Nothing beats a warm, creamy bowl of Chicken Gnocchi Soup on a chilly day. The rich, velvety broth combined with tender shredded chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and fresh vegetables creates the perfect balance of flavors and textures. This recipe brings all the cozy, comforting goodness of a homemade soup straight to your table in under 40 minutes.
Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a satisfying dish to warm you up, this soup is a must-try. Packed with protein, hearty gnocchi, and nourishing vegetables, it’s a one-pot meal that’s both easy to make and absolutely delicious. Serve it with a side of crusty bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal that the whole family will love.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 package (16 oz) potato gnocchi
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Directions:
- In a large pot over medium heat, melt butter. Add onions, carrots, and celery, and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir well to coat. Cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
- Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, ensuring there are no lumps. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine.
- Add the shredded chicken, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Let the soup simmer for 10 minutes.
- Stir in the gnocchi and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the gnocchi float to the surface.
- Add the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese, adjust seasoning if necessary, and serve warm.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
The History of Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Chicken Gnocchi Soup has its roots in Italian cuisine, where gnocchi—soft dumplings traditionally made from potatoes, flour, and eggs—are a staple. The combination of creamy broth, shredded chicken, and gnocchi creates a rich and satisfying dish. This soup is popular in both homemade Italian cooking and restaurant menus, especially in the United States, where it has gained popularity due to its hearty and comforting qualities.
One of the most well-known versions of this dish comes from Olive Garden, a restaurant chain that serves a creamy, indulgent version of Chicken Gnocchi Soup. However, homemade versions allow for greater control over ingredients, making it possible to adjust for healthier options, dietary preferences, or bolder flavors.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Chicken Gnocchi Soup
- Use Homemade Chicken Broth: For a richer taste, make your own broth by simmering chicken bones with herbs and vegetables.
- Sauté Vegetables Properly: Cooking the onions, carrots, and celery until soft enhances the soup’s depth of flavor.
- Thicken the Soup Naturally: The flour helps thicken the soup, but you can also mash a few gnocchi into the broth for a natural thickness.
- Don’t Overcook Gnocchi: Gnocchi cooks quickly and should only be added in the last few minutes to prevent them from becoming mushy.
- Use Rotisserie Chicken for Convenience: If you’re short on time, use a store-bought rotisserie chicken for easy preparation.
- Make It Lighter: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or milk if you want a lighter version of the soup.
Variations to Try
- Dairy-Free Option: Substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free alternative for a creamy texture without dairy.
- Low-Carb Version: Replace gnocchi with cauliflower or zucchini noodles to lower the carb content while keeping the dish hearty.
- Vegetarian Adaptation: Skip the chicken and use mushrooms, chickpeas, or white beans for a protein-rich alternative.
- Spicy Kick: Add a dash of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for a bit of heat.
- Herb Boost: Enhance the flavor with fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil added at the end of cooking.
Storage & Freezing Instructions
- Refrigeration: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally.
- Freezing: While you can freeze the soup, the gnocchi may become mushy when thawed. If you plan to freeze it, store the broth separately and add fresh gnocchi when reheating.
- Reheating Tip: If the soup thickens too much after storage, add a splash of broth or milk while reheating to restore its creamy consistency.
What to Serve with Chicken Gnocchi Soup
- Crusty Bread or Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up the creamy broth.
- Green Salad: A fresh, simple salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup.
- Roasted Vegetables: Serve with oven-roasted Brussels sprouts, asparagus, or butternut squash for a wholesome meal.
- Parmesan Cheese & Cracked Pepper: Sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese and black pepper on top before serving for added flavor.
History and Origins of Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Chicken Gnocchi Soup is inspired by traditional Italian comfort food, blending the richness of a creamy broth with the delicate, pillowy texture of gnocchi. Gnocchi itself has been a staple in Italian cuisine for centuries, dating back to the Roman Empire, where early versions were made from semolina or flour and water.
The dish gained widespread popularity in American-Italian cuisine, especially through restaurants like Olive Garden, which introduced a creamy version that became a fan favorite. The homemade version allows for more flexibility in flavors, making it adaptable to different diets and personal preferences.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ One-Pot Meal – Easy to make and requires minimal cleanup.
✅ Comforting & Creamy – The perfect cozy dish for cold weather.
✅ Packed with Flavor – A delicious mix of chicken, herbs, and gnocchi in a velvety broth.
✅ Customizable – Can be made gluten-free, dairy-free, or even vegetarian.
Key Ingredients and Their Roles
- Gnocchi: Soft, pillowy potato dumplings that add a hearty texture to the soup.
- Chicken: Provides protein and makes the soup more filling. Shredded rotisserie chicken works great for convenience.
- Vegetables (Carrots, Celery, Onion, Garlic): The classic base for soups, adding depth and sweetness.
- Chicken Broth: The foundation of the soup’s flavor. Use homemade or high-quality store-bought broth.
- Heavy Cream: Creates the luxurious, creamy texture. Can be substituted with half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds a savory umami flavor to enhance the soup.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme that complements the Italian flavors.
- Spinach: Adds a pop of color and nutrients to the dish.
Cooking Tips for the Best Chicken Gnocchi Soup
✅ Use Fresh Gnocchi for the Best Texture
Fresh gnocchi cooks faster and has a better, pillowy consistency compared to shelf-stable versions.
✅ Sauté the Vegetables for Extra Flavor
Cooking the onions, garlic, carrots, and celery in butter before adding the broth enhances the depth of flavor.
✅ Don’t Overcook the Gnocchi
Gnocchi cooks very quickly (about 3-4 minutes). Overcooking will make them mushy, so add them towards the end of cooking.
✅ Make It Extra Creamy
For a thicker soup, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir it into the soup before adding the cream.
✅ Enhance the Flavor with Fresh Herbs
A sprinkle of fresh thyme, basil, or parsley right before serving can elevate the flavors.
Variations & Substitutions
🥑 Healthy Version: Use light cream or milk instead of heavy cream and replace some of the flour with cornstarch to reduce calories.
🍄 Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken for mushrooms, chickpeas, or white beans for a protein-packed vegetarian version.
🌶️ Spicy Twist: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for some heat.
🍗 Low-Carb Alternative: Replace gnocchi with cauliflower or zucchini noodles for a keto-friendly version.
🧄 Garlic Lover’s Version: Add roasted garlic or garlic powder for a deeper, more robust flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Adding the Gnocchi Too Early: It only takes a few minutes to cook, so always add it at the last step.
❌ Using Low-Quality Chicken Broth: The broth is the base of your soup. Use homemade or a high-quality store-bought version for the best taste.
❌ Skipping the Sautéing Step: Cooking the veggies in butter before adding broth enhances the flavor significantly.
❌ Overcooking the Soup: Letting it boil too long after adding the cream can cause separation or curdling. Simmer on low heat instead.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
🥶 Storing Leftovers: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The gnocchi may absorb some liquid, so add extra broth when reheating.
🔥 Reheating Tips: Warm it over low heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or milk if the soup has thickened too much.
❄️ Freezing Advice:
- Without Gnocchi: The soup base (without the gnocchi) freezes well for up to 2 months.
- With Gnocchi: Gnocchi can become mushy when thawed, so consider adding fresh gnocchi when reheating.
Best Side Dishes to Serve with Chicken Gnocchi Soup
🍞 Crusty Garlic Bread: Perfect for dipping into the creamy soup.
🥗 Simple Green Salad: A fresh side to balance the richness of the soup.
🧀 Parmesan Crisps: Crunchy cheese crisps add texture and flavor.
🌿 Roasted Vegetables: A side of oven-roasted Brussels sprouts or asparagus complements the meal beautifully.
Fun Fact About Gnocchi
Did you know that in Italy, gnocchi is traditionally eaten on Thursdays? This tradition, known as “Gnocchi Giovedì” (Gnocchi Thursday), is followed in many Italian households and restaurants.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make this soup without heavy cream?
Yes! You can substitute it with half-and-half, whole milk, or coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
2. Can I use homemade gnocchi?
Absolutely! Homemade gnocchi will make the soup even more delicious. Just be sure to cook it quickly, as fresh gnocchi is delicate.
3. What can I use instead of spinach?
You can use kale, Swiss chard, or even arugula for a slightly different flavor.
4. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Sauté the vegetables first, then add them to the slow cooker with broth, chicken, and seasonings. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Stir in the gnocchi and spinach in the last 30 minutes before serving.
Conclusion
Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup is the ultimate comfort food—rich, creamy, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight meal or a cozy weekend dinner, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Try different variations, and don’t forget to pair it with some crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal!