left to soak in the soup for an extended period in the refrigerator. To avoid this, simply cook the gnocchi according to package directions, drain it, and then store it in a separate airtight container from the main soup broth.

When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheat the soup gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Once the soup is warm, add the pre-cooked gnocchi directly into individual bowls, and then ladle the hot soup over the top. This method ensures that the gnocchi retains its ideal tender-chewy texture, providing a fresh-tasting experience every time. If you personally don’t mind a softer gnocchi, or if you plan to consume all the soup within a day, then by all means, let them mingle in the fridge! This preference also extends to other pasta varieties I use in soups; separating them for storage is a habit I’ve adopted for the best possible outcome, but always feel free to adjust to your family’s tastes and needs.

Ingredient Spotlight: What Makes This Soup Shine

The magic of this Pesto Chicken and Gnocchi Soup lies in its thoughtfully selected ingredients, each playing a vital role in creating its irresistible flavor and texture:

• Butter: The foundation of our flavorful broth, butter provides a rich base for sautéing our aromatic vegetables.
• Carrots, Celery, and Onion (Mirepoix): This classic trio forms the aromatic backbone of the soup, adding sweetness, depth, and a comforting fragrance as they soften.
• Garlic: A single clove of minced garlic is all it takes to infuse the soup with its pungent, savory notes, elevating the overall flavor profile.
• All-Purpose Flour: Used as a thickening agent, the flour creates a roux with the butter, giving the soup a creamy body and luxurious consistency.
• Chicken Broth: The primary liquid component, chicken broth lends its savory essence to the soup, acting as a perfect canvas for the other flavors.
• Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup: This secret ingredient adds an extra layer of creaminess and a boost of chicken flavor, making the broth incredibly smooth and rich without much effort.
• Cooked Chicken: The star protein! You can use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for a quick meal, or cook and shred chicken breasts or thighs specifically for the soup. Its tenderness pairs beautifully with the other ingredients.
• Gnocchi: These delightful potato dumplings provide a unique, soft, and chewy texture that sets this soup apart. They soak up the flavors of the broth, becoming little pillows of comfort.
• Packed Spinach: A vibrant addition that not only boosts the nutritional value but also adds a touch of freshness and color. It wilts beautifully into the hot soup, becoming tender and barely noticeable for picky eaters.
• Pesto Sauce: The namesake and flavor powerhouse! Pesto, with its blend of basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan, and olive oil, introduces a bright, herbaceous, and savory depth that is absolutely essential to this soup’s character. Adjust to your taste for a subtle hint or a bold statement.

Customizing Your Pesto Chicken Gnocchi Soup

While the recipe is perfect as is, it also offers wonderful opportunities for customization. Feel free to experiment with different additions to make it uniquely yours:

• Vegetable Boost: Enhance the nutritional content and flavor by adding extra vegetables. Consider diced zucchini, chopped kale (added with the spinach), or even a handful of frozen peas or corn during the last few minutes of simmering.
• Cheese Please: A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese or a dollop of ricotta stirred in at the end can add an extra layer of creaminess and tang.
• Spice It Up: For those who enjoy a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can be added with the garlic.
• Herbal Freshness: Fresh basil or parsley, chopped and stirred in right before serving, can brighten the flavors even further.
• Protein Swaps: While chicken is classic, cooked turkey or even Italian sausage could offer interesting variations. For a vegetarian option, simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth, perhaps adding white beans or chickpeas for protein.

Serving Suggestions for a Complete Meal

This Pesto Chicken and Gnocchi Soup is quite hearty on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a few simple accompaniments to create a truly memorable meal:

• Crusty Bread: A warm, crusty baguette or focaccia is perfect for soaking up every last drop of the delicious broth.
• Side Salad: A light, crisp green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the soup.
• Garlic Bread: Homemade or store-bought garlic bread adds another layer of savory goodness.

Other Recipes You May Enjoy

If you’ve fallen in love with the flavors of pesto and gnocchi, you’ll definitely want to explore these other delightful recipes:

• Gnocchi with Pesto Cream
• Homemade Potato Gnocchi
• Crispy Pesto Gnocchi with Tomatoes, Black Olives and Feta Cheese
• Gnocchi and Meatball Bake
• Pesto Eggs

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Servings:

8
servings

Pesto Chicken and Gnocchi Soup

By
Jamie Sherman

Today’s recipe combines some of my family’s favorite ingredients – pesto sauce, chicken and gnocchi! This version is easy, delicious and full of flavor!

Prep:

20
mins

Cook:

35
mins

Total:

55
mins

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Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 1 rib celery, chopped
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 carton chicken broth, 32 oz.
• 1 can condensed cream of chicken soup, undiluted, 10 3/4 oz.
• 1 – 1 ½ pounds cooked chicken, chopped
• 1 package gnocchi, 16 oz.
• 1 cup packed spinach, chopped
• 1 – 2 tablespoons pesto sauce , or to taste

Instructions

1. Melt butter in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the carrots, celery, and onion. Sauté for 4-5 minutes, or until the vegetables begin to soften. Stir in the minced garlic and continue to sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Sprinkle in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute to create a roux. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and condensed cream of chicken soup until smooth. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and allow to simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld and the vegetables to become tender.
2. Meanwhile, while the soup is simmering, cook the gnocchi according to the package directions. Typically, this involves boiling them in salted water until they float to the surface (usually 2-3 minutes). Drain thoroughly. Once the soup has simmered, add the cooked, chopped chicken and the packed spinach to the pot. Continue to cook, stirring gently, until the chicken is heated through and the spinach has wilted completely, usually about 3-5 minutes. Finally, stir in the pesto sauce until well combined. Add the cooked and drained gnocchi to the soup, stirring gently to incorporate. Heat through for another minute or two.
3. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

• For best results with leftovers, store the remaining soup and cooked gnocchi separately in airtight containers. This prevents the gnocchi from becoming overly soft or mushy. When reheating, warm the soup, then add the gnocchi to individual bowls before ladling the hot soup over them.
• The amount of pesto can be adjusted to your personal taste. Start with 1 tablespoon and add more if you prefer a stronger pesto flavor.
• If you like a thinner soup, you can add a splash more chicken broth when simmering.

Nutrition

Calories: 235kcal,
Carbohydrates: 9g,
Protein: 23g,
Fat: 11g,
Saturated Fat: 4g,
Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g,
Monounsaturated Fat: 4g,
Trans Fat: 0.1g,
Cholesterol: 75mg,
Sodium: 390mg,
Potassium: 315mg,
Fiber: 1g,
Sugar: 1g,
Vitamin A: 3152IU,
Vitamin C: 3mg,
Calcium: 33mg,
Iron: 2mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.

Originally published on November 22, 2012. Updated on April 21, 2021.