There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of soup to chase away the chill, and this creamy turkey gnocchi soup is a true masterpiece of comfort and flavor. Imagine a luscious, savory broth, tender pillowy gnocchi, and succulent pieces of turkey, all harmoniously blended into a dish that’s both incredibly satisfying and delightfully easy to make. This recipe isn’t just a meal; it’s a brilliant solution for giving your Thanksgiving dinner leftovers a delicious new life. Forget the endless turkey sandwiches or reheated plates – transform your holiday feast into a cozy, gourmet experience that your family will rave about!

If you’re searching for innovative ways to use up turkey after a big dinner, your quest ends here! This turkey gnocchi soup recipe takes the humble leftover turkey and elevates it into a creamy, utterly delicious, and surprisingly simple dish. It’s a wonderful way to extend the holiday spirit without feeling like you’re eating the same meal repeatedly. Whether you have roasted turkey from Thanksgiving, Christmas, or simply some extra cooked turkey on hand, this recipe is your ticket to a quick, flavorful, and hearty meal.

Inspired by my highly popular classic creamy chicken gnocchi soup, this version expertly swaps chicken for tender cooked turkey. Like the original, I’ve thoughtfully included fresh baby spinach to add a vibrant pop of color and an extra layer of earthy flavor. However, if you prefer a more straightforward, classic creamy turkey soup, you can absolutely omit the spinach. One thing is for sure: once you try this comforting turkey gnocchi soup, you’re going to fall in love with its rich taste and heartwarming appeal!

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Turkey Gnocchi Soup:

• A Creative & Delicious Way to Use Leftovers: We all appreciate a good turkey sandwich or a reheated plate of holiday dinner, but after a day or two, it can become a bit monotonous. This creamy turkey gnocchi soup offers an exciting and flavorful alternative, transforming that leftover turkey into something entirely new and exciting. It’s the perfect solution for reinventing your holiday meal, turning potential food waste into a gourmet experience that feels far from “leftovers.”
• The Ultimate Comfort Food Experience: This isn’t just any soup; it’s a bowl full of warmth and indulgence. With its rich, creamy broth, soft, tender potato gnocchi, and succulent, flavorful turkey pieces, every spoonful is a journey into cozy bliss. It’s the perfect meal for chilly evenings, providing a deeply satisfying and comforting embrace.
• Quick & Easy to Prepare: One of the best aspects of gnocchi recipes is how rapidly the gnocchi cooks, making this soup an ideal choice for busy weeknights. Since it utilizes pre-cooked turkey, much of the prep work is already done for you. This means less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying a delicious, homemade meal with your loved ones.
• A Superstar for Soup Season: As soon as the crisp, chilly weather arrives, inviting us to reach for our favorite sweaters and warm blankets, this creamy turkey gnocchi soup steps into the spotlight. It’s perfectly designed to be a go-to meal during autumn and winter, offering a hearty, soul-warming option that makes any day feel cozier.

Key Ingredients for Your Creamy Turkey Gnocchi Soup

• Turkey: This recipe truly shines as a fantastic way to utilize leftover cooked turkey, whether it’s flavorful turkey breast or savory dark meat, from Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any other occasion. Ensure your turkey is already cooked and shredded or diced for easy incorporation into the soup.
• Gnocchi: These delightful, tender potato dumplings are the star of this creamy soup. You can readily find shelf-stable or refrigerated potato gnocchi in the pasta aisle of most grocery stores. For those with dietary restrictions, excellent gluten-free gnocchi options are also widely available and perform beautifully in this recipe, offering the same wonderful texture.
• Aromatic Vegetables: The foundation of any great soup begins with a classic mirepoix. This recipe calls for fresh onion, carrot, and celery, which are sautéed to create a flavorful base. Minced garlic is then added, infusing the soup with its irresistible aroma and depth of flavor. These vegetables soften beautifully in the broth, contributing both texture and essential savory notes.
• Spinach (Optional but Recommended): Fresh baby spinach adds a lovely touch of vibrant color and a mild, earthy flavor that complements the richness of the creamy broth. It’s a fantastic way to boost the nutritional value of your soup, and its delicate leaves wilt quickly from the residual heat. If fresh spinach isn’t available or preferred, you can certainly leave it out for a simpler, yet still delicious, turkey soup.
• Broth: Chicken stock or chicken broth is my go-to for this turkey gnocchi soup, providing a robust and savory liquid base. However, if you happen to have homemade turkey broth from your holiday cooking, it would be an even more incredible addition, deepening the turkey flavor profile. I always recommend using low-sodium broth, as it gives you greater control over the final seasoning and saltiness of your soup.
• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the aromatic vegetables, olive oil contributes a subtle, fruity flavor to the soup’s base. It can be easily substituted with other neutral oils like avocado oil, vegetable oil, or even butter for a slightly richer taste, depending on your preference.
• Seasonings: A harmonious blend of dried thyme, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper is all you need to bring out the best in this creamy turkey gnocchi soup. These herbs and spices enhance the savory notes of the turkey and vegetables. Remember, it’s crucial to taste the soup once it’s finished and adjust the salt and pepper to your personal liking. Fresh herbs, such as a sprinkle of fresh thyme or parsley, can also be added for a vibrant garnish and an extra layer of freshness.

