Sometimes after a long day, the kitchen feels like a place to unwind rather than a chore. I remember one evening when I almost skipped dinner because I was juggling too many things at once—papers scattered, phone buzzing, and that restless feeling of wanting something easy but satisfying. Then the aroma of garlic and herbs simmering in the pot reminded me to slow down. The gentle bubbling of broth, the sight of vibrant spinach wilting into the mix, and those pillowy gnocchi floating up made everything feel right. It’s not perfect every time—sometimes I get distracted and let it simmer a bit too long, or I’m not quite precise with seasoning—but that’s part of the charm. This soup doesn’t demand perfection; it offers comfort in its simplicity.
- Light and comforting without sacrificing flavor
- Combines tender chicken and soft gnocchi for a satisfying bite
- Vegetable-packed with fresh spinach, carrots, and celery for added nutrition
- It’s simple—and that’s kind of the point
- Ready in under an hour, making it great for weeknight dinners
If you’re worried about it being too bland or plain, don’t be. A pinch of herbs and a splash of almond milk add cozy depth without extra calories. It’s a low calorie meal that still feels like a treat.
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Low Calorie Chicken Gnocchi Soup
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
Description
A comforting and light chicken gnocchi soup packed with tender chicken, vegetables, and soft potato gnocchi in a flavorful broth, perfect for a low calorie meal.
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
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup chopped fresh spinach
1 package (16 ounces) potato gnocchi
1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
Add 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 oregano, salt, and black pepper to the pot.
Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until the chicken is cooked through, about 10 minutes.
Add the potato gnocchi to the pot and cook according to package instructions, usually about 3-4 minutes, until they float to the surface.
Stir in the chopped fresh spinach and almond milk, and cook for another 2 minutes until the spinach is wilted and the soup is heated through.
Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Serve hot.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Don’t stress about fancy equipment here—a good sturdy pot and a spoon are all you really need. Serve this soup with a slice of crusty bread or a light salad to round out the meal. I’ve tried swapping spinach for kale sometimes, but it changes the texture a bit—might be worth experimenting if you like your greens on the heartier side. Also, using regular milk instead of almond milk works fine, though I find the almond milk keeps it lighter without losing creaminess. Sometimes I toss in a handful of grated parmesan at the end, but that’s just me sneaking in a little indulgence.
FAQ
Can I make this soup ahead of time? Yes, it keeps well in the fridge for a couple of days. Just reheat gently because the gnocchi can get mushy if overheated.
What if I can’t find potato gnocchi? You could try small pasta shapes or even dumplings, but the texture will be a bit different.
Is this soup suitable for meal prep? Definitely—it’s filling, healthy, and easy to portion out for lunches or dinners.
When you’re craving something cozy but light, this Low Calorie Chicken Gnocchi Soup fits right in. It’s the sort of dish that invites you to slow down, savor the moment, and maybe even forget about that pile of papers for a while. Give it a try—you might find yourself coming back to it on those busy nights more often than you expect.