Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup with Bacon and Kale

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This creamy chicken gnocchi soup has pillowy potato gnocchi, tender chicken, chopped kale, and crispy bacon in a rich Parmesan broth. It’s the kind of dinner I want when soup season rolls around, especially with a side of crusty bread to soak up what’s left in the bowl.

The bacon pulls double duty here. A little bacon grease flavors the chicken and onion as they cook, then the crispy bacon goes on top right before serving. The smoked paprika adds another layer of smoky flavor, and the kale holds up well in the creamy broth.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Gnocchi Soup

• Everything cooks in one pot. Cook the bacon first, then use the same pot for the chicken, gnocchi, and broth.
• The gnocchi cooks right in the soup. Those small dumplings soak up the flavorful broth as they simmer.
• The toppings make the bowl. Salty bacon and extra Parmesan cheese give each serving a little crunch and extra savory flavor.

What You’ll Need

You’ll find the exact amounts in the recipe card below. Here’s what to look for at the grocery store and where you can make a few swaps.

Bacon

Dice eight slices into small pieces before cooking. Smoky bacon gives the soup its best flavor, and the homemade bacon bits stay crisp when you add them at the table.

Chicken

Use boneless skinless chicken breasts or boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces. Thighs are a good choice if you like dark meat.

Yellow Onion and Seasonings

A diced yellow onion, smoked paprika, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper season the chicken. Italian seasoning can stand in for the oregano if that’s what you have.

Chicken Broth and Heavy Cream

Chicken stock works in place of chicken broth, and heavy whipping cream works in place of heavy cream. These give the soup a rich base that coats the gnocchi.

Potato Gnocchi

Store-bought gnocchi keeps this easy. If you make your own gnocchi, you can use homemade gnocchi here too. Start checking it early since the cooking time can vary.

Kale and Parmesan Cheese

Strip away the tough kale stems before chopping the leaves. Grate the Parmesan and save a little extra for serving.

How to Make Chicken Gnocchi Soup with Bacon and Kale

Cook the Bacon

Set a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Cook the diced bacon until crisp, then scoop it out and set it aside. Leave a little bacon grease in the pot for the onion and chicken.

Cook the Onion and Chicken

Add the diced onion and chicken to the pot. Season with smoked paprika, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring as needed, until the chicken is cooked through. Scoop out the chicken and onion and set them aside.

Simmer the Gnocchi

Add the chicken broth, heavy cream, and gnocchi to the pot. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for about 5 minutes or until the gnocchi is tender. Use the package directions as a guide and taste one to check.

Add the Kale, Chicken, and Parmesan

Remove the lid and stir in the chopped kale. Once the kale is tender, return the chicken and onion to the pot. Turn the heat to low and stir in the grated Parmesan until it melts.

Top with Crispy Bacon and Serve

Ladle the soup into bowls and top each one with crispy bacon and extra Parmesan.

Easy Swaps and Add-Ins

Use leftover chicken. Rotisserie chicken or other pre-cooked chicken is a great way to make this soup on a busy night. Cook the onion and seasonings in the bacon grease, then stir the cooked chicken in after the kale is tender and heat it through. If you’re using leftover bacon too, a little olive oil works for cooking the onion.

Swap the greens. Fresh spinach or baby spinach can take the place of kale. Stir it in near the end since it only needs enough time to wilt. If you want a bigger mix of vegetables, try diced carrots with the onion or a handful of chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy bite.

Change up the cream. For a lighter broth, try half cream and half whole milk. Regular milk on its own will give you a thinner soup. If you’re experimenting with a dairy-free version, unsweetened cashew cream, full-fat coconut milk, or unsweetened coconut cream are options to try. Coconut will change the flavor, and you’ll also need to swap the Parmesan and check the gnocchi ingredients.

Try a different flavor next time. Fresh herbs like parsley or fresh thyme are good on top. A bay leaf can go into the broth while the gnocchi simmers. Pull it out before serving. For a heartier variation, brown some Italian sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat and stir it in with the kale.

What to Serve with Chicken Gnocchi Soup

A bowl of creamy soup and a side of crusty bread make an easy dinner. If you want something fresh alongside it, a nice side salad with a simple vinaigrette balances the rich broth. And if chicken noodle soup is already in your regular rotation, this is a comforting soup to make when you want something a little creamier.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Refrigerate leftovers promptly in an airtight container. Store any extra bacon separately so you can add it after reheating. The gnocchi will soak up some of the broth as it sits, so warm the soup gently on the stove with a little broth or a bit of water. Add more as needed until the soup is as thick as you like it.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep the gnocchi from getting too soft?

For the best texture, keep the broth at a gentle simmer and start checking the gnocchi around the time listed on the package. You’re looking for tender gnocchi with a soft center and a slightly chewy texture. If you’re making the soup ahead, cook and store the gnocchi separately to preserve the texture of the gnocchi.

Can I make this in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?

This recipe is written for the stovetop. If you adapt it for a slow cooker or Instant Pot, save the gnocchi, cream, kale, and Parmesan for the end. That lets you watch the gnocchi as it cooks and stir in the Parmesan over gentle heat.

Does it taste like Olive Garden chicken gnocchi soup?

It has the same creamy chicken-and-gnocchi combination. The smoked paprika, kale, and crispy bacon give this version its own flavor.

Final Thoughts

This creamy chicken gnocchi soup is one I’ll be making again when the weather cools off. The soft gnocchi and Parmesan broth make it plenty hearty, but that crispy bacon on top is my favorite part. I like to serve it with crusty bread because I’m getting every last bit of that broth out of the bowl.

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