The Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup brings restaurant-style warmth and flavor right to your kitchen. Inspired by the beloved Olive Garden classic, this version features a rich broth infused with herbs, tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and wholesome vegetables like spinach and carrots. It’s a dish that hits all the comfort notes and is simple enough to make any night of the week.
Perfect for cooler months, this hearty soup is both nourishing and satisfying. Whether you’re cozying up on the couch or hosting a casual dinner, this recipe is a total crowd-pleaser. Serve it with warm, crusty bread or a simple side salad to round out the meal. With minimal prep and just one pot, it’s an easy go-to for family dinners or meal prepping for the week ahead.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 tablespoon butter
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1 small yellow onion, diced
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2 celery stalks, sliced
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
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4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
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1 cup heavy cream
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1 cup whole milk
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1 teaspoon thyme
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1 teaspoon parsley
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1 teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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1 cup shredded carrots
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2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
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1 (16 oz) package potato gnocchi
Directions:
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In a large pot over medium heat, heat olive oil and butter until melted.
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Add diced onion, sliced celery, and minced garlic. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until vegetables are tender.
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Stir in the shredded chicken and chicken broth. Bring to a boil.
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Reduce heat and add heavy cream, milk, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
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Add carrots and spinach, stirring until the spinach is wilted.
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Gently add gnocchi and cook for 4–5 minutes, or until the gnocchi float to the top and are tender.
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Adjust seasoning if needed, then serve hot with a side of crusty bread.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 340 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
A Cozy Classic: The Story Behind Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Chicken Gnocchi Soup is one of those dishes that instantly brings comfort with every bite. Rich, creamy, and filled with flavor, this beloved soup is inspired by the popular Olive Garden recipe that has captured the hearts (and stomachs) of many. But while you may think it’s something you’d only find in a restaurant setting, the good news is that it’s simple enough to recreate in your own kitchen.
At its core, this soup is a beautiful combination of tender shredded chicken, pillowy potato gnocchi, hearty vegetables like celery and carrots, and fresh spinach, all swimming in a creamy, herb-infused broth. It’s hearty without being heavy and flavorful without being fussy. Perfect for chilly nights, meal prep days, or when you’re craving something warm and nourishing.
What makes this dish even better is how quickly it comes together. In under 40 minutes, you can enjoy a restaurant-quality bowl of comfort food right at home. Whether you’re serving it for your family, a gathering, or meal-prepping for the week, Chicken Gnocchi Soup is always a win.
Why This Recipe Works
There are several reasons why Chicken Gnocchi Soup has become such a favorite in so many households. First, it uses simple, wholesome ingredients that are easy to find. Most of the components are pantry or fridge staples—like chicken broth, carrots, milk or cream, and pre-made gnocchi.
Second, the textures and flavors in this soup are well-balanced. The creaminess of the broth is cut by the slight chew of the gnocchi and the freshness of the spinach. The herbs (usually thyme and parsley) add depth without overpowering the overall taste. It’s a one-pot meal that delivers layers of flavor with every spoonful.
Finally, it’s a flexible recipe. You can adjust it to suit your dietary needs or preferences, which we’ll explore in the variations section below.
The Secret Ingredient: Gnocchi
If you haven’t cooked with gnocchi before, you’re in for a treat. Gnocchi are soft, doughy dumplings typically made with potatoes, flour, and sometimes egg. When cooked, they become beautifully tender and slightly chewy, making them the perfect addition to a rich soup.
Gnocchi cook very quickly—in just a few minutes they float to the top of the soup, letting you know they’re done. They absorb the flavors of the broth without falling apart, making each bite full and satisfying.
You can find gnocchi in most grocery stores in the pasta or refrigerated section. And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can even make your own from scratch!
Health Benefits of Chicken Gnocchi Soup
While Chicken Gnocchi Soup is known for its indulgent, creamy texture, it also offers a range of health benefits depending on how you prepare it.
