There’s something unexpectedly soothing about a bowl of soup simmering on the stove. The aroma of garlic mingling with thyme and rosemary fills the kitchen, drawing you closer as the soft bubbling promises comfort. I remember one evening when I was juggling dinner plans and a work call, the timer buzzing just as I stirred the spinach into the pot. The gnocchi bubbled up too quickly, and I nearly overcooked them—almost missed that perfect pillowy texture. But the warmth from that spoonful, the blend of tender chicken and fresh vegetables, made every little kitchen distraction worth it.

It’s a soup that feels like a hug after a long day, but without the heaviness you might expect from a creamy dish. This one strikes a balance — light broth, wholesome ingredients, and those little gnocchi pillows that soak up flavor without guilt.

Comforting but light: rich flavors without the extra calories.
Quick to prepare: a cozy dinner even on busy nights.
Vegetable-packed for a healthy boost, yet satisfying enough to fill you up.
It’s simple — and that’s kind of the point; no complicated steps or fancy ingredients.

Even if you’re not usually a soup person, this one might just change your mind. It’s the kind of meal that invites you to slow down, grab a bowl, and settle in.

Low Calorie Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Print Recipe

A comforting and low calorie chicken gnocchi soup made with tender chicken breast, light broth, fresh vegetables, and fluffy potato gnocchi. Perfect for a healthy and satisfying meal without the extra calories.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6

Ingredients

Scale

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
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup sliced mushrooms
4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
1 package (16 ounces) potato gnocchi
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

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Instructions

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot and sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
Add the chicken pieces, dried thyme, dried rosemary, black pepper, and salt to the pot.
Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 3 minutes until tender.
Stir in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
Add the potato gnocchi to the soup and cook according to package instructions, usually 2-3 minutes, until they float to the surface.
Remove the pot from heat and stir in the chopped fresh parsley.
Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot.

Kitchen Notes: I usually cook this in a large, sturdy pot that holds all those ingredients comfortably without splashing. It’s great served with a crusty piece of bread or a light salad, but honestly, it’s a full meal on its own. I’ve tried swapping out the chicken for turkey once or twice, and it worked okay, though the flavor was a bit different — still good, just not quite the same. Sometimes I toss in extra mushrooms or swap spinach for kale, depending on what’s in the fridge. And if you want a little more zip, a squeeze of lemon right before serving adds a nice brightness.

FAQ

Can I freeze this soup? It’s best not to freeze it with the gnocchi, as they can get mushy. You can freeze the broth and chicken separately if needed.

What type of gnocchi works best? Potato gnocchi is traditional and gives that soft, pillowy texture, but I haven’t tested other varieties extensively.

Is this soup spicy? Not at all. The flavors are mild and herbal, but you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like some heat.

How long does it keep? Store leftovers in the fridge and enjoy within three days.

Ready to warm up your evening? Give this low calorie chicken gnocchi soup a try and see how comforting light can be.