This creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a delightful homemade version of the Olive Garden classic. Packed with tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, fresh spinach, and a rich, flavorful broth, it’s like a warm hug in a bowl.
Easy to make, this comforting soup is perfect for cozy family dinners or special occasions.
Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup: A Cozy Italian-Inspired Delight
This rich and comforting soup features tender chicken, soft gnocchi, and fresh vegetables simmered in a creamy, flavorful broth. Perfect for chilly days, this one-pot meal brings together savory herbs, hearty textures, and a velvety finish that everyone will love. It's a quick and satisfying dinner for busy weeknights or a cozy option for relaxed weekends.
Ingredients
- 3-4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 stalk celery chopped
- 1/2 white onion diced
- 2 tsp minced garlic
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp thyme
- 16 oz potato gnocchi
- 2 cups half-and-half
- 1 cup fresh spinach roughly chopped
Instructions
- Sauté the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add celery, onion, garlic, and carrots, and sauté for 2–3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Add the Chicken and Broth: Stir in the diced chicken, chicken broth, salt, pepper, and thyme. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Cook the Gnocchi: Add the potato gnocchi to the pot. Boil for 3–4 minutes, then reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for an additional 10 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Add Cream and Spinach: Stir in the half-and-half and fresh spinach. Cook for 1–2 minutes, just until the spinach is tender.
- Season and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot and enjoy a comforting bowl of creamy deliciousness!
Notes
Why You Will Love Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup is the ultimate comfort food, blending rich, velvety textures with hearty, satisfying flavors. Whether you’re looking for a cozy meal on a chilly evening or a dish that pleases the whole family, this soup is sure to become a favorite. Let’s dive into the reasons why you’ll love it.1. Luxurious and Comforting Texture
The first thing you’ll notice about Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup is its rich and silky texture. The combination of heavy cream, butter, and a flavorful broth creates a velvety base that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Every spoonful is thick and creamy, making it incredibly satisfying and indulgent.2. Hearty and Satisfying
Unlike lighter soups that leave you hungry after an hour, this dish is packed with filling ingredients. Tender, shredded chicken provides a hearty protein source, while pillowy gnocchi (Italian potato dumplings) add a comforting, carb-filled bite. It’s a complete meal in itself, keeping you full and satisfied for hours.3. Bursting with Flavor
This soup is anything but bland. The blend of garlic, onions, celery, and carrots creates a deep, aromatic base. The broth is seasoned with Italian herbs like thyme and basil, enhancing the overall taste. Add in the richness of cream and the savory goodness of chicken, and you have an explosion of flavors in every bite.4. Perfect for Any Season
While it’s a go-to dish during the colder months, this soup is delicious all year round. Its creamy yet light consistency makes it a great choice for a comforting meal, whether it’s a cold winter evening or a rainy summer night.5. Easy and Quick to Prepare
You don’t need to be a professional chef to make this dish. With simple, everyday ingredients, this soup comes together in about 30–40 minutes. Most of the cooking process involves simmering, allowing the flavors to blend beautifully while requiring minimal effort on your part.6. Family-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing
This soup is loved by kids and adults alike. The mild, creamy flavors make it appealing to even the pickiest eaters. It’s also perfect for serving at family gatherings, dinner parties, or potlucks—everyone will be asking for seconds!7. Customizable to Your Liking
One of the best things about Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup is its versatility. Want to make it healthier? Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. Looking for extra veggies? Spinach, mushrooms, or kale make great additions. Prefer a spicier kick? A dash of red pepper flakes will do the trick. It’s easy to tweak the recipe to match your taste preferences.8. Leftovers Taste Even Better
Like many soups, this one develops an even richer flavor over time. Let it sit in the fridge overnight, and the gnocchi will absorb more of the delicious broth, making the next day’s meal even more flavorful and comforting. In short, Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup is everything you could want in a dish—creamy, filling, flavorful, and easy to make. Once you try it, it’s bound to become a regular in your meal rotation!
Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a comforting, restaurant-quality dish that’s perfect for cozy nights or entertaining guests. This rich and flavorful soup combines tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a luscious, creamy broth infused with herbs and vegetables. Below are some essential tips and serving tricks to make your soup even more delicious and memorable.
Tips for the Best Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup
1. Choose the Right Gnocchi
- Store-bought potato gnocchi works great for convenience, but homemade gnocchi will elevate the dish.
- If using pre-packaged gnocchi, do not pre-cook them; they will cook perfectly in the soup and absorb flavor.
- For a gluten-free alternative, look for gluten-free gnocchi or substitute with diced potatoes.
2. Use Rotisserie Chicken for Convenience
- To save time, use shredded rotisserie chicken instead of cooking raw chicken.
- If using fresh chicken, sauté bite-sized pieces in butter or olive oil before adding them to the soup.
3. Enhance the Flavor
- Sauté onions, carrots, and celery in butter before adding broth to build a deep, rich base.
- Garlic and Italian seasoning (basil, oregano, thyme) enhance the overall flavor.
- A splash of white wine adds depth—just let it cook off before adding the liquid.
4. The Perfect Creamy Texture
- Use a combination of heavy cream and whole milk for a rich yet balanced consistency.
- If you prefer a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or use a cornstarch slurry instead of cream.
- For extra silkiness, stir in a bit of cream cheese or parmesan cheese at the end.
5. Cooking Gnocchi the Right Way
- Add the gnocchi toward the end of cooking (last 5–7 minutes) to prevent them from becoming mushy.
- Stir gently to avoid breaking them apart.
6. Adjust the Thickness
- If the soup is too thick, add extra broth or milk to loosen it up.
- If too thin, mix a small amount of cornstarch with cold water and stir it in.
7. Let the Flavors Meld
- For a richer taste, let the soup simmer on low for at least 10 minutes before serving.
- If possible, make it a few hours ahead and let it rest to deepen the flavors.
Serving Tricks
1. Garnish for Extra Appeal
- Freshly chopped parsley or basil adds color and freshness.
- A sprinkle of parmesan cheese enhances umami flavors.
- A drizzle of olive oil or a dollop of sour cream creates a luxurious finish.
2. Serve with the Right Accompaniments
- Crusty bread or garlic bread is perfect for dipping.
- A side of Caesar salad or roasted vegetables balances the richness.
- For a heartier meal, serve alongside a grilled cheese sandwich.
3. Make It a Crowd-Pleaser
- Serve in bread bowls for an impressive presentation.
- Offer a toppings bar with bacon bits, extra cheese, and croutons.
4. Store & Reheat Properly
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth or milk if needed.
Notes:
- For an extra creamy soup, replace 1 cup of the half-and-half with heavy cream. This will add a velvety richness that takes the soup to the next level.
- Feel free to substitute rotisserie chicken for a quicker prep option.