The chicken provides a lean source of protein, helping to keep you full and satisfied. Spinach is loaded with nutrients like iron, vitamin K, and fiber. Carrots add a touch of natural sweetness while boosting your vitamin A intake. And by using low-sodium broth and reducing the amount of cream or replacing it with milk, you can make a lighter, heart-healthy version.
You can also opt for whole-wheat gnocchi or gluten-free gnocchi if needed. Plus, it’s easy to sneak in extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or peas for more fiber and flavor.
Variations You Can Try
One of the great things about this soup is how customizable it is. Here are a few delicious ways to put your own spin on the classic recipe:
1. Vegetarian Version:
Skip the chicken and use vegetable broth instead. Add more veggies like white beans, mushrooms, or broccoli to keep it hearty and flavorful.
2. Dairy-Free or Vegan:
Use coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk in place of cream, and a vegan butter or olive oil base. You can substitute the chicken with tofu or a plant-based meat alternative.
3. Spicy Kick:
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or stir in a spoonful of your favorite hot sauce for a little heat. It contrasts nicely with the creamy broth.
4. Low-Carb or Keto:
Replace the gnocchi with chopped cauliflower or zucchini for a low-carb twist. You’ll still get the creamy texture but with fewer carbs.
5. Rotisserie Chicken Shortcut:
If you’re short on time, using rotisserie chicken can shave several minutes off your prep. It adds flavor and is super convenient.
6. Mushroom Lover’s Version:
Add sautéed mushrooms for an earthy, umami-rich depth. They pair beautifully with the creamy broth and herbs.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a hearty meal on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a few simple sides. Here are some ideas:
1. Crusty Bread or Breadsticks:
Nothing beats dipping a warm piece of crusty bread into a creamy soup. Garlic breadsticks are a classic pairing.
2. Side Salad:
Balance the richness of the soup with a fresh green salad. A lemon vinaigrette or balsamic dressing works wonderfully.
3. Roasted Veggies:
Roasted brussels sprouts, green beans, or even sweet potatoes make a delicious and nutritious side dish.
4. Grated Parmesan:
Sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top of your bowl right before serving for an extra punch of flavor.
5. Fresh Herbs:
A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or thyme can brighten up the dish visually and add a fragrant, fresh note.
Meal Prep & Storage Tips
Chicken Gnocchi Soup makes excellent leftovers and is perfect for meal prep. Here’s how to store and reheat it:
Refrigerator:
Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will last up to 4 days in the fridge.
Freezer:
Cream-based soups can sometimes separate when frozen, but this one holds up well if you cool it fully and freeze in smaller portions. Just reheat slowly over low heat, stirring often.
Reheating:
For best results, reheat the soup gently on the stove over medium-low heat. Add a splash of broth or milk if it’s too thick after refrigerating.
Why You’ll Love It
This soup isn’t just a dinner—it’s an experience. It wraps you up like a cozy blanket on a cold day. It’s the kind of meal you crave after a long day or when you’re under the weather. It also has that “special occasion” vibe even though it’s made with pantry staples and basic cooking skills.
Families love it because it’s filling and kid-friendly. Cooks love it because it’s easy and quick. And everyone loves it because it’s delicious, comforting, and feels like a bowl full of love.
Conclusion
Chicken Gnocchi Soup is the perfect balance of comfort, flavor, and simplicity. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal, something warm to curl up with on a rainy day, or a dish that can impress guests without keeping you in the kitchen for hours, this soup delivers. It’s flexible, forgiving, and always satisfying.
Its creamy, herb-laced broth filled with hearty chicken, soft gnocchi, and tender vegetables makes every spoonful something to savor. Plus, with so many ways to adapt it—vegetarian, gluten-free, low-carb—you can make it your own again and again.
So go ahead and ladle up a big bowl, garnish it with herbs or cheese, and enjoy one of the most comforting dishes you’ll ever make. Once you try it, it’s sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.