BEST CHICKEN GNOCCHI SOUP

Craving a bowl of pure comfort? Imagine tender pieces of chicken swimming in a creamy, dreamy broth, dotted with soft, pillowy gnocchi – a symphony of textures and flavors that will warm you from the inside out. This Chicken Gnocchi Soup recipe isn’t just delicious; it’s a hug in a bowl, and I promise you’ll be making it again and again!

The Magic Behind This Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Let’s be honest, sometimes you just need a soup that feels like a warm blanket. And that’s exactly what this Chicken Gnocchi Soup delivers. But this isn’t just any soup; it’s a creamy, flavorful experience that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. We’re talking about a soup that rivals your favorite restaurant version, maybe even the famous Olive Garden Soup!

Think about those cold winter nights (or even just a chilly evening!) when you want something hearty and satisfying. This soup is perfect. It’s also great for meal prepping, because the flavors actually get better as it sits. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up leftover cooked chicken. Win-win!

What You’ll Need: The Ingredients

This recipe uses readily available ingredients. Don’t be intimidated by the length of the list; most of these are pantry staples! Remember, quality ingredients will always give you the best results.

The Soup Base

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth (low sodium is best)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup milk (whole or 2%)
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

The Chicken and Gnocchi

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works great!)
• 1 (16-ounce) package shelf-stable gnocchi
• 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry (optional, but adds nutrients and color!)

Finishing Touches

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)

Let’s Talk Gnocchi: Fresh vs. Shelf-Stable

Ah, gnocchi! Those delightful little potato dumplings can make or break a soup. For this recipe, I recommend using shelf-stable gnocchi. They hold their shape better in the soup compared to fresh gnocchi, which can sometimes become mushy. Plus, they’re super convenient to keep on hand.

However, if you’re feeling ambitious and want to make your own gnocchi, go for it! Just be mindful of the cooking time, as homemade gnocchi will likely cook faster.

The Step-by-Step Guide to Chicken Gnocchi Soup Perfection

Alright, are you ready to make some magic? This recipe is pretty straightforward, but I’ll walk you through each step to ensure soup success!

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!

Step 2: Build the Broth

1. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
2. Stir in the Italian seasoning and thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 3: Add the Gnocchi and Chicken

1. Add the gnocchi to the simmering broth. Cook according to package directions, usually about 2-3 minutes, or until they float to the surface.
2. Stir in the cooked chicken and thawed spinach (if using). Heat through.

Step 4: Creamy Dreaminess

1. Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream and milk.
2. Heat gently until warmed through, but do not boil! Boiling can cause the cream to curdle.
3. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

1. Ladle the Chicken Gnocchi Soup into bowls.
2. Garnish with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese.
3. Serve immediately and enjoy the deliciousness!

Tips and Tricks for the Best Soup Ever

Okay, let’s talk about some ways to really take this soup to the next level. These are my little secrets for making this soup truly unforgettable.

• Use High-Quality Chicken Broth: The broth is the foundation of the soup, so use the best you can find. Homemade is always great, but a good-quality store-bought broth will work just fine.
• Don’t Overcook the Gnocchi: Overcooked gnocchi can become gummy and unpleasant. Cook them just until they float to the surface and are tender.
• Squeeze the Spinach Dry: This prevents the spinach from watering down the soup.
• Adjust the Creaminess to Your Liking: If you prefer a thinner soup, use more milk and less heavy cream.
• Add a Splash of White Wine: For an extra layer of flavor, add a splash of dry white wine (such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc) to the pot along with the chicken broth.
• Spice It Up! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
• Consider other amazing soup options: If you love a creamy chicken soup, consider trying Chicken Pot Pie Soup.

Variations to Make It Your Own

One of the best things about soup is how easily you can customize it to your liking. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Vegetarian Chicken Gnocchi Soup: Omit the chicken and use vegetable broth. Add extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers.
• Spicy Chicken Gnocchi Soup: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the soup.
• Cheesy Chicken Gnocchi Soup: Stir in a cup of shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese at the end for an extra cheesy flavor.

You can even draw inspiration from other recipes, like Rotisserie Chicken Mushroom Soup, and adapt those flavors into this gnocchi soup!

Making It Ahead and Storage

This Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a fantastic make-ahead meal. The flavors meld together beautifully as it sits in the refrigerator.

• To Make Ahead: Prepare the soup as directed, but do not add the heavy cream and milk. Let the soup cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, reheat the soup over medium heat, then stir in the heavy cream and milk.
• Storage: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: While you *can* freeze this soup, the texture of the gnocchi may change slightly upon thawing. If you do freeze it, let it cool completely first, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. It might also be worth considering Chicken Lasagna Soup for a freezeable creamy soup option!

The Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe Inspiration

Many people search for the perfect Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe. While this isn’t a carbon copy, it captures the essence of that beloved soup with its creamy broth, tender chicken, and pillowy gnocchi. You get that Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi flavor without leaving your house! Plus, you have total control over the ingredients and can adjust the seasonings to your preference.

The Olive Garden Pasta dishes are undeniably popular, but sometimes you crave the comfort of a warm bowl of soup. This recipe bridges that gap, offering a similar creamy, satisfying experience. It’s also worth exploring Marry Me Chicken Soup! for another delicious creamy chicken option.

Final Thoughts: Enjoy Your Homemade Comfort!

There you have it! Your very own, incredibly delicious Chicken Gnocchi Soup, made with love in your kitchen. I hope you enjoy making and eating this comforting soup as much as I do. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a perfect way to warm up on a chilly day. Don’t forget to share your creations with me – I can’t wait to see your soup masterpieces! Happy cooking!

BEST CHICKEN GNOCCHI SOUP

Amelia Chen-Morrison

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this creamy and flavorful Chicken Gnocchi Soup. Tender chicken and pillowy gnocchi combine in a rich broth for a satisfying and easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for chilly days.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 400 kcal

Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Garlic press
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Ladle

Ingredients

  

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth low sodium is best
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup milk whole or 2%
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
• 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry optional
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
• Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions

 

• Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
• Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
• Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
• Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
• Stir in the Italian seasoning and thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Add the gnocchi to the simmering broth. Cook according to package directions, usually about 2-3 minutes, or until they float to the surface.
• Stir in the cooked chicken and thawed spinach (if using). Heat through.
• Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream and milk.
• Heat gently until warmed through, but do not boil! Boiling can cause the cream to curdle.
• Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
• Ladle the Chicken Gnocchi Soup into bowls.
• Garnish with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese.
• Serve immediately and enjoy the deliciousness!

Notes

Use high-quality chicken broth for the best flavor. Don’t overcook the gnocchi. Squeeze the spinach dry to prevent watery soup. Adjust creaminess to your liking by using more or less milk/cream. For an extra layer of flavor, add a splash of dry white wine. Spice it up with a pinch of red pepper flakes. This soup can be made ahead of time, but add the cream and milk when reheating. Store leftover soup in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Freezing is possible, but the gnocchi texture may change.