How to Make Creamy Turkey Gnocchi Soup: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrot, and celery, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften and the onion becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30-60 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
2. Build the Broth Base: Pour in the chicken broth. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits that may have accumulated at the bottom of the pot – these bits are packed with flavor! Add the cooked turkey, dried thyme, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together to combine.
3. Simmer and Cook Gnocchi: Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the soup to a gentle boil. Once boiling, carefully add the potato gnocchi to the pot and stir gently to prevent sticking. Continue to boil for 4 minutes, stirring occasionally. After 4 minutes, reduce the heat to medium-low and cook for an additional 4 minutes, allowing the gnocchi to become perfectly tender.
4. Add Creaminess: Pour in the milk and heavy cream (or half-and-half, if substituting). Stir well to fully incorporate the dairy into the soup. Continue to cook over medium-low heat for 3-5 minutes, or until the soup is thoroughly heated through and has thickened slightly to your desired consistency.
5. Wilt the Spinach: Remove the pot from the heat. Add the fresh chopped spinach to the hot soup and stir it in. The residual heat from the soup will quickly wilt the spinach, giving it a vibrant green color and a delicate texture. If the spinach doesn’t fully wilt, you can return the pot to low heat for another minute or two.
6. Season and Serve: Taste the creamy turkey gnocchi soup and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. You might find it needs a little more salt to truly bring out the flavors. Ladle the hearty soup into bowls, garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or extra thyme if desired, and serve immediately. Enjoy your wonderfully comforting and flavorful meal!

Storing Leftovers of Your Creamy Turkey Gnocchi Soup

This creamy turkey gnocchi soup makes for excellent leftovers, providing another delightful meal. To store, simply transfer any remaining soup into an airtight container. Keep it refrigerated for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat individual portion sizes in a saucepan on the stovetop or in the microwave until it’s hot and steamy, ensuring it reaches an internal temperature of 165ºF (74ºC). Note that the gnocchi may absorb more liquid and become softer upon reheating, but the flavor will still be fantastic!

What to Serve with This Hearty Turkey Soup

This creamy turkey gnocchi soup is a complete and satisfying meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a few simple accompaniments to complete your dining experience:

• Crusty Bread or Dinner Rolls: Perfect for soaking up every last drop of the delicious, creamy broth. A warm, crusty baguette or soft dinner rolls are always a hit.
• Focaccia: The airy texture and often herb-infused flavor of focaccia make it a delightful companion, adding an extra layer of Italian-inspired deliciousness.
• Crackers or Grissini (Breadsticks): For a lighter accompaniment, a side of crisp crackers or crunchy breadsticks offers a satisfying textural contrast to the smooth soup.
• Side Salad: A simple, fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing counterpoint to the rich soup, balancing the meal beautifully.
• White Wine: A crisp, dry white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc or an unoaked Chardonnay can complement the creamy flavors of the soup wonderfully.

Expert Tips for the Best Creamy Turkey Gnocchi Soup

• Avoid Overcooking the Gnocchi: Gnocchi cooks surprisingly fast, and it’s crucial not to overdo it. If cooked for too long, gnocchi can lose its delightful tender texture and become gummy or mushy. To ensure perfect results, stick strictly to the cooking times noted in the recipe. I highly recommend setting a kitchen timer when you add the gnocchi to keep track and pull it off the heat just as it reaches al dente perfection.
• Experiment with Cheese for Added Flavor: While this creamy turkey gnocchi soup is incredibly flavorful and rich on its own, adding a touch of cheese can elevate it even further. For a nutty, salty kick, try stirring in a few tablespoons of freshly grated Parmesan cheese towards the end of cooking. If you’re a fan of sharper flavors, a handful of shredded sharp cheddar cheese can also be a delicious addition, melting into the broth for an extra layer of indulgence.
• Boost Your Veggies for Extra Nutrition: The recipe already includes essential aromatic vegetables, but feel free to customize it with your favorite additions. Incorporating extra fiber and flavor can be done by adding a variety of vegetables. Think about adding diced bell peppers, sliced mushrooms, or even a handful of leftover roasted green beans. For tender vegetables like fresh green beans or peas, add them towards the very end of cooking, just before the spinach, to ensure they remain crisp-tender and don’t become soggy. Remember that adding certain vegetables might subtly alter the soup’s overall flavor profile, so choose wisely!

Delicious Variations of This Turkey Gnocchi Soup

This versatile creamy turkey gnocchi soup recipe serves as an excellent base for various delicious adaptations. Feel free to get creative and tailor it to your preferences!

• Turkey and Potato Soup: If gnocchi isn’t your preference, you can easily substitute it with 1 pound of peeled and cubed potatoes (such as Yukon Golds or Russets). Boil the potatoes with the vegetables and broth until they are fork-tender (this usually takes about 11-15 minutes, covered). Then, proceed to add the turkey, seasonings, heavy cream, and milk. Once everything is heated through and the soup has thickened, stir in the spinach.
• Cheesy Turkey Gnocchi Soup: For an extra layer of indulgent creaminess and flavor, stir in 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese (or a blend of your favorite melting cheeses) just after adding the spinach and while the soup is still hot. Stir continuously until the cheese is fully melted and smoothly incorporated into the broth, creating a luxurious, cheesy twist.
• Creamy Turkey Rice Soup: For a different texture and a classic comfort food feel, replace the gnocchi with 1 cup of cooked and cooled white or brown rice. Add the cooked rice during step 3 with the turkey and seasonings, allowing it to heat through and absorb the delicious broth flavors.
• Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup: If you don’t have leftover turkey or simply want to try a different protein, substitute the cooked turkey for 1 pound of browned (and thoroughly drained) mild or spicy Italian ground sausage. Cook the sausage first, then remove it from the pot, sauté your aromatics, and add the cooked sausage back in when the recipe calls for turkey.

Ingredient Substitutions for Your Creamy Turkey Gnocchi Soup

Don’t have all the ingredients on hand? No problem! Here are some common substitutions that will still yield a delicious creamy turkey gnocchi soup:

Using Ground Turkey: If you don’t have leftover cooked turkey, you can easily use ground turkey. Simply brown 1 pound of ground turkey in the pot with 1-2 teaspoons of olive oil, seasoning it with salt and pepper as it cooks. Once fully cooked and crumbled, drain off any excess liquid or fat before adding it to the soup in place of the leftover turkey. This makes it a great recipe even when not using leftovers!

Without Heavy Cream: For a slightly lighter or alternative dairy option, the combination of milk and heavy cream can be swapped for 2 cups of half-and-half or 2 cups of evaporated milk. Both will provide creaminess, though the texture might be slightly different. For a dairy-free alternative, while I haven’t personally tested it, canned full-fat coconut milk could work as a substitute, but be aware that it will impart a subtle coconut flavor to the soup. Choose unsweetened coconut milk for savory dishes.

Gluten-Free Adaptation: This recipe is very adaptable for gluten-free diets. I’ve successfully tested it with gluten-free gnocchi, and it performs wonderfully, maintaining its tender texture. The other crucial ingredient to check for gluten is your chicken broth. Some brands may contain barley, which is a source of gluten. Most reduced-sodium broths are typically gluten-free, but always read the label carefully to ensure it’s certified gluten-free.

Low Carb / Keto Friendly: To make this creamy turkey soup suitable for a low-carb or keto lifestyle, simply swap the potato gnocchi for cauliflower gnocchi or, even better, fresh cauliflower florets. Instead of milk, use extra heavy cream or half-and-half to maintain creaminess while reducing carbs. If desired, you can also replace the carrot (which contains some natural sugars) with an additional rib of celery or other low-carb vegetables like zucchini or green bell pepper.

Instant Pot Instructions for Creamy Turkey Gnocchi Soup

Making this delicious turkey gnocchi soup in an Instant Pot is a fantastic way to speed up the cooking process while still achieving incredible flavor and creamy texture:

1. Sauté Vegetables: Set your Instant Pot to the “Saute” mode. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the pot. Once hot, add the diced onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften. Then, add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30-60 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly.
2. Deglaze and Add Ingredients: Pour the chicken broth into the pot. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot, ensuring they are fully loosened (this prevents a “burn” notice). Add the cooked turkey, dried thyme, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
3. Bring to Simmer: With the Instant Pot still on the “Saute” setting, allow the soup to come to a gentle simmer.
4. Add Gnocchi: Once simmering, add the potato gnocchi and stir gently to ensure they are submerged and not sticking together.
5. Pressure Cook: Hit the “Cancel” button to turn off the sauté function. Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and flip the steam release valve to the “Sealing” position. Using the manual or pressure cook function, set the Instant Pot to “0” minutes. Yes, zero minutes! The gnocchi will cook perfectly as the pot comes up to pressure.
6. Quick Release: Once the Instant Pot reaches pressure and beeps to indicate it’s done, immediately perform a quick pressure release by carefully flipping the valve to “Venting.” Stand clear to avoid the steam.
7. Open and Finish: Once all the pressure has been released (the float valve/pin should drop), carefully open the lid. Pour in the heavy cream and milk. Switch the Instant Pot back to the “Saute” mode.
8. Thicken and Wilt Spinach: Cook the soup, stirring often, for about 3-5 minutes, or until it is heated through and begins to thicken slightly to your preferred consistency. Finally, add the fresh spinach and stir it in gently until it wilts from the residual heat (this usually takes 1-3 minutes).
9. Serve: Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Ladle your creamy turkey gnocchi soup into bowls and enjoy immediately!