Chicken Bacon Gnocchi Soup
Chicken Bacon Gnocchi Soup is the kind of dish that wraps you in warmth from the very first spoonful—rich, creamy, and deeply comforting.
Tender potato gnocchi, savory bacon, and juicy chicken come together in a velvety broth infused with garlic, herbs, and cream, creating a soup that feels both indulgent and homey.
What makes this recipe truly special is its perfect balance of richness and freshness. The smoky bacon and creamy base provide depth and comfort, while the spinach adds a light, vibrant note that keeps the dish from feeling heavy. It’s a hearty, satisfying meal that delivers layers of flavor and texture in every bite—cozy enough for a quiet night at home, yet impressive enough to serve to guests.
Why People Will Love This Recipe
Deep, comforting flavor in every spoonful – smoky bacon, savory chicken, and a creamy herb-infused broth create a rich, layered taste that feels warm and satisfying
Luxuriously creamy yet balanced – the velvety cream base gives indulgence, while spinach and herbs add freshness so the soup doesn’t feel heavy
Perfect combination of textures – soft, pillowy gnocchi, tender chicken, crisp bacon bits, and silky broth create a satisfying contrast in every bite
Hearty enough to be a full meal – with protein, starch, and vegetables all in one pot, it’s a complete and filling dish that needs little else
Quick and convenient to make – using rotisserie chicken and store-bought gnocchi means you can create a restaurant-style soup in a relatively short time
Aromatic and cozy while cooking – the scent of bacon, garlic, and herbs simmering together fills the kitchen with an inviting, comforting aroma
Family-friendly and crowd-pleasing – the mild, creamy flavor profile appeals to both kids and adults, making it perfect for family dinners
Customizable to your taste – you can adjust the creaminess, swap proteins, add extra vegetables, or change herbs while keeping the core comfort intact
Great for leftovers and reheating – the flavors continue to meld and deepen, making the soup just as delicious (or even better) the next day
Feels like a restaurant-quality dish at home – with minimal effort, you get a soup that looks and tastes rich, elegant, and satisfying enough for special occasions
Key Ingredients:
Bacon – The flavor foundation. As it cooks, it releases smoky, savory fat that becomes the base for sautéing the onions and garlic. Crisp bacon bits also add a satisfying texture contrast and bursts of salty richness in every bite.
Onion & Garlic – These aromatics build the soup’s backbone. Slowly sautéed in bacon fat, they develop sweetness and depth, creating a warm, savory base that carries the entire dish.
Chicken Broth – The body of the soup. A good-quality broth provides savory depth while allowing the cream, herbs, and bacon flavors to shine through without becoming too heavy.
Heavy Cream – Creates the luxurious, velvety texture that defines this soup. It rounds out the saltiness of the bacon and adds a smooth, rich mouthfeel.
Italian Seasoning – A blend of herbs that adds gentle warmth and aromatic complexity, tying together the savory elements of chicken, bacon, and broth.
Potato Gnocchi – Soft, pillowy dumplings that give the soup its hearty, comforting character. They absorb the broth while maintaining a tender, slightly chewy texture.
Rotisserie Chicken – Tender, flavorful, and convenient. It adds protein and savory depth while saving time, making the soup both hearty and easy to prepare.
Fresh Baby Spinach – Brings a light, fresh contrast to the rich broth. It adds color, nutrients, and a slight earthy note that balances the creaminess.
Salt & Black Pepper – Essential for bringing all the flavors into balance. Pepper adds a subtle warmth, while salt enhances the natural flavors of the broth, chicken, and bacon.
Expert Tips:
Render the bacon slowly for maximum flavor
Cook the bacon over medium heat until crisp and well-rendered. This draws out flavorful fat that becomes the cooking base for the onions and garlic, adding smoky depth to the entire soup.
Reserve just enough bacon fat—not too much
Keep about 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pot for sautéing aromatics. Too much can make the soup greasy; too little reduces flavor.
Build a proper aromatic base
Sauté the onion until soft and lightly golden before adding garlic. This step develops sweetness and depth, which balances the richness of the cream.
Deglaze the pot thoroughly
When you add broth and cream, scrape the bottom of the pot to lift all browned bits from cooking the bacon and onions—these add concentrated flavor to the soup.
Control the creaminess level
Add the cream with the broth and simmer gently. Avoid boiling hard after adding cream, as it can cause the dairy to separate or become grainy.
