Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe is cozy, one-pot, and family-approved for anyone wanting a warm bowl without extra steps. This creamy soup recipe blends chicken, gnocchi, vegetables, and a smooth broth for an easy simmer-and-serve method that busy cooks rely on.
If you enjoy this one, you may also like Chicken Lemon Orzo Soup or Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup.
Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe at a Glance 🔎
- 🕒 Prep Time: 10 minutes
- ⏱️ Cook Time: 25 minutes
- 👥 Servings: 6-7
- 🔥 Cook Method: Stovetop, one pot
- 🍽️ Cuisine: Italian-inspired comfort
- 👩🍳 Pair With: Crusty bread, simple green salad, roasted vegetables
- ⭐ Difficulty Level: Easy
Our family loves serving this gnocchi soup in oversized bowls so everyone gets plenty of chicken and pillowy gnocchi. ~Jami
Jump to:
Why We Love This Recipe
- Comfort Factor: A warm, creamy bowl that feels soothing and familiar.
- One-pot Ease: Everything cooks together, keeping cleanup simple on busy nights.
- Gnocchi Magic: The gnocchi cooks right in the broth for a soft, satisfying bite.
- Family-Friendly: Mild seasonings and creamy texture make it a hit for all ages.
Key Ingredients
Here's a simple breakdown of the key ingredients that make this creamy chicken gnocchi soup work so well.
- Shredded Chicken: We use pre-cooked chicken to keep preparation efficient.
- Gnocchi: Soft potato dumplings that cook directly in the simmering broth.
- Onion: Adds gentle sweetness as it cooks down.
- Celery: Provides a clean, subtle herbal note.
- Carrots: We shred these to add color and mild sweetness.
- Chicken Broth: Forms the savory foundation of the soup.
- Whole Milk: Contributes creaminess without excessive richness.
- Heavy Cream: We rely on this for the soup's signature smooth texture.
- Italian Seasonings: Provide a balanced blend suited for creamy bases.
- Fresh Spinach: Adds color and brightness at the end.
A full ingredient list with exact measurements can be found in the recipe card below.
Substitutions & Variations
- Chicken: Rotisserie chicken or leftover baked chicken works well. Chickpeas are a great protein swap.
- Gnocchi: Gluten-free or cauliflower gnocchi can be substituted.
- Seasoning: Add thyme or rosemary for a more herb-forward finish.
- Acidity: A splash of lemon brightens the broth.
- Slow Cooker: Sauté vegetables separately, then add all ingredients except gnocchi and spinach. Add them in the last 20 minutes.
- Garnish: Finish with shaved Parmesan or cracked pepper.
How To Make Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup
STEP ONE: Prepare the Vegetables
Heat butter and olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, celery, and shredded carrots.
Cook for 6-7 minutes until softened, then add garlic for 30 seconds.
STEP TWO: Prepare the Creamy Base
Sprinkle flour and seasonings over the vegetables and stir for one minute to coat.
Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring to prevent lumps, then add whole milk and heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer.
STEP THREE: Simmer with Chicken
Stir in the shredded chicken and add the Parmesan rind.
Let the soup simmer 5-7 minutes so the broth can thicken.
STEP FOUR: Prepare the Finish
Add gnocchi and cook 3-4 minutes until tender. Stir in spinach and cook 1-2 minutes until wilted.
Remove the Parmesan rind, taste, and adjust seasoning.
Expert Tips for Success
👩🍳Jami's Pro Tips: Want to take this recipe to the next level? Check out my expert tips below for the best flavor, texture, and meal prep hacks!
✔️ DO Keep the heat at a gentle simmer after adding dairy.
✔️ DO Add the gnocchi toward the end so it stays tender.
❌ DO NOT Overcook the gnocchi, or it may become mushy.
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Storage
Store leftover Italian gnocchi soup with chicken in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Gnocchi continues to soften as it sits, so add a splash of broth or milk when reheating gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. This soup is not ideal for freezing due to the creamy base and gnocchi texture.
Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe FAQs
Chicken gnocchi soup is made with potato gnocchi, shredded chicken, carrots, celery, onions, and a creamy broth enriched with milk and cream. Popularized by restaurant versions like Olive Garden's, it's a comfort soup similar to chicken noodle but uses gnocchi for a soft, pillowy texture.
Chicken gnocchi soup becomes creamy when flour, chicken broth, whole milk, and heavy cream work together to create a smooth, velvety base. The mixture thickens as it simmers gently, allowing the starches and dairy to blend without separating. This gives the broth its signature texture.
Yes, gnocchi soup can be prepared in advance, but the gnocchi should be added when reheating rather than during the initial cook. This prevents the dumplings from absorbing excess liquid and becoming overly soft while stored.
Separation usually occurs when the soup boils too aggressively after dairy ingredients are added. A gentle simmer keeps the milk and cream stable and prevents curdling. Avoid sudden changes in heat to maintain a smooth, cohesive broth.
Did You Try This Recipe?
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📖 Recipe
Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
- Ladle
- Chef's Knife
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ medium onion diced
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 2 celery stalks diced
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 4 cups chicken broth or stock
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 2 ½ cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1 pound gnocchi store-bought
- 1 cup baby spinach packed
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes
- 1 Parmesan rind remove before serving
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat the butter and olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, celery, and shredded carrots. Cook for 6-7 minutes until softened, then add the garlic and cook 30 seconds.
- Sprinkle the flour and seasonings (Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes if using, salt, and pepper) over the vegetables and stir for one minute to coat and bloom everything. Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring or whisking to prevent lumps.
- Add the whole milk and heavy cream, then bring the soup to a gentle simmer. Stir in the shredded chicken and add the Parmesan rind. Simmer 5-7 minutes.
- Add the gnocchi and simmer 3-4 minutes, or until they float and become tender.
- Stir in the chopped spinach and cook 1-2 minutes until wilted. Remove the Parmesan rind, taste, and adjust seasoning as needed.
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Video
Notes
- Build a Smooth Base: Stir the flour and seasonings to cook out the raw flour taste.
- Protect the Creamy Texture: Maintain medium to low heat to prevent the dairy from separating.
- Finish the Greens Last: Add the spinach right at the end so it stays bright and tender.
- Time the Gnocchi Right: Add the gnocchi toward the end to keep them soft but not mushy.
Jami Powell says
This is one of our favorite soups! There are never any leftovers.