vegan chicken gnocchi soup

Creamy Vegan Chicken Gnocchi Soup: Comfort in Every Bowl

Creamy Vegan Chicken Gnocchi Soup: Comfort in Every Bowl

As the chill of the evening sets in, there’s nothing more comforting than a steaming bowl of soup that warms the soul. This Creamy Vegan Chicken Gnocchi Soup is exactly that—a cozy, satisfying, and flavorful dish that brings all the joy of traditional chicken soup, without any animal products. The tender gnocchi, hearty vegetables, and rich plant-based broth make it perfect for weeknight dinners or for impressing guests with a wholesome, plant-powered meal. Curious to learn how to whip up this delicious vegan comfort food? Let’s dive in!

Why This Creamy Vegan Chicken Gnocchi Soup Is Special

  • Plant-Powered Comfort: All the creaminess and flavor of classic chicken gnocchi soup, made entirely vegan.
  • Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make it approachable for beginner cooks.
  • Nutritious & Filling: Packed with protein-rich vegan “chicken,” vegetables, and gnocchi for a satisfying meal.
  • Versatile: Customize with your favorite herbs, veggies, or even gluten-free gnocchi.
  • Family-Friendly: Loved by both adults and kids—perfect for cozy dinners.
  • Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for potlucks or meal prepping for the week ahead.
yummy vegan chicken gnocchi soup

Ingredients

For the Soup Base

  • Olive Oil: For sautéing vegetables; adds depth of flavor.
  • Yellow Onion: Sweetness and aromatic base.
  • Garlic: Enhances flavor; can adjust to taste.
  • Carrots & Celery: Classic soup veggies for texture and flavor.
  • Plant-Based Chicken: Provides protein and chewy texture; replace with tofu if preferred.
  • Vegetable Broth: Rich and flavorful; homemade or store-bought works.
  • Coconut Cream or Cashew Cream: Adds creaminess without dairy.

For the Gnocchi

  • Vegan Gnocchi: Soft and pillowy; use store-bought or homemade.

Seasonings & Herbs

  • Dried Thyme & Rosemary: For an earthy, comforting aroma.
  • Salt & Black Pepper: To taste.
  • Nutritional Yeast (optional): Adds umami and depth.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Vegetables

Dice the onion, carrots, and celery. Mince the garlic. Gather all ingredients to ensure smooth cooking.

Step 2: Sauté the Base

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions, carrots, and celery. Cook until soft, about 5–7 minutes. Stir in garlic for another minute.

Step 3: Add the Vegan “Chicken”

Toss in the plant-based chicken and cook briefly until lightly browned. This enhances the texture and flavor.

Step 4: Pour in Broth & Seasonings

Add vegetable broth, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to simmer for 10 minutes.

Step 5: Add Gnocchi

Stir in vegan gnocchi and simmer until they float to the top and are tender, about 3–5 minutes.

Step 6: Add Creaminess

Stir in coconut cream or cashew cream. Heat gently, ensuring the soup remains creamy and smooth. Adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 7: Serve & Garnish

Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for extra flavor. Enjoy hot!

Creamy vegan chicken gnocchi soup

Storage Tips

  • Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Freezer: Freeze portions without gnocchi for up to 2 months; add gnocchi when reheating.
  • Reheating: Gently warm over medium heat; stir in extra cream if needed for consistency.

Expert Tips

  • Use fresh gnocchi for the softest texture.
  • Do not overcook vegetables; they should stay slightly firm.
  • Add cream at the end to avoid curdling.
  • Taste and adjust herbs and seasoning after adding cream.
  • For a richer soup, sauté vegan chicken with a splash of soy sauce.

What to Serve With This Soup

  • Crusty bread or garlic baguette
  • Simple green salad with vinaigrette
  • Vegan parmesan or cheesy breadsticks
  • Light roasted vegetables
  • Sparkling water or a mild white wine

Variations

  • Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free gnocchi.
  • Spicy Twist: Add red pepper flakes for heat.
  • Flavor Boost: Include sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers.
  • Herb Variations: Try sage or oregano instead of thyme.
  • Protein Options: Swap vegan chicken for chickpeas or seitan.

Make-Ahead Options

  • Prep soup base and store in fridge for up to 2 days; add gnocchi just before serving.
  • Freeze base without gnocchi for 2 months; thaw and cook gnocchi fresh.
vegan chicken gnocchi soup

Creamy Vegan Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 Bowls
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

  • For the Soup
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 cup vegan chicken pieces soy-based or store-bought
  • 1 medium onion finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 cup carrots diced
  • 1 cup celery sliced
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 cup coconut milk full-fat for creaminess
  • 1 package potato gnocchi vegan-friendly
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp salt or to taste
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp nutritional yeast optional for cheesy flavor

Method
 

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  2. Add chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook until soft.
  3. Stir in the vegan chicken pieces and cook for 2 minutes.
  4. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring it to a gentle boil.
  5. Add thyme, oregano, salt, pepper, and nutritional yeast.
  6. Stir in coconut milk and mix until creamy.
  7. Add the gnocchi and cook for 3 to 5 minutes until soft.
  8. Add spinach and let it wilt into the soup.
  9. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  10. Ladle into bowls and serve warm.

Notes

  • Use refrigerated potato gnocchi for best texture.
  • Coconut milk makes it extra creamy but you can use cashew cream.
  • Add mushrooms corn or peas for more flavor.
  • Soup thickens as it sits, add broth to loosen when reheating.