Add gnocchi at the right stage
Add the uncooked gnocchi once the soup is hot and just coming to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Gnocchi cook quickly (usually within 3–5 minutes once they float) and should remain tender, not mushy.
Don’t overcook the gnocchi
Overcooking makes them overly soft and gummy. As soon as they are tender and float, they are ready.
Add chicken and spinach at the end
Both are already cooked or tender. Adding them in the final few minutes keeps the chicken juicy and the spinach bright green and fresh.
Season in layers, then finish at the end
Bacon and broth already contain salt. Taste the soup only after everything is combined and simmered, then adjust salt and pepper to avoid over-seasoning.
Adjust thickness to your preference
If the soup is too thick, add a splash of warm broth. If it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered a few extra minutes to reduce slightly.
Finish with reserved crispy bacon
Sprinkle the reserved bacon on top just before serving so it stays crisp and adds texture contrast to the creamy soup.
Brighten the flavor before serving
A small squeeze of lemon juice or a pinch of red pepper flakes can lift the richness and add subtle complexity.
Use freshly grated Parmesan (optional but recommended)
Stir in or sprinkle Parmesan at the end for extra umami depth and a slightly thicker, silkier finish.
Reheat gently for best texture
When reheating, warm over low heat and add a splash of broth or cream if needed. Avoid high heat to keep the dairy smooth and the gnocchi tender.
Serve immediately for peak quality
This soup is at its best right after cooking—creamy, glossy, and perfectly textured—so enjoy it fresh whenever possible.
How to make Chicken Bacon Gnocchi Soup
Ingredients:
6 strips bacon, cut into small pieces
1/2 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy whipping cream
Italian seasoning, to taste
1 pound potato gnocchi, uncooked
2 cups rotisserie chicken, cooked and shredded
2 cups fresh baby spinach, packed
salt, to taste
pepper, to taste
Instructions:
In a soup pot over medium-high heat, cook the bacon until crispy, about 10 minutes.
Transfer the cooked bacon to a paper-towel-lined plate and leave about 2 tablespoons of the bacon fat in the pot.
Add the onion to the pot and sauté until softened and lightly browned, about 4-5 minutes.
Stir the garlic into the onions and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Add the chicken broth, the cream, the Italian seasoning, the gnocchi, and most of the bacon (reserving the rest for garnish) to the pot and stir and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
Increase the heat to high and bring the soup to a boil.
Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and cover the pot with a lid slightly ajar and cook, stirring often, until thickened, about 15 minutes.
Add the chicken and the spinach to the soup and cook until warmed through.
Season with the salt and pepper as needed.
Serve immediately.
Important Notes When Making Chicken Bacon Gnocchi Soup
This is a cream-based, comfort-style soup
The identity of this dish is rich, creamy, and cozy. It’s meant to feel indulgent and satisfying rather than light or brothy.
Bacon sets the flavor foundation
The rendered bacon fat and crisp bacon pieces are essential for depth. They provide smokiness and saltiness that define the entire soup.
Balance of richness and freshness is key
Heavy cream and bacon create richness, while spinach and herbs bring brightness. The dish works best when these elements are in harmony.
Gnocchi texture is delicate and time-sensitive
Gnocchi cook quickly and can become overly soft if overcooked. They should remain tender and slightly pillowy, not mushy.
Cream requires gentle heat
Once the cream is added, the soup should not be boiled aggressively. High heat can cause separation or a grainy texture.
Chicken is already cooked—treat it gently
Rotisserie or pre-cooked chicken should only be warmed through at the end to prevent dryness.
Salt levels must be carefully controlled
Bacon and broth already contain salt, so always taste the soup at the end before adding more seasoning.
The soup thickens naturally over time
As it sits, the gnocchi release starch and absorb liquid, making the soup thicker and creamier.
Reheating changes consistency
When reheated, the soup will likely be thicker. Adding a splash of broth or cream will restore its original silky texture.
Spinach should remain vibrant and fresh
Add spinach at the end so it wilts gently but keeps its bright color and light texture.
This is a one-pot, complete meal
With protein, vegetables, and starch all in one bowl, the soup is designed to be filling and satisfying on its own.
Leftovers are flavorful but slightly softer
The flavor deepens overnight, but the gnocchi will soften further. This is normal and expected for this style of soup.
Ingredient quality directly affects the final dish
Good bacon, fresh spinach, and flavorful broth will noticeably elevate the overall result.
The soup is highly adaptable
You can substitute turkey bacon, add mushrooms, or include extra vegetables without losing the comforting core of the recipe.
This dish is about comfort and warmth
It’s designed to be enjoyed slowly, in a cozy setting, as a rich and satisfying meal that brings a sense of home and comfort.
How to Enjoy Chicken Bacon Gnocchi Soup After Cooking
1. Let the soup rest briefly
Once finished, remove the pot from heat and allow the soup to rest for 5 minutes.
This helps the broth settle and thicken slightly, giving you a smoother, creamier texture.
2. Taste and adjust the final seasoning
Before serving, give the soup one final taste.
Adjust salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning if needed to balance the richness of the cream and bacon.
3. Ladle into warm bowls
Serve the soup in pre-warmed bowls to keep it hot longer.
Make sure each bowl includes a good mix of gnocchi, chicken, spinach, and bacon.
4. Finish with classic garnishes
Sprinkle each serving with reserved crispy bacon pieces for texture.
Add a light dusting of freshly grated Parmesan cheese for extra savory depth.
Finish with a pinch of fresh herbs (parsley or basil) if desired.
5. Enhance with optional finishing touches
To elevate each bowl, you can add:
- A small drizzle of extra virgin olive oil
- A squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten the creaminess
- A pinch of red pepper flakes for gentle heat
6. Serve with complementary sides
Balance the richness of the soup with simple sides:
- Crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping
- A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette
- Roasted vegetables for added texture and nutrition
7. Enjoy the layers of texture in every bite
Scoop from the bottom to combine pillowy gnocchi, tender chicken, creamy broth, crispy bacon, and fresh spinach.
The contrast of creamy, soft, and crisp textures is what makes this soup memorable.
8. Savor slowly and comfortably
This is a rich, comforting soup meant to be enjoyed slowly.
Take time to enjoy the aroma of bacon, garlic, and herbs, and the warmth of each spoonful.
9. Perfect for sharing and gathering
Serve from a large pot at the table for a cozy, family-style meal.
Its creamy, comforting nature makes it ideal for gatherings or relaxed dinners at home.
10. Leftover enjoyment tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to restore the smooth consistency.
Avoid high heat to keep the cream from separating and the gnocchi from becoming too soft.
11. Transform leftovers into new meals
- Add extra broth to create a lighter version the next day
- Serve over rice or extra vegetables for a heartier bowl
- Use as a creamy base for a casserole-style baked dish with added cheese
12. Create a cozy dining atmosphere
Serve this soup in a warm, inviting setting—soft lighting, simple tableware, and a relaxed environment.
The comforting aroma and creamy texture are best enjoyed in a calm, cozy moment.
Nutrition Information:
Based on the full recipe divided into 6 servings.
Per 1 serving (approximate):
Calories: 520–580 kcal | Total Fat: 32–38 g | Saturated Fat: 16–20 g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10–12 g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2–3 g | Cholesterol: 120–150 mg | Sodium: 900–1,200 mg (depending on bacon and broth) | Total Carbohydrates: 28–34 g | Dietary Fiber: 2–3 g | Sugars: 2–4 g | Protein: 24–30 g
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I adjust the spice level of the red sauce in the enchiladas?
Absolutely! You can control the spice level by adjusting the number of Chile De Arbol or omitting them if you prefer a milder flavor.
What’s the purpose of using lard in the red sauce?
Lard adds richness and depth of flavor to the sauce.
It’s a traditional ingredient that enhances the overall taste of the enchiladas.
Can I make the red sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the red sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
This can save time when assembling the enchiladas later.
Is it necessary to fry the tortillas before dipping them in the sauce?
Frying the tortillas before dipping enhances their flavor and texture.
It also helps them hold up better to the sauce without becoming too soggy.
What are some common fillings for red enchiladas?
Popular fillings include shredded chicken, cheese (such as queso fresco), diced onions, and sometimes beans.
Can I use a different type of chilies for the red sauce?
While the listed chilies contribute to the traditional flavor, you can experiment with other varieties based on your preference or what’s available.
How long should I let the red sauce simmer?
Simmering the red sauce for a couple of minutes allows the flavors to meld.
Adjust the simmering time based on your desired consistency and taste.
Can I make the red sauce vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can omit the chicken bouillon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a delicious vegetarian option.
What are some creative toppings for red enchiladas?
Consider topping your enchiladas with Mexican crema, extra queso fresco, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, or avocado slices.
Can I freeze red enchiladas for later use?
Yes, you can freeze red enchiladas.
Make sure they are well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn. Reheat in the oven or microwave when ready to eat.