Craving a comforting bowl of warmth? This creamy chicken gnocchi soup recipe delivers! It’s an easy, homemade Olive Garden copycat that brings restaurant-quality flavor right to your kitchen. You’ll love how quickly this hearty meal comes together, with just about 30 minutes of active prep time. Get ready to enjoy a delicious, family-friendly dinner tonight.
Why You’ll Love This Gnocchi Soup Recipe
You’re going to adore this easy gnocchi soup recipe for so many reasons. It perfectly balances a rich, creamy broth with tender chicken and pillowy gnocchi.
- Enjoy that beloved Olive Garden taste without leaving home.
- This entire meal comes together in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy evenings.
- It’s the ultimate comforting, hearty soup ideal for family dinner.
- Simple, accessible ingredients combine for an incredibly big flavor profile.
- A fantastic choice for busy weeknights when you need something quick and satisfying.
Ingredients
Gather these fresh ingredients to create your cozy bowl of creamy chicken gnocchi soup:
- 3-4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cooked and diced
- 1 stalk of celery, chopped
- ½ white onion, diced
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- ½ cup shredded carrots
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cups low sodium chicken broth
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 16 ounces potato gnocchi (shelf-stable recommended)
- 2 cups half and half (see notes for alternatives)
- 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
Notes & Substitutions
You have options for many of the ingredients in this flavorful gnocchi soup recipe. Customize it to your liking and what you have on hand.
For the chicken, feel free to use leftover rotisserie chicken, pre-cooked diced chicken breast, or even boil and shred fresh chicken breasts. Shelf-stable potato gnocchi found in the pasta aisle works best as it holds its shape well, but frozen gnocchi can also be used; just follow package instructions. If you do not have half and half, use a combination of whole milk and a splash of heavy cream, or simply use whole milk for a lighter soup. Add other vegetables like chopped zucchini, mushrooms, or kale. Dried thyme is convenient, but you can swap in 1 tablespoon of fresh chopped thyme for an even brighter flavor.
Equipment
You won’t need many special tools for this easy chicken gnocchi soup recipe. Just a few kitchen essentials will do the trick.
- A large pot or Dutch oven is essential for cooking the soup.
- Measuring cups and spoons ensure accurate ingredient amounts.
- A wooden spoon or spatula for stirring.
- A sharp knife and cutting board for preparing vegetables.
Instructions
Follow these straightforward steps to prepare your comforting creamy chicken gnocchi soup. This gnocchi soup recipe is designed for simplicity and speed.
Step 1: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped celery, diced onions, minced garlic, and shredded carrots. Sauté these aromatics for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions become translucent and fragrant.
Step 2: Stir in the cooked diced chicken, 4 cups of low sodium chicken broth, salt, pepper, and dried thyme. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step 3: Once boiling, gently stir in the 16 ounces of potato gnocchi. Boil for 3-4 minutes longer, ensuring the gnocchi starts to cook but doesn’t become mushy.
Step 4: Reduce the heat to a low simmer. Continue to cook the soup for another 10 minutes, or until the gnocchi are tender through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 5: Pour in the 2 cups of half and half and add the roughly chopped fresh spinach to the pot. Stir everything together gently.
Step 6: Continue to cook for just 1-2 minutes more, until the spinach has wilted completely into the soup and the soup is heated through. Do not let it boil after adding the half and half.
Step 7: Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings as needed. Add more salt or pepper if desired to enhance the flavors.
Step 8: Ladle the hot and creamy gnocchi soup into bowls. Serve immediately and savor every delicious spoonful.
Pro Tips for the Best Gnocchi Soup
Achieve the most delicious results with these helpful pro tips for your chicken gnocchi soup recipe.
- Properly brown vegetables: Sautéing your onions, celery, and carrots until tender and slightly caramelized builds a foundational layer of flavor for the soup.
- Don’t overcook gnocchi: Gnocchi cooks quickly. Overcooking makes them mushy; follow the recommended cooking time closely.
- Adjust liquid for consistency: If you prefer a thinner soup, add a bit more broth. For a thicker consistency, simmer a little longer.
- Season generously: Taste and adjust salt and pepper throughout the cooking process. A well-seasoned soup makes all the difference.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh spinach and good quality chicken broth significantly enhance the overall taste of your homemade soup.
- Pre-cook chicken efficiently: Use a rotisserie chicken or pre-cook chicken breasts ahead of time to make this recipe even faster.
Some culinary advice suggests that frying gnocchi separately can make them less absorbent and prevent them from becoming mushy when added to soup.
Serving Suggestions, Storage, and Variations
This creamy chicken gnocchi soup recipe is wonderfully versatile! Here’s how to serve it, store leftovers, and explore exciting variations.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair your comforting gnocchi soup recipe with warm, crusty bread or garlic breadsticks for dipping.
- Serve it alongside a simple fresh green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette for a balanced meal.
- Garnish each bowl with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a dash of black pepper.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You might need to add a splash of extra chicken broth or half and half to restore its creamy consistency, as gnocchi can absorb liquid upon standing.
Variations
- Make it vegetarian: Simply omit the chicken entirely for a delightful vegetarian gnocchi soup. You can add extra vegetables like white beans or chickpeas.
- Try different proteins: Substitute the chicken with cooked Italian sausage, ground turkey, or even cubed ham for a different flavor profile.
- Add more vegetables: Experiment with additional veggies such as sliced mushrooms, chopped bell peppers, or additional greens like finely chopped kale or collard greens.
- Explore slow cooker method adaptations: While this recipe is quick, you can adapt it for a slow cooker by cooking vegetables and broth on low for 3-4 hours, adding gnocchi, chicken, and dairy in the last 30 minutes.
Nutrition Information
Please note that these nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on specific brands and ingredient preparations. This information is provided for general guidance for one serving of this chicken gnocchi soup recipe.
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 485 kcal |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Fat | 26 g |
| Carbohydrates | 35 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sodium | 680 mg |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are some common questions about making this delightful chicken gnocchi soup recipe.
- Can I use homemade gnocchi? Yes, you can absolutely use homemade gnocchi. Just be mindful that cooking times might vary slightly from store-bought versions.
- Can I freeze gnocchi soup? It’s best to freeze the soup without the gnocchi and dairy. Gnocchi can become mushy when thawed, and dairy can separate.
- How do I thicken the soup? If you prefer a thicker soup, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Stir this into the simmering soup at the end.
- What kind of chicken is best? Pre-cooked, shredded, or rotisserie chicken works wonderfully for convenience. Cooked chicken breast that’s been diced is also perfect.
- Can I use milk instead of half and half? Yes, you can use whole milk for a lighter alternative. The soup will still be creamy but with a slightly less rich texture.
For more details on making gnocchi from scratch, La Cucina Italiana offers a guide to achieving a soft gnocchi result by using proper potato varieties and minimal flour.
Conclusion
This creamy chicken gnocchi soup recipe truly brings comfort and deliciousness right to your dinner table. It’s incredibly easy to make, delivering that beloved Olive Garden taste in under an hour. Perfect for cozy evenings and busy family weeknights, this simple yet satisfying meal is sure to become a regular in your rotation. Give this fantastic gnocchi soup recipe a try tonight and discover your new favorite way to warm up! We’d love to hear how you enjoyed it in the comments below.
