Hearty Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

The Coziest Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe for Chilly Days

Craving a comforting bowl of creamy chicken gnocchi soup that hugs your soul on chilly evenings?

Soft potato dumplings swim alongside tender chicken in a velvety broth that whispers warmth and satisfaction.

Hearty ingredients come together in a dance of flavors that will make your kitchen feel like a cozy Italian trattoria.

Our simple recipe brings restaurant-quality comfort directly to your dining table with minimal effort.

Each spoonful promises rich, creamy goodness that melts away stress and hunger.

Imagine diving into a bowl packed with nourishing ingredients that feel like a culinary embrace.

You’ll want to savor every delectable bite of this soul-warming soup that turns an ordinary meal into a memorable experience.

Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup to Savor

  • Savor Comfort in a Bowl: This creamy chicken gnocchi soup delivers ultimate warmth and satisfaction with its rich, velvety texture that hugs your taste buds like a cozy blanket.
  • Boost Nutrition Easily: Packed with protein from chicken, vegetables like carrots and spinach, and hearty gnocchi, this recipe provides a balanced meal that nourishes your body while delighting your palate.
  • Master with Minimal Skill: Beginners can confidently create this soup with simple sautĂ©ing and stirring techniques, making it a perfect dish for home cooks looking to expand their culinary repertoire without stress.
  • Customize Your Comfort: Adaptable ingredients allow you to swap vegetables, adjust seasoning, or add extra toppings, ensuring the soup matches your personal taste and dietary preferences every single time.

Key Ingredients for Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Base Ingredients:
  • Gnocchi: Soft, pillowy potato dumplings that add hearty texture to the soup.
  • Chicken: Tender, shredded meat that provides protein and rich flavor.
  • Chicken Broth: Provides the foundational liquid base for the soup.
Vegetables and Aromatics:
  • Onion, Garlic, Carrots, Celery: Classic soup base that builds a deep, savory flavor profile.
  • Spinach: Fresh green vegetable that adds nutritional value and vibrant color.
Dairy and Seasoning:
  • Heavy Cream, Milk: Creates a rich and creamy consistency for the soup.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, tangy depth to the overall flavor.
  • Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: Essential spices that enhance and balance the soup's taste.

Stepwise Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Prep

Step 1: Prepare Aromatic Base

In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté onions, garlic, carrots, and celery until they become soft and release their delightful fragrance, creating a flavorful foundation for the soup.

Step 2: Build Soup Foundation

Pour chicken broth into the pot and bring to a boil. Add:
  • Shredded chicken
  • Italian seasoning
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Reduce heat and let the ingredients simmer, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Step 3: Create Creamy Texture

Gently stir in heavy cream and milk, then introduce the pillowy gnocchi. Cook until the gnocchi becomes perfectly tender and absorbs the rich, velvety liquid.

Step 4: Final Flavor Boost

Fold in:
  • Chopped spinach
  • Parmesan cheese

Stir until everything is wonderfully combined. Let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes to intensify the flavors and ensure everything is heated through.

Step 5: Serve and Savor

Ladle the steaming, creamy soup into bowls. Enjoy the comforting warmth and delicious blend of ingredients that make this chicken gnocchi soup an irresistible meal.

Helpful Tips for Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup

  • Swap white potatoes gnocchi for sweet potato or gluten-free versions to accommodate dietary restrictions.
  • Chop vegetables finely for even cooking and smoother soup texture.
  • Use rotisserie chicken for quicker preparation and added flavor depth.
  • Keep extra broth nearby to adjust soup consistency if needed.
  • Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for extra freshness and visual appeal.

Flavorful Twists for Chicken Gnocchi Soup

  • Gluten-Free Gnocchi Soup: Replace traditional wheat gnocchi with potato-based or gluten-free gnocchi to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
  • Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute chicken with plant-based protein like cubed tofu, chickpeas, or white beans for a meat-free version.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Use cauliflower gnocchi or replace gnocchi with roasted cauliflower florets to reduce carbohydrate content.
  • Dairy-Free Option: Swap heavy cream and milk with coconut milk or almond milk, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a creamy, dairy-free soup.

Pairing Ideas for Chicken Gnocchi Soup

  • Cozy Family Dinner Night: Ladle this hearty soup into large bowls and gather everyone around the table for a warm, comforting meal that feels like a culinary hug.
  • Rustic Bread Pairing: Serve alongside crusty sourdough or garlic bread to soak up the creamy broth, adding delightful texture and extra flavor to each spoonful.
  • Healthy Lunch Prep: Package individual portions in meal prep containers for a satisfying work lunch that keeps you full and energized throughout the afternoon.
  • Elegant Dinner Party Starter: Present in small appetizer bowls as a sophisticated first course, garnished with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh herbs to impress guests.

Storing Chicken Gnocchi Soup Properly

  • Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  • Keep the soup separate from additional garnishes like fresh herbs or extra Parmesan cheese.
  • Transfer cooled soup to a shallow container to help it cool faster and prevent bacterial growth.

FAQs

  • Is gnocchi hard to cook in soup?

Gnocchi cooks quickly and easily in soup, usually taking about 2-3 minutes until they float to the surface, indicating they’re tender and ready to eat.

  • Can I use frozen gnocchi for this recipe?

Yes, frozen gnocchi works perfectly in this soup. Just add them directly from the freezer and cook until they’re floating and soft.

  • What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Rotisserie chicken or leftover roasted chicken are excellent choices, as they’re already cooked and add great flavor to the soup. Shredded chicken breast also works well.

Print
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Hearty Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Hearty Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 32 reviews

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

Description

Olive Garden’s creamy chicken gnocchi soup brings comfort from Italian kitchens to home tables. Hearty potatoes, tender chicken, and pillowy gnocchi combine in a rich broth you’ll crave all season long.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cooked and shredded
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Vegetables and Aromatics:

  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped

Liquid and Seasoning Ingredients:

  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 package (16 ounces) potato gnocchi

Instructions

  1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat, sautéing diced onions, minced garlic, shredded carrots, and chopped celery until vegetables become translucent and tender, approximately 4-5 minutes.
  2. Pour chicken broth into the pot, increasing heat to high and bringing liquid to a rolling boil. Introduce shredded chicken, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat to low, allowing ingredients to simmer gently.
  3. Incorporate heavy cream and milk into the simmering mixture, then carefully add gnocchi. Cook for 3-4 minutes until gnocchi becomes pillowy and soft, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  4. Fold in fresh chopped spinach and grated Parmesan cheese, blending thoroughly until spinach wilts and cheese melts completely. Continue simmering for an additional 2-3 minutes to marry flavors.
  5. Remove from heat and ladle the creamy soup into warm serving bowls. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese if desired, and serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

  • Adjust the vegetable texture by chopping them finely for a smoother soup consistency.
  • Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to save time and add extra flavor depth.
  • For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk to reduce calories.
  • Create a gluten-free option by using gluten-free gnocchi and checking broth ingredients carefully.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 387 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 2600 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg
Jack Monroe

Jack Monroe

Founder & Recipe Innovator

Expertise

Pacific Northwest cuisine, Single-serving recipe development, Sustainable sourcing and cooking, Modern comfort food​

Education

Brightwater
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Sustainable cooking, seasonal ingredients, and food systems education


Jack grew up with a fishing rod in one hand and a cast-iron skillet in the other. After graduating from Brightwater: A Center for the Study of Food, he set out to prove that cooking for one could still taste like a feast.
Jack believes that food should feel real: fresh, fearless, and a little wild, just like the rivers he grew up around. For Jack, every single dish is a small adventure, and the best ones are the ones you can cook with heart, not hassle.

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