Smoky Bacon Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup (video)

several bowls of creamy chicken soup on a table

Seriously, the best chicken gnocchi soup you’ll ever have! This incredible creamy chicken soup is an instant hit with everyone, even kids! My smoky bacon creamy chicken gnocchi soup is made with bacon bits and smoked paprika to add that smoky flavor; lots of parmesan cheese; cream, garlic, spinach and more! You’ll love it from the first bite!

My Chicken Gnocchi Soup Video Tutorial

Watch my YouTube chicken gnocchi soup video tutorial for step-by-step instructions for the best soup ever! Want to stay up to date on new recipes? Make sure to subscribe to my website emailing list and my YouTube channel and turn on notifications!

Ingredients for Bacon Creamy Chicken Soup

You’ll love the simple ingredients that go into this chicken gnocchi soup recipe! Everything comes together so well and tastes incredible! Here are the main ingredients you’ll need:

  • Chicken Breast: I used two large chicken breasts, but you can also use chicken thigh. Cube the chicken into small pieces so it cooks faster.
  • Gnocchi: I like to use fresh, handmade gnocchi for this recipe but packaged gnocchi will also work well. Check out the pasta bar at Whole Foods for fresh gnocchi!
  • Spinach: I love having tons of fresh spinach in this soup. You can also use frozen spinach.
  • White Wine: adding a little bit of white wine helps balance the richness of the bacon and the cream. Use a dry white wine (not sweet) such as pinot grigio, sauvignon blanc or chardonnay. You can also use cooking wine but make sure to adjust the salt in the recipe.
  • Chicken Broth: while you can make your own chicken broth from scratch, store-bought broth works great, too!
  • Parmesan Cheese: a must for this soup! I like to add some into the soup and for each serving.
  • Smoked Bacon: the more bacon, the better! Bacon adds so much amazing smoky flavor to this chicken gnocchi soup!
  • Smoked Paprika: add this smoked spice for adding even more smoky flavor.
  • Whole Milk & Cream: using whole milk and cream will make the soup rich, extra creamy and flavorful. You can also use unsweetened, plant-based milks such as coconut milk.
  • All-Purpose Flour: for thickening the soup.
a bowl of chicken gnocchi soup on a table with salt and pepper shakers

Substituting the White Wine

While I love to add wine into this recipe, I recognize that not everyone cooks with wine.

To replace the wine, simply use more chicken broth and add 2 tablespoons of lemon juice. Add the lemon juice, along with the chicken broth, in the recipe when you need to add the wine. Don’t add the lemon juice too late, otherwise it can cause the milk and cream to separate!

What Types of Chicken Can I Use?

This creamy chicken soup can be made with a variety of chicken. You can even make your own, homemade chicken broth. Check out my ‘Chicken Noodle Soup’ for those instructions.

  • I like to use boneless, skinless chicken breast or chicken thigh for this recipe. Cube the chicken into small pieces so the chicken cooks faster.
  • Another option is using cooked chicken, or rotisserie chicken. Simply cube the cooked chicken and add it into the soup, along with gnocchi and spinach to reheat it.
several bowls of smoky bacon chicken gnocchi soup on a table, with bread

How to Make Smoky Bacon Chicken Gnocchi Soup

I love how EASY this creamy chicken soup is to make! It’s a true, one-pot dinner recipe that you can have ready in no time! Here’s how I put this soup together:

  1. Start by preparing all your ingredients. Chop the onions, carrots, garlic and cube the chicken, etc. Also, prepare the fresh herbs.
  2. Preheat a large soup pot over medium heat and add in the diced bacon bits. Render the bacon over medium heat until it’s golden and crispy around the edges. Next, add in the butter. I like to use a high-quality, salted butter since it adds great flavor!
  3. Next, add in the diced onion, sliced carrots and diced celery. Saute this mixture over medium heat for about 5 minutes, until the onion is translucent. Add in the garlic next and cook for another minute. Add in the fresh thyme, fresh rosemary and the white wine.
  4. Reduce the white wine for a few minutes, until almost all the liquids are evaporated. Season the mixture with salt, ground black pepper and smoked paprika. Add in the flour and stir until the flour is well incorporated.
  5. Next, begin adding the chicken broth. Add about 2 cups and allow the broth to thicken for a few minutes, then add the remaining broth. Add the cubed chicken breast/thigh into the soup, cover the pot with a lid, and allow the soup to come to a boil.
  6. Simmer the soup for about 7 to 9 minutes, until the chicken is thoroughly cooked. Add in the spinach and gnocchi next. Cook for 2 to 4 minutes, depending on the gnocchi cooking time, per package instructions.
  7. Last, pour in the whole milk and the cream. Add in the grated parmesan cheese and the fresh parsley. Allow the soup to come up to a simmer, then remove it from the heat. Allow the soup to stand for about 15 to 20 minutes to thicken.
several bowls of smoky chicken gnocchi soup on a table, with bread and salt shakers

Serving Chicken Gnocchi Soup

You’re going to want to dig right into this aromatic and mouthwatering bacon chicken gnocchi soup! The smoky aroma is amazing!! For serving, I like to add even more grated parmesan cheese over the top, along with a sprinkle of ground black pepper, smoked paprika and fresh parsley. Serve the soup with warm garlic bread or garlic breadsticks on the side!

Reheating Instructions

If you have any leftovers, keep them covered and refrigerated. I recommend reheating this creamy soup on the stove top. Reheat it over medium heat, stirring often, until the soup comes up to a simmer. Simmer for a few minutes, then enjoy!

More Recipes!

Enjoyed this smoky bacon creamy chicken gnocchi soup recipe? Make sure to check out some of my other recipes you’re sure to enjoy!

  • Lemon Orzo Chicken Soup – cozy, creamy chicken soup with pasta, lemon zesty, and fresh herbs!
  • Creamy Chicken Stew – the best recipe for cozy and creamy chicken stew with bacon bits, white wine, and parmesan cheese! A flavor explosion!
  • The Best Chicken Noodle Soup – my favorite recipe for this classic dish! You’ll love this hearty and warming soup with homemade chicken broth and noodles!
  • Chicken, Kale & Sweet Potato Soup – this chicken soup is perfect for fall, with fresh herbs, sweet potatoes and leafy kale!
  • Smoked Salmon Chowder – my favorite recipe for smoky salmon chowder with gnocchi, bacon bits, corn and more! Extra creamy, too!

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5 from 12 votes

Smoky Bacon Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe (video)

30 minutes prep + 30 minutes cook
8 servings
The most delicious creamy chicken gnocchi soup with bacon bits, smoked paprika, cream and loads of cheese!

Ingredients 

  • 8 to 10 slices smoked bacon, diced
  • 1 1/2 tbsp butter, salted or unsalted
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 3 large carrots, sliced
  • 2 sticks celery, diced
  • 6 to 8 garlic cloves, finely minced
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine, or chicken broth + 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp fresh thyme
  • 1 tbsp fresh chopped rosemary
  • 2 tsp sea salt
  • 1 tsp ground black pepper
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 1 1/2 lbs skinless chicken breast, cubed, or chicken thigh
  • 1 lb gnocchi
  • 5 oz fresh baby spinach, or frozen
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup cream, or half-and-half
  • 2 cups grated parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp fresh chopped parsley
  • additional cheese, for serving
  • bread, for serving

Instructions

  • Preheat a large soup pot over medium heat and add in the diced bacon bits. Render the bacon over medium heat until it’s golden and crispy around the edges. Next, add in the butter. I like to use a high-quality, salted butter since it adds great flavor!
  • Next, add in the diced onion, sliced carrots and diced celery. Sauté this mixture over medium heat for about 5 minutes, until the onion is translucent. Add in the garlic next and cook for another minute. Add in the fresh thyme, fresh rosemary and the white wine.
  • Reduce the white wine for a few minutes, until almost all the liquids are evaporated. Season the mixture with salt, ground black pepper and smoked paprika. Add in the flour and stir until the flour is well incorporated.
  • Next, begin adding the chicken broth. Add about2 cups and allow the broth to thicken for a few minutes, then add the remaining broth. Add the cubed chicken breast/thigh into the soup, cover the pot with a lid, and allow the soup to come to a boil.
  • Simmer the soup for about 7 to 9 minutes, until the chicken is thoroughly cooked. Add in the spinach and gnocchi next. Cook for2 to 4 minutes, depending on the gnocchi cooking time, per package instructions.
  • Last, pour in the whole milk and the cream. Add in the grated parmesan cheese and the fresh parsley. Allow the soup to come up to a simmer, then remove it from the heat. Allow the soup to stand for about 15to 20 minutes to thicken.
  • For serving, I like to add even more grated parmesan cheese over the top, along with a sprinkle of ground black pepper, smoked paprika and fresh parsley. Serve the soup with warm garlic bread or garlic breadsticks on the side!

Nutrition

Calories: 617kcal | Carbohydrates: 37g | Protein: 38g | Fat: 34g | Saturated Fat: 17g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 143mg | Sodium: 2145mg | Potassium: 918mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 7323IU | Vitamin C: 25mg | Calcium: 441mg | Iron: 4mg