There’s something about the way a bowl of warm soup wraps around you on a chilly evening that just feels like a small, comforting hug. I remember one evening last week, the sky outside had already slipped into a deep shade of gray and the faint scent of rain lingered in the air. I was halfway through tidying up the kitchen when the idea of this chicken gnocchi soup came to mind — light, but still filling. I wasn’t sure if I had all the patience to wait for a long-cooked meal, but this came together just right: tender chicken, soft gnocchi, and fresh spinach swimming in a gentle broth. As I stirred it, the aroma of garlic and herbs filled the room, momentarily distracting me from the never-ending to-do list. It wasn’t perfect— I almost forgot to add the half-and-half at first — but that little imperfection made it feel more like home.
Why You’ll Love It:
- This soup is surprisingly light for something so satisfying — it’s simple, and that’s kind of the point.
- It comes together fairly quickly, making it a great choice for those evenings when you want comfort without the fuss.
- The combination of gnocchi and chicken feels indulgent but with fewer calories than you’d expect.
- It’s versatile enough to tweak with whatever fresh veggies you have on hand, though the spinach adds a nice pop of color and freshness.
Even if you’re watching calories or just want a meal that feels nourishing without sitting heavy, this soup hits that sweet spot. And in case you worry about leftovers — it keeps well for a few days in the fridge, although I usually find it disappears before then.
PrintLow Calorie Chicken Gnocchi Soup
A light and comforting low calorie chicken gnocchi soup made with tender chicken, fluffy gnocchi, fresh vegetables, and a flavorful broth. Perfect for a healthy and satisfying meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, diced
2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
2 celery stalks, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
6 cups low sodium chicken broth
2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
1 (16 ounce) package potato gnocchi
3 cups fresh spinach, chopped
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup fat free half-and-half
Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot and cook for 5-6 minutes until vegetables are softened.
Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
Add shredded chicken, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and black pepper to the pot.
Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Add the potato gnocchi to the pot and cook according to package instructions, about 3-4 minutes, until they float to the surface.
Stir in chopped spinach and cook for 2 minutes until wilted.
Remove the pot from heat and stir in the fat free half-and-half.
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Serve hot.
Kitchen Notes: I usually make this soup in a sturdy pot that retains heat well, but nothing fancy is needed. It’s perfect on its own or alongside a simple side salad or crusty bread—though I admit I sometimes skip the bread to keep it lighter. If you want to switch things up, adding mushrooms instead of spinach works nicely, or a sprinkle of Parmesan on top can add a little richness without too many extra calories. I haven’t tested it with gluten-free gnocchi, but it might be worth a try if that’s your preference.
FAQ:
Can I use leftover chicken? Absolutely. This soup is a great way to use cooked chicken you have on hand.
Is it freezer-friendly? I’d recommend against freezing because the gnocchi tends to get mushy after thawing.
Can I make it dairy-free? You can skip the half-and-half or substitute with a plant-based milk, though the texture will be slightly different.
Feeling ready to warm up your evening? Give this low calorie chicken gnocchi soup a try and save it for whenever you need that cozy, light meal.