If there’s one dish that instantly delivers pure coziness and hearty satisfaction in a single bowl, it’s Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup. This recipe is everything you crave on a chilly evening: pillowy gnocchi, tender chicken, plenty of vegetables, fresh spinach, and a lusciously creamy broth finished with nutty Parmesan cheese. Whether you’re after a spot-on Olive Garden copycat or just need a comforting soup that fills you up in the best way, this Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this soup so irresistible is how each simple ingredient brings something special to the table. Creamy, flavorful, and filled with texture, every element has a purpose—nothing is wasted, and nothing is complicated.
- Olive oil: Gives a smooth base for sautéing the vegetables and develops a savory foundation for the whole soup.
- Onion: Adds sweetness and depth to balance the creamy, savory flavors.
- Carrots: Provide a pop of color and a little sweetness in every spoonful.
- Celery: Brings classic aromatic flavor and a light crunch to the base.
- Garlic: Enhances the soup with bold, fragrant notes that make the broth irresistible.
- Chicken breasts: Keeps things lean, juicy, and quick to cook for weeknights.
- Chicken broth: Builds a rich backdrop that lets every flavor shine through vibrantly.
- Dried thyme: Offers herbal warmth for that essential Italian-inspired taste.
- Dried basil: Adds an earthy, slightly sweet layer that lifts the whole soup.
- Salt: Essential for bringing out the best in every element.
- Black pepper: Provides just enough subtle heat and bite.
- Potato gnocchi: The star of the show, offering a pillowy, comforting bite in every spoonful.
- Fresh spinach: Wilts into the soup for a pop of color and a hint of earthiness.
- Heavy cream: Creates that utterly dreamy, luscious texture that makes the soup unforgettable.
- Parmesan cheese: Brings savory depth and a lovely cheesy finish—don’t skip it!
How to Make Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Start by heating olive oil in a big, sturdy pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for about five minutes. You want everything to soften up and the flavors to meld together, which is the magic starting point for your Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup. Stir in the minced garlic for a final minute until it becomes fragrant—your kitchen will smell dreamy!
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Next, toss the small chicken pieces right into the pot with the veggies. Let them cook for about five minutes, just until the outsides start to brown. This quick browning builds extra flavor that seeps into the broth later and ensures each piece of chicken is tender when the soup is done.
Step 3: Simmer with Broth and Seasonings
Pour in all the chicken broth, then sprinkle in the dried thyme, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good stir and bring the mixture up to a gentle boil. Once it starts bubbling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes. The chicken cooks through and the aromatics infuse the broth—it’s the foundation for that incredible Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup flavor.
Step 4: Cook the Gnocchi
Time for the gnocchi to shine! Gently add the potato gnocchi straight to the simmering pot. Cook according to package directions, usually three to four minutes, until the gnocchi float to the surface—this means they’re pillowy and perfectly cooked. Don’t overcook or they’ll get mushy!
Step 5: Finish with Spinach, Cream, and Cheese
Stir in the fresh spinach leaves, heavy cream, and that glorious Parmesan cheese. Keep the soup at a low simmer for another two or three minutes, just until the spinach wilts and everything is creamy, thick, and piping hot. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Now, your Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup is ready to serve!
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Garnishes
A little flourish goes a long way! Sprinkle extra grated Parmesan or cracked black pepper on each bowl. A few torn basil leaves or a drizzle of olive oil make this Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup feel extra special and restaurant-worthy.
Side Dishes
This soup is luxurious and filling all on its own, but it becomes a true feast with a crusty baguette or warm garlic bread on the side. Pair with a bright green salad tossed in Italian dressing for the perfect cozy meal that covers all the bases.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings or at-home date nights, ladle your soup into rustic mugs for a charming feel or serve in hollowed-out sourdough rolls for an edible, impressive bowl. Miniature portions in espresso cups also make a fun starter or appetizer at dinner parties!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to three days. Cool the soup completely before transferring to an airtight container. The flavors actually get even better overnight, but you may need to give things a gentle stir as the soup thickens while it sits.
Freezing
While you can freeze this soup, keep in mind the texture of the gnocchi and the cream may change after thawing. For best results, freeze just the base (minus gnocchi and cream), then add cooked gnocchi and cream when you reheat. Always cool the soup fully before freezing in individual portions for easy lunches or quick dinners.
Reheating
To reheat, simply place the soup in a pot over low-medium heat and warm gently, stirring often to prevent scorching. If the soup has thickened up too much in the fridge, splash in a little broth or milk until your Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup is silky again. Avoid boiling hard, as that could cause the cream to separate.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken cuts down on prep time and makes for an equally delicious, quick version of Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup. Just add it after the gnocchi step and let it warm through with the cream and spinach.
Is half-and-half an okay substitute for heavy cream?
Yes, half-and-half works really well if you’re looking for a lighter soup, though it won’t be quite as rich. Either way, you’ll end up with a wonderfully creamy, comforting bowl!
How do I thicken my Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup?
If you like your soup extra-thick, whisk together one tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of water and stir it into the simmering broth just before adding the cream and spinach. The soup will thicken right up without affecting the flavor.
Can I make this soup gluten-free?
Yes, simply use gluten-free gnocchi (available at many grocery stores) and double-check that your chicken broth and spices are certified gluten-free to ensure your Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup is safe for everyone.
What’s the best way to store leftovers for a busy week?
After cooling, portion the soup into single-serving containers for easy grab-and-go lunches. Reheat gently and add a splash of broth or cream if it thickens up, so every bowl remains as silky and delicious as the first.
Final Thoughts
Few things are as comforting and satisfying as a big, steaming bowl of Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup. With simple ingredients and an easy method, anyone can create this cozy, heartwarming dish at home. Give it a try—you might just find it becomes your family’s new favorite soup night staple!
Print
Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a comforting bowl of Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup, a rich and satisfying dish that’s perfect for chilly days. This Olive Garden copycat recipe features tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a luscious cream base that’s sure to warm you up from the inside out.
Ingredients
Vegetable Base:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Soup:
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into small pieces
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 package (16 ounces) potato gnocchi
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté onion, carrots, and celery until softened.
- Cook Chicken: Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Brown chicken pieces for about 5 minutes.
- Simmer: Pour in chicken broth, add thyme, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15 minutes.
- Add Gnocchi: Cook gnocchi in the broth until they float to the top, typically 3–4 minutes.
- Finish Soup: Stir in spinach, heavy cream, and Parmesan. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until creamy. Serve hot.
Notes
- You can use half-and-half for a lighter version.
- For a thicker soup, mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp water and add before the cream.
- Rotisserie chicken can be substituted for faster prep.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 920 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 23 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
