Hearty Keto Chicken & Gnocchi Soup for Cozy Nights
Keto Chicken & Gnocchi Soup nights are my idea of a little win at home. You know those chilly evenings when you want something comforting but still want to feel good after dinner. That was me last week, staring at a bag of cauliflower gnocchi and a leftover rotisserie chicken. The idea clicked, and the pot came out. Hearty Keto Chicken & Gnocchi Soup for Cozy Nights became my new cold-weather ritual, and it is so doable on a busy weeknight. Let me walk you through everything I do so your bowl turns out thick, savory, and downright cozy. 
Trader Joe’s Cauliflower Gnocchi
If you love soup that eats like a meal, this is your secret weapon. The little dumplings soak up broth, add body, and still keep things lighter than regular pasta. I use Trader Joe’s Cauliflower Gnocchi because it is easy to find and cooks up nicely when treated right.
Why it works in keto comfort food
When you crisp the gnocchi first, it keeps a tender bite instead of going mushy. That texture makes the soup feel cozy and satisfying, the kind of bowl you sink into while a show plays in the background. The best part is that it keeps net carbs reasonable when you balance portions with lots of chicken and veggies.
Here is my go-to lineup for Hearty Keto Chicken & Gnocchi Soup for Cozy Nights. These amounts make about 6 cups of soup.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 bag Trader Joe’s cauliflower gnocchi, kept frozen until it hits the pan
- 1 small onion, diced, plus 2 ribs celery, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 3 cups shredded pre-cooked chicken
- 1 cup chopped spinach
- 1/2 cup heavy cream and 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 2 ounces cream cheese, softened, for thickness and body
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, plus salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: a squeeze of lemon to brighten at the end
Steps on the stove are simple. Crisp the frozen gnocchi in olive oil until golden. Remove and set aside. Sauté onion and celery in butter until soft, add garlic for a quick 30 seconds, then pour in broth. Stir in chicken, Italian seasoning, and simmer 10 minutes. Melt in cream cheese, add cream and almond milk, then return the gnocchi. Finish with spinach until wilted. Taste for salt, pepper, and a tiny hit of lemon if you like a clean finish.
My neighbor tried a spoon and said, I am not even low carb and I want another bowl. That is the best kind of feedback.
If you want the soup a little thicker, turn the heat down and let it gently bubble for a few extra minutes. Thick and cozy is the move with Hearty Keto Chicken & Gnocchi Soup for Cozy Nights.
What kind of pre-cooked chicken should I use?
Here is the truth. The soup is only as good as the chicken you use. I usually grab a rotisserie chicken because it is juicy, flavorful, and always ready. Shred the breasts for lean protein and add some thigh meat for richness if you want a deeper flavor. That combo makes the broth taste like it cooked all day.
My favorite picks
Rotisserie is my first choice, but leftover roasted chicken or poached chicken works great too. If all you have is grilled chicken, slice it thin so the pieces soak up more broth. Avoid heavily seasoned barbecue or sweet sauces because they can throw off the cozy, savory vibe of the soup.
Food safety note from my own kitchen habits. Since the chicken is already cooked, focus on warming it gently in the soup. When reheating leftovers, aim to get the soup steaming hot and the chicken to a safe internal temp. It keeps flavor and keeps everyone safe at the table.
One more tip. If your chicken is a bit dry, stir it in earlier so it has more time to drink in the broth and cream. Happy accident, it gets silkier that way.
Can I make this in the Instant Pot?
Yes, and it is easy. The trick is to crisp the gnocchi first on sauté mode so it holds shape, then cook everything else quickly. The Instant Pot is perfect when you want dinner on the table and a couch blanket around your shoulders five minutes later.
8-minute method
- Set Instant Pot to Sauté. Add olive oil and the frozen gnocchi. Let it sit so it browns. Flip and brown the other side, then remove.
- Add butter, onion, and celery to the pot. Sauté until soft. Stir in garlic for 30 seconds.
- Pour in broth and Italian seasoning. Add shredded chicken. Lock the lid and cook on High Pressure for 2 minutes. Quick release.
- Switch back to Sauté. Stir in cream cheese until smooth, then add cream and almond milk.
- Return the browned gnocchi and simmer on Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in spinach to wilt. Season and serve.
For me, this method tastes just like the stovetop version. The pressure step gives the broth that slow cooked feel, and the browned gnocchi keeps its bite. It is a quick path to Hearty Keto Chicken & Gnocchi Soup for Cozy Nights without babysitting a pot.
What is cauliflower gnocchi and where can I buy it?
Cauliflower gnocchi is a freezer aisle darling made with cauliflower, a little starch, and sometimes cheese or egg. It cooks up like small dumplings that play well in soup. The texture is best when you brown it before it goes into broth. That step makes a big difference.
Tips for buying and storing
Look for short ingredient lists with cauliflower near the top. Trader Joe’s is the most famous version. Some larger grocery stores carry similar products in the freezer section near veggies or gluten free items. If you do not see it, ask a store associate. They will usually point you right to it.
Stock your freezer when you find it. It is one of those things you are glad to have on a cold night. When you are ready to cook, do not thaw. The gnocchi browns better from frozen and holds up better in soup.
If your store does not carry it, you can make a quick swap with small roasted cauliflower florets. It is not the same dumpling vibe, but it keeps the bowl hearty and low carb. A handful of diced zucchini can help round out the texture too.
Detailed nutritional breakdown (per about 2 cups/ 480 ml)
Here is the nutrition snapshot for the recipe as written, using heavy cream plus almond milk and the Trader Joe’s gnocchi. I am sharing this based on repeated batches in my kitchen, but always check labels on your specific products and adjust if you add different veggies or use a different brand.
Approximate per 2 cups: about 320 calories, around 16 grams fat, roughly 30 grams protein, about 13 grams total carbs, near 4 grams fiber, about 9 grams net carbs. Sodium will vary by broth, but expect around 900 to 1000 milligrams if you use low sodium stock. If you skip the cream cheese or use less, the calories and fat drop a bit, and the soup will be thinner.
Want it richer with even fewer net carbs. Use all heavy cream instead of a cream and almond milk combo. Prefer it lighter. Swap in more almond milk and reduce cream. The beauty of this soup is that it bends to your day.
For anyone tracking strictly, measure your gnocchi portion and avoid overfilling the bowl with dumplings. They are delicious, but they do contribute most of the carbs here. Balance with extra chicken and spinach to bulk it up without overdoing carbs.
Common Questions
How do I keep cauliflower gnocchi from getting soggy?
Brown it first in a hot pan with a little oil and do not overcrowd. Add it to the soup near the end so it spends less time in hot liquid.
Can I freeze this soup?
You can, but the gnocchi texture softens after thawing. If freezing, add the gnocchi when you reheat, not before. The chicken and broth freeze well.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
Half and half or unsweetened almond milk works. For extra body without cream, blend a ladle of the soup with the cream cheese, then stir it back in.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove so the dairy does not separate and the chicken stays tender.
Can I make it dairy free?
Yes. Use olive oil only, skip cream cheese and cream, and stir in a splash of full fat coconut milk. The flavor stays cozy and satisfying.
A cozy bowl that actually fits your day
When the day is long and the house is chilly, Hearty Keto Chicken & Gnocchi Soup for Cozy Nights hits the exact spot between comfort and better choices. It is simple, forgiving, and full of real life shortcuts like rotisserie chicken and freezer aisle gnocchi. I hope this becomes your go to bowl when you want warmth without work. If you try it, share a pic and tell me how you made it your own. Hearty Keto Chicken & Gnocchi Soup for Cozy Nights is waiting on your stove. 
Hearty Keto Chicken & Gnocchi Soup
Ingredients
Method
- Crisp the frozen gnocchi in olive oil in a hot pan until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, sauté onion and celery in butter until soft. Add garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds.
- Pour in the chicken broth and stir in the shredded chicken and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Melt in the cream cheese and then add the heavy cream and almond milk. Return the crispy gnocchi to the pot.
- Finish by stirring in the spinach until wilted. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon if desired.