Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

There's nothing better than a warm bowl of Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup on a chilly evening. This rich, comforting soup is packed with tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a velvety broth infused with herbs and garlic. Every spoonful is like a cozy hug in a bowl, making it the ultimate comfort food for any time of the year.

this Recipe

I first made this soup on a whim, trying to recreate my favorite restaurant version at home. The result? A dish that's even better than takeout—fresher, more flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. Now, it's a staple in our home, perfect for busy weeknights and lazy Sundays alike.

Why You'll Love This Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Get ready to fall in love with this easy and flavorful soup! It’s creamy, hearty, and surprisingly simple to whip up in just one pot.

First, this recipe is quick and easy, coming together in about 30 minutes. Whether you're cooking for a busy weeknight or meal prepping for the week, this soup is a lifesaver.

It’s also a one-pot wonder, which means less cleanup. Everything cooks together in a single pot, allowing the flavors to blend beautifully while making cleanup a breeze.

Another reason to love this dish? It’s incredibly versatile. You can switch up the protein, swap in different greens, or adjust the seasonings to match your taste. It’s a great way to use up leftovers and pantry staples.

Finally, this soup is restaurant-quality without the price tag. It tastes just like (if not better than) the popular Olive Garden version, but you can make it at home for a fraction of the cost.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup lies in its simple, fresh ingredients. Every component plays an important role in making this dish extra delicious.

Chicken – I love using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe, but rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut if you're short on time. If you prefer dark meat, chicken thighs work wonderfully too.

Gnocchi – These soft, pillowy potato dumplings are the heart of this dish. Shelf-stable, frozen, or fresh gnocchi all work, but fresh gnocchi will cook the fastest.

Vegetables – Carrots, celery, and onions create a flavorful base. A handful of fresh spinach adds color and nutrition, but you can swap it for kale or leave it out if you prefer.

Broth & Cream – A mix of chicken broth and heavy cream creates that signature rich, velvety texture. For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or use more broth with a splash of milk.

Seasonings – Garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper bring out the best flavors in this soup. A little Parmesan cheese sprinkled in at the end takes it over the top.

You'll also need a large pot or Dutch oven to make this soup. A wooden spoon or ladle helps stir everything together smoothly.

How To Make This Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup

This soup is easy to make, and everything comes together in one pot for a hassle-free meal.

Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onions, carrots, and celery, and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Next, add chicken breast (cut into small pieces) and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until the chicken is lightly browned on the outside, but it doesn’t need to be fully cooked through at this point.

Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot for extra flavor. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let the chicken cook through.

Once the chicken is fully cooked, reduce the heat and stir in potato gnocchi. Let them cook for about 3-5 minutes until they float to the surface and become tender.

Now, it’s time to make the soup creamy! Stir in heavy cream and a handful of fresh spinach, letting the greens wilt into the broth. For an extra depth of flavor, sprinkle in some grated Parmesan cheese.

Let everything simmer for another couple of minutes, then give the soup a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan and cracked black pepper.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers, this soup stores beautifully and tastes even better the next day!

For refrigeration, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days.

To freeze, portion the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little room for expansion. It will keep well for up to 3 months. Just note that gnocchi can become a bit softer after freezing, so you may want to add fresh gnocchi when reheating.

For reheating, warm the soup on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of broth or milk to loosen it up.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup is how customizable it is! Here are a few ways to make it your own.

Make it dairy-free – Swap the heavy cream for coconut milk or a dairy-free alternative. Skip the Parmesan or use a vegan-friendly cheese.

Try a different protein – Instead of chicken, try using Italian sausage, shredded turkey, or even shrimp for a unique twist.

Use different greens – If you’re not a fan of spinach, swap it for kale, Swiss chard, or even finely chopped broccoli.

Make it gluten-free – Be sure to use gluten-free gnocchi, which is available at most grocery stores. Check your broth and seasonings as well to ensure they’re gluten-free.

Add more veggies – Throw in some mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers for an extra boost of flavor and nutrients.

This Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup is the perfect balance of comfort, flavor, and simplicity. Whether you follow the recipe exactly or tweak it to your liking, one thing’s for sure—you’ll want to make this again and again! Enjoy!

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