Creamy Tuscan Chicken Gnocchi Soup

This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Gnocchi Soup is the ultimate comfort dish, featuring a rich and velvety broth infused with garlic, Parmesan, and fragrant Italian herbs. The fluffy gnocchi and tender chicken add a satisfying texture, while fresh spinach and sun-dried tomatoes bring a burst of color and Mediterranean flair.

Whether you’re looking for a cozy weeknight dinner or an impressive meal to serve guests, this soup is the perfect choice. It comes together in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy nights when you crave something warm and comforting. Serve it with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 (16-ounce) package gnocchi
• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced chicken and season with salt and pepper. Cook until golden brown and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same pot, add onion and cook until soft, about 3 minutes. Stir in garlic, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, mixing well.
4. Add gnocchi and cook according to package instructions, about 3-5 minutes, until they float to the surface.
5. Return the cooked chicken to the pot, then add spinach and sun-dried tomatoes. Stir until the spinach is wilted.
6. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot and enjoy!

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes

Kcal: 450 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

History & Origins of Tuscan Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Tuscan-style dishes are known for their rich flavors, hearty ingredients, and rustic charm. This creamy Tuscan chicken gnocchi soup is inspired by the traditional flavors of Tuscany, an Italian region famous for its simple yet delicious cuisine. While gnocchi itself originates from Northern Italy, its combination with a creamy, Parmesan-infused broth resembles the warm, comforting soups enjoyed throughout Italy.

The use of sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and aromatic herbs gives this dish a Mediterranean touch, reflecting the flavors of classic Tuscan recipes like Tuscan Chicken (Pollo alla Toscana) and Zuppa Toscana. This dish is a fusion of Italian tradition and modern comfort food, making it a popular choice for home cooks.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-Pot Wonder – This soup is made in a single pot, making cleanup easy.
• Quick and Easy – Ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknights.
• Creamy and Comforting – A rich broth with Parmesan and cream makes this soup irresistibly velvety.
• Hearty and Filling – Gnocchi adds a satisfying, pillowy texture.
• Packed with Flavor – Sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and garlic elevate the taste to another level.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Choosing the Right Gnocchi

Gnocchi comes in various forms, including fresh, refrigerated, frozen, and shelf-stable. Fresh or refrigerated gnocchi will give the softest and fluffiest texture, while shelf-stable or frozen options tend to be a bit firmer. If using frozen gnocchi, add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure they cook through.

How to Achieve the Best Creamy Texture

• Use freshly grated Parmesan – Pre-shredded cheese may not melt as smoothly due to anti-caking agents.
• Warm the heavy cream before adding it to prevent curdling.
• Simmer on low heat once the cream is added; high heat can cause it to separate.

How to Prevent Gnocchi from Becoming Mushy

• Add the gnocchi only at the end of cooking, just before serving.
• Avoid overcooking – gnocchi is ready when it floats to the surface, which usually takes just 3-5 minutes.

Making It Even More Flavorful

• Add crispy bacon or pancetta for extra richness.
• Mix in sautéed mushrooms to enhance the umami flavor.
• Use roasted garlic instead of fresh garlic for a deeper taste.
• Replace the spinach with kale for a heartier green.

Common Questions About This Recipe

1. Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?

Yes! However, gnocchi tends to absorb liquid over time. If you plan to make it ahead, store the soup without the gnocchi and add them just before serving.

2. How Do I Store and Reheat Leftovers?

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream if needed.
• Freezing: Not recommended, as dairy-based soups can separate, and gnocchi may become mushy when thawed.

3. Can I Make This Soup Dairy-Free?

Yes! Substitute coconut milk or cashew cream for the heavy cream and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative.

4. What Proteins Can I Use Instead of Chicken?

• Italian sausage – Adds a robust flavor.
• Shrimp – For a seafood twist.
• Tofu – A great vegetarian option.

Serving Suggestions

This creamy Tuscan chicken gnocchi soup is perfect on its own, but you can pair it with:

• Garlic bread – To soak up the creamy broth.
• Caesar salad – A crisp and refreshing contrast.
• Roasted vegetables – For an extra dose of nutrition.

Variations & Customizations

Low-Carb or Keto Version

• Swap out the gnocchi for cauliflower florets or zucchini noodles.
• Reduce the amount of sun-dried tomatoes to lower carbs.

Gluten-Free Option

Use gluten-free gnocchi, available in most grocery stores.

Spicy Version

• Increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper.
• Stir in spicy Italian sausage instead of chicken.

Pro Tips for the Best Soup

Choosing the Right Gnocchi

• Fresh or refrigerated gnocchi yields the softest, fluffiest texture.
• Shelf-stable gnocchi is firmer but still works well.
• Frozen gnocchi requires a slightly longer cooking time.

How to Get a Perfectly Creamy Broth

• Use freshly grated Parmesan for a smooth consistency (pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as well).
• Warm the heavy cream before adding it to the soup to prevent curdling.
• Simmer the soup on low heat once the cream is added to maintain its creamy texture.

Preventing Gnocchi from Getting Mushy

• Add the gnocchi last and cook only until it floats to the top (about 3-5 minutes).
• If making ahead, store the soup without the gnocchi and add fresh gnocchi when reheating.

How to Elevate the Flavor

• Crispy bacon or pancetta can be added for extra depth.
• Mushrooms pair beautifully with the creamy broth.
• Roasted garlic can replace fresh garlic for a sweeter, more mellow taste.
• Replace spinach with kale for a heartier green.

How to Serve This Soup

This rich and creamy soup is perfect on its own, but pairing it with the right sides can enhance the meal:

• Crusty Garlic Bread – Perfect for dipping.
• Caesar Salad – A fresh contrast to the rich broth.
• Roasted Vegetables – Adds extra nutrients and texture.

Recipe Variations & Customizations

Low-Carb / Keto Version

• Swap gnocchi for cauliflower florets or zucchini noodles.
• Reduce the amount of sun-dried tomatoes to lower the carb count.

Gluten-Free Option

• Use gluten-free gnocchi, which is widely available in stores.

Spicy Version

• Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper.
• Use spicy Italian sausage instead of chicken for a kick.

Conclusion

This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a restaurant-quality dish made right in your kitchen. Whether you’re serving it for family dinner, meal prep, or special occasions, this soup is guaranteed to become a go-to comfort meal in your household.

It’s rich, satisfying, and full of flavor – a cozy meal you’ll crave again and again!