Cozy Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe for Chilly Evenings

Comfort arrives in a bowl of warm, creamy chicken gnocchi soup that hugs your soul with every spoonful.

Soft potato dumplings nestle among tender chicken pieces in a velvety broth.

Hearty ingredients dance together, creating a symphony of flavors that whispers home and warmth.

Rich cream blends seamlessly with herbs, promising a meal that feels like a culinary embrace.

Weeknight dinners suddenly become special with this simple yet elegant dish.

Nourishing and satisfying, this soup turns an ordinary evening into a memorable feast.

You won’t be able to resist its delicious charm.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen gnocchi instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen gnocchi works perfectly. Just follow the package instructions for cooking time and add directly to the soup.

• Is this soup gluten-free?

Not automatically. Traditional gnocchi contains wheat flour. To make it gluten-free, use potato gnocchi made specifically for gluten-sensitive diets.

• How can I make this soup more protein-rich?

Add more shredded chicken, or include white beans, diced ham, or extra Parmesan cheese to boost protein content.

• Can I substitute the dairy ingredients for a lighter version?

Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, or replace whole milk with skim milk to reduce calories and fat while maintaining a creamy texture.

Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Flavor Points

• Whip Up Comfort: A hearty soup that wraps you in warmth, perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a soul-soothing meal.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like chicken for other proteins or add extra veggies to make this recipe uniquely yours.
• Quick and Nourishing Meal: Packed with protein, vegetables, and creamy goodness, this soup comes together faster than ordering takeout.
• Family-Friendly Favorite: Kids and adults will love the soft gnocchi, tender chicken, and rich, creamy broth that pleases every palate.

What Goes Into Chicken Gnocchi Soup

• Chicken: Tender, shredded protein that provides a hearty base for the soup.
• Gnocchi: Soft potato dumplings that add a comforting and filling element to the soup.
• Chicken Broth: Flavorful liquid that creates the foundational flavor of the soup.
• Heavy Cream: Adds rich, velvety texture and depth to the soup.

• Onion, Garlic, Carrots, Celery: Classic aromatic vegetables that build a robust flavor profile and provide nutritional depth.
• Spinach: Fresh green that adds color, nutrition, and a light, fresh touch to the soup.

• Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: Essential spices that enhance and balance the overall flavor of the soup.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty finish and creamy texture to the dish.

• Milk: Helps to create a smooth and creamy consistency in the soup.

• Butter: Provides a rich, smooth foundation for sautéing vegetables and adding depth of flavor.

How to Cook Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Step 1: Sizzle Aromatics

Heat butter in a spacious pot over medium warmth.

• Onions
• Garlic
• Carrots
• Celery

Sauté these veggies until they become tender and release their fragrant essence, creating a delightful flavor base.

Step 2: Combine Liquid Gold

• Shredded chicken
• Chicken broth
• Heavy cream
• Whole milk

Stir the mixture thoroughly, ensuring all ingredients mingle and create a rich, velvety foundation for the soup.

Step 3: Infuse Savory Seasonings

• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Black pepper

Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer, allowing the herbs and spices to dance and develop deep, complex flavors.

Step 4: Add Pillowy Gnocchi

Drop the soft potato dumplings into the simmering soup.

Cook them according to package directions, typically 3-5 minutes, until they float and become perfectly tender.

Step 5: Finish with Green Goodness

Fold in fresh spinach leaves and a generous handful of grated Parmesan cheese.

Let the soup simmer for an additional two minutes, allowing the spinach to wilt and the cheese to melt into creamy perfection.

Step 6: Serve with Love

Ladle the steaming, luxurious soup into bowls.

Enjoy the comforting warmth and rich flavors of this homemade masterpiece.

Smooth Steps to Gnocchi Soup Perfection

• Add a splash of white wine while sautéing vegetables to enhance the overall taste profile of the soup.
• Choose store-bought or homemade gnocchi that's slightly firmer to prevent mushiness when cooking in the liquid.
• Substitute heavy cream and milk with coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk for a lighter, allergy-friendly version.
• Swap shredded chicken with rotisserie chicken, turkey, or plant-based chicken alternatives to suit different dietary preferences.
• Make extra soup and freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months, ensuring a convenient and delicious meal is always ready.

Make It Your Own: Gnocchi Soup Adjustments

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace heavy cream and milk with coconut milk or almond milk for a creamy, lactose-free version. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese.
• Veggie Power Soup: Swap chicken with roasted cauliflower or white beans. Add extra vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for more plant-based protein and texture.
• Gluten-Free Gnocchi Option: Use gluten-free potato gnocchi or substitute with cauliflower gnocchi. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free for celiac-friendly preparation.
• Keto-Friendly Adaptation: Replace traditional gnocchi with cauliflower gnocchi or zucchini noodles. Increase fat content by adding more butter and using full-fat cream for low-carb compatibility.

Gnocchi Soup – Perfect for the Table

• Cozy Family Dinner Delight: Pair this hearty soup with crusty garlic bread for a complete meal that'll warm everyone's heart.
• Elegant Appetizer Companion: Serve alongside a crisp mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the soup's creamy richness.
• Rustic Italian-Style Presentation: Garnish with extra Parmesan shavings, fresh cracked black pepper, and a sprinkle of chopped parsley for a restaurant-quality touch.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Match with a light Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay to complement the soup's creamy texture and enhance the overall dining experience.

Store Gnocchi Soup Like a Pro

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cover tightly to prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing gnocchi, as it can become mushy when thawed.
• Warm soup over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth or milk to restore creamy consistency. Heat until temperature reaches 165°F.
• Transfer portion to microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Add extra liquid if soup seems too thick.

Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Olive Garden’s creamy chicken gnocchi soup delivers comfort in a bowl with hearty Italian-inspired flavors. Rich potato dumplings and tender chicken create a satisfying meal you’ll want to savor again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 3 cups chicken, shredded
• 1 lb potato gnocchi
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped

Dairy and Cream:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Heat butter in a large pot over medium temperature, gently sautéing diced onions, minced garlic, julienned carrots, and chopped celery until vegetables become translucent and tender, approximately 5-6 minutes.
2. Introduce shredded chicken into the pot, followed by rich chicken broth, velvety heavy cream, and smooth milk, thoroughly incorporating all ingredients to create a harmonious base.
3. Enhance the soup’s flavor profile by sprinkling Italian seasoning, carefully measured salt, and freshly ground black pepper; allow the mixture to gently simmer, developing depth of flavor.
4. Carefully add pillowy gnocchi to the simmering liquid, cooking for 3-4 minutes until they float to the surface and achieve a tender consistency according to package recommendations.
5. Delicately fold fresh spinach leaves into the soup, allowing them to wilt naturally, then sprinkle in finely grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the cheese melts and integrates smoothly.
6. Remove from heat and let the soup rest for a moment to allow flavors to meld, then ladle into warm bowls, serving immediately while maintaining optimal temperature and creamy texture.

Notes

• Swap heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for a dairy-free alternative that maintains richness.
• Boost nutrition by adding extra vegetables like zucchini or kale for additional texture and vitamins.
• Ensure gnocchi doesn’t overcook by checking package instructions and testing tenderness while simmering.
• Reduce sodium by using low-sodium chicken broth and controlling salt seasoning for heart-healthy modifications.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 351 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 4800 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 19 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg