Simple Marry Me Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Simple Marry Me Chicken Gnocchi Soup is everything you love about cozy comfort food—rich, creamy, and full of flavor—with the dreamy addition of pillowy gnocchi. This one-pot meal combines tender shredded chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, kale, parmesan, and soft potato gnocchi in a silky cream broth. It’s quick enough for busy weeknights but delicious enough to impress.

If you love Olive Garden’s gnocchi soup but want something a bit more special (and homemade!), this is your new go-to.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• 🧄 Rich, savory flavor with garlic, parmesan, and Italian herbs
• 🥬 Made with real ingredients—no canned soup shortcuts
• 🍅 Sun-dried tomatoes add sweet-tangy depth
• 🥣 One pot = less cleanup and more comfort
• 🧶 Perfect for meal prep, freezer-friendly

🧂 Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp ground black pepper
• 3–4 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or poached)
• ½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained)
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 16 oz potato gnocchi (shelf-stable or fresh)
• 2 cups chopped kale or baby spinach
• ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• Juice of ½ lemon (optional, for brightness)

🔥 Instructions

1. Sauté Aromatics

In a large Dutch oven, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft (about 5 minutes). Stir in garlic, thyme, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1–2 more minutes.

2. Add Chicken and Tomatoes

Stir in the shredded chicken and sun-dried tomatoes, letting them absorb the flavors for 1–2 minutes.

3. Pour in Liquids

Add chicken broth and bring to a simmer.

4. Add Gnocchi

Stir in gnocchi and simmer for 3–4 minutes, until gnocchi are tender and float.

5. Make it Creamy

Lower heat and stir in heavy cream and parmesan