How to Make the Ultimate Chicken Gnocchi Soup: A Comforting Bowl of Goodness

Ever had one of those days when nothing but a creamy, comforting bowl of soup will do? Well, let me tell ya – chicken gnocchi soup is EXACTLY what you need in your life! This pillowy potato dumpling soup has become a favorite in our household, and I’m super excited to share my take on this incredible dish with you guys.

I first fell in love with this soup at Olive Garden (who hasn’t?), but making it at home? Game-changer! It’s easier than you think, tastes even better, and you can customize it exactly how you want So grab your ladle and let’s dive into this delicious comfort food that’s perfect for any season!

What Makes Chicken Gnocchi Soup So Special?

Before we jump into the how-to, let’s talk about why this soup is worth your time:

• It’s the perfect balance of creamy and hearty
• Those pillowy gnocchi dumplings make it super satisfying
• It’s got protein, veggies, and carbs all in one bowl
• You can make it in under an hour (but it tastes like it simmered all day)
• Leftovers taste even better the next day!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up this delicious soup

The Basics:

• 1 cup diced onion (about 1 large)
• 1/2 cup diced celery (about 2 stalks)
• 1 cup shredded or diced carrots
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3-4 tablespoons butter or olive oil (I like a bit of both!)
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 6 cups chicken broth (homemade is amazing, but store-bought works too)
• 1-2 cups half-and-half or heavy cream
• 1 package (16 oz) potato gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
• 3 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded
• 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Seasonings (to taste):

• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional but adds amazing warmth)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

First things first – let’s get everything ready. This makes the cooking process so much smoother!

• Dice your onion, celery, and carrots
• Mince your garlic
• If you’re cooking chicken specifically for this recipe, cook it now. You can:
  • Pan-fry chicken breasts or thighs in a skillet (about 4-5 minutes per side)
  • Use leftover roasted chicken
  • Grab a rotisserie chicken from the store (my secret shortcut!)
• Shred or dice your cooked chicken

Step 2: Create Your Flavor Base

This is where the magic starts happening!

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt your butter (or heat oil) over medium heat
2. Add the diced onion, celery, and carrots
3. Cook for about 5-10 minutes until veggies start to soften and onions become translucent
4. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes (don’t let it burn!)

Step 3: Make It Thick and Creamy

Now we’re gonna transform these veggies into a luscious, creamy base:

1. Sprinkle the flour over your sautéed veggies
2. Stir constantly for about 1 minute to cook the flour (this creates a roux that’ll thicken your soup)
3. Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking to prevent lumps
4. Bring to a simmer and let it thicken slightly, about 5 minutes

Step 4: Add the Good Stuff

Time to make this soup truly special:

1. Add your diced/shredded chicken to the pot
2. Stir in the thyme, salt, and pepper
3. Add the gnocchi and simmer for about 5 minutes until they’re tender and fluffy
   • Pro tip: Gnocchi will float to the top when they’re done!
4. Pour in the half-and-half or cream and stir gently
5. Add the chopped spinach and stir until wilted, about 1-2 minutes
6. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Ladle this gorgeous soup into bowls and serve with some crusty bread for dipping. Heaven!

Helpful Tips for Perfect Chicken Gnocchi Soup

I’ve made this soup dozens of times, and I’ve picked up some tricks along the way:

• Don’t overcook the gnocchi – They only need about 5 minutes to cook in the soup. Add them too early, and they’ll get mushy.
• For extra flavor – Sear your chicken thighs instead of using pre-cooked chicken. They add so much more richness to the broth!
• Make it thicker – If you like a super thick soup, you can increase the flour to 1/3 cup.
• Lighten it up – You can use milk instead of cream, but the texture won’t be quite as silky.
• Add more veggies – Zucchini and bell peppers make great additions!

Common Questions About Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Do I need to cook gnocchi before adding to soup?

Nope! That’s the beauty of this recipe. The dried gnocchi cook directly in the broth, saving you time and dishes. Plus, they absorb all that yummy flavor as they cook!

How do I know when gnocchi is done?

Gnocchi typically float to the top when they’re done cooking. They should look puffy and be completely tender when you poke them with a fork.

Can I freeze chicken gnocchi soup?

I wouldn’t recommend freezing the completed soup with gnocchi and cream, as the texture can change. However, you can:

• Make the soup base through Step 3
• Freeze that portion
• When ready to eat, thaw, reheat, and add fresh gnocchi, cream, and spinach

Where do I find gnocchi at the grocery store?

You can typically find dried gnocchi in the pasta aisle, fresh gnocchi in the refrigerated section near fresh pasta, or sometimes in the freezer section. For this recipe, the shelf-stable dried variety works perfectly!

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! While thighs add more flavor, breasts work great too, especially if that’s what you prefer.

Why Make Chicken Gnocchi Soup at Home?

I used to think Olive Garden had the market cornered on this soup, but homemade is SO much better because:

1. You control the ingredients – No weird preservatives or excess sodium
2. Customize the thickness – Make it as creamy or brothy as you like
3. Adjust the seasoning – Add more herbs or spices to suit your taste
4. Better gnocchi texture – Cook them perfectly instead of the sometimes overcooked restaurant version
5. Superior chicken quality – Use juicy roasted chicken instead of processed meat
6. Fresher vegetables – Vibrant, just-cut veggies with perfect texture

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This soup is great for meal prep! Here’s how to handle leftovers:

• Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days
• Reheat gently on the stove over low heat (microwave works too, but stove is better for creamy soups)
• If the soup thickens too much in the fridge, add a splash of broth when reheating
• For meal prep, you can make the base and add fresh gnocchi when reheating

What to Serve with Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Make it a complete meal with these perfect pairings:

• Crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping
• A simple Caesar salad
• Garlic breadsticks (for that true Olive Garden experience!)
• A light side of roasted vegetables
• A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top

Final Thoughts

Chicken gnocchi soup is one of those magical dishes that’s both impressive and simple. The combination of tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and creamy broth creates comfort in a bowl that’s perfect for any occasion.

Whether you’re looking for a cozy winter meal, a light summer dinner with a salad, or just trying to recreate your restaurant favorite at home, this recipe has got you covered. The best part? Once you master the basic technique, you can play with the ingredients to make it uniquely yours.

So grab your soup pot and get cooking – your family will be asking for seconds before you know it!

Do you have a favorite soup recipe? Have you tried making chicken gnocchi soup before? I’d love to hear your experiences in the comments below!