The Coziest Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe for Chilly Days

Whipping up a delightful creamy chicken gnocchi soup promises pure comfort on chilly evenings.

Soft potato dumplings nestled among tender chicken pieces create an irresistible combination.

Warm kitchen aromas will instantly draw everyone to the table.

Rich, velvety broth envelops each delicate ingredient with incredible depth.

Hearty vegetables add unexpected bursts of color and nutrition.

Cooking this meal feels like wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket of flavor.

You’ll want to savor every single spoonful of this soul-warming classic.

Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup: Key Notes

• Craft Creamy Indulgence: Blend of cheesecake and banana pudding creates a luxurious dessert that feels like a special treat without complicated techniques.
• Customize with Ease: Swap fruits, adjust sweetness, or add toppings to make this recipe uniquely yours while keeping the core delicious structure.
• No-Bake Delight: Skip the oven and enjoy a cool, refreshing dessert perfect for warm days and gatherings where you want minimal kitchen effort.
• Crowd-Pleasing Charm: Impressive layered presentation and rich flavors make this dessert a hit at potlucks, family dinners, and summer parties with minimal cooking skills required.

Ingredients Needed For Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup

• Chicken: Tender, pre-cooked shredded meat that adds protein and hearty flavor to the soup.
• Gnocchi: Soft potato dumplings that provide a comforting and filling texture.
• Chicken Broth: Flavorful liquid base that creates the foundation of the soup.

• Onion, Garlic, Carrots, Celery: Classic vegetable blend that builds a rich and deep flavor profile for the soup.

• Heavy Cream, Milk: Dairy ingredients that create a luxurious, smooth, and velvety consistency.
• Spinach: Fresh green that adds nutritional value and a vibrant color to the soup.

• Thyme, Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: Herbs and spices that enhance and balance the overall taste of the soup.

• Butter: Provides a rich, smooth base for sautéing vegetables and adding depth to the soup's flavor.

Step-By-Step Directions For Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Step 1: Sizzle Aromatic Vegetables

In a spacious pot, melt butter over medium heat. Toss in diced onions, minced garlic, chopped carrots, and sliced celery.

Sauté the vegetables until they become tender and release their delightful fragrance, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Introduce shredded chicken, sprinkle in thyme and Italian seasoning. Let the ingredients mingle and develop a rich, comforting taste.

Step 3: Add Pillowy Gnocchi

Drop the soft gnocchi into the simmering broth. Allow them to dance and float to the surface, which typically takes 3-4 minutes.

This indicates they are perfectly cooked and ready to absorb the soup’s amazing flavors.

Step 4: Create Creamy Richness

Lower the heat and pour in heavy cream and milk.

Stir gently to incorporate, watching the soup transform into a luxurious, velvety texture. Let it simmer briefly to thicken and develop a smooth consistency.

Step 5: Finish with Fresh Greens

Fold in fresh spinach leaves, letting them gently wilt into the soup. Season with salt and pepper to enhance the overall taste profile.

The spinach adds a vibrant color and nutritional boost.

Step 6: Serve and Savor

Ladle the steaming soup into bowls.

Enjoy immediately while it’s hot and comforting, perfect for warming up on a chilly day.

Kitchen Tips For Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup

• Choose tender, pre-cooked chicken for faster preparation and easier shredding.
• Swap whole milk with half-and-half for an extra rich and creamy texture.
• Fresh spinach works best, but frozen spinach can be a quick alternative if drained thoroughly.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat gently to prevent cream from separating.
• For a gluten-free version, replace traditional gnocchi with cauliflower gnocchi or zucchini noodles.

Flavor Twists For Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup

• Tuscan Herb Fusion: Replace thyme and Italian seasoning with fresh rosemary, sage, and basil for an aromatic Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Spicy Southwest Kick: Add diced green chiles, cumin, and cayenne pepper to transform the soup into a zesty southwestern-style dish with bold heat.
• Protein Power Boost: Substitute shredded chicken with diced chorizo or pancetta and incorporate white beans for extra protein and rich texture.
• Vegetarian Veggie Delight: Swap chicken broth with vegetable broth, use plant-based chicken alternative, and add roasted mushrooms for a hearty meatless version.

Ideal Pairings For Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup

• Cozy Comfort Bowl: Ladle this hearty soup into deep ceramic bowls, garnishing with fresh chopped parsley and a sprinkle of cracked black pepper. The vibrant green spinach and creamy texture make it perfect for a comforting winter meal.
• Rustic Bread Pairing: Serve alongside warm, crusty sourdough bread or garlic toast. Dip the bread into the rich, velvety soup to soak up extra flavor and add a delightful crunch to each spoonful.
• Family-Style Dinner Centerpiece: Present the soup in a large, rustic cast-iron pot at the center of the table. Let everyone serve themselves, creating a warm, communal dining experience that encourages conversation and connection.

Storage Guidance For Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup

• Transfer cooled soup to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly to prevent absorption of other food odors and maintain the soup's delicious flavor.
• Pour soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving about an inch of space at the top for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. Pro tip: Separate gnocchi and cream-based components if possible to prevent texture changes.
• Thaw refrigerated or frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight. Warm gently in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth or milk to restore creamy consistency if the soup seems too thick.

FAQs

• What are gnocchi, and how are they made?

Gnocchi are soft, pillowy Italian dumplings typically made from potatoes, flour, and eggs. They are rolled and cut into small, bite-sized pieces, then boiled until they float to the surface.

• Can I use store-bought or homemade gnocchi?

Both work perfectly! Store-bought gnocchi saves time, while homemade offers a more authentic touch. Either way, they’ll taste delicious in this creamy soup.

• Is this soup healthy?

The soup contains nutritious ingredients like chicken, spinach, and vegetables. However, it’s relatively rich due to heavy cream and butter, so it’s best enjoyed in moderation as a comforting meal.

Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

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4.6 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Olive Garden’s creamy chicken gnocchi soup delights diners with its rich, comforting blend of tender chicken and pillowy potato dumplings. Hearty ingredients and simple preparation make this restaurant-inspired dish a perfect weeknight dinner for hungry families.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) potato gnocchi
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 4 cups (960 ml) chicken broth
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
• 1 cup (240 ml) milk
• 1 cup (140 g) carrots, shredded
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 cup (30 g) fresh spinach, chopped
• 2 tbsps (28 g) butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Melt butter in a spacious pot over medium heat, gently sautéing diced onions, minced garlic, julienned carrots, and chopped celery until vegetables become translucent and tender, approximately 5-6 minutes.
2. Stream in chicken broth and elevate to a gentle simmer, incorporating shredded chicken, fragrant thyme, and robust Italian seasoning, allowing flavors to meld together.
3. Carefully introduce pillowy gnocchi into the simmering liquid, cooking until they gracefully float to the surface, which typically takes 3-4 minutes.
4. Lower the heat and introduce heavy cream and milk, stirring consistently to create a luxurious, velvety consistency that thickens within 2-3 minutes.
5. Fold in fresh spinach leaves, seasoning with salt and freshly cracked black pepper, and allow greens to delicately wilt and integrate into the soup’s rich landscape.
6. Ladle the steaming, creamy soup into warm bowls, ensuring each serving captures the harmonious blend of tender chicken, soft gnocchi, and vibrant vegetables.

Notes

• Enhance flavor by using homemade chicken broth for a richer, more authentic taste profile.
• Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or milk alternatives for lighter, healthier version perfect for calorie-conscious diners.
• Boost nutrition by adding extra vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms to increase mineral and vitamin content.
• Ensure gnocchi doesn’t become mushy by cooking precisely 3-4 minutes and avoiding overcrowding in the pot during preparation.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 320 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 650 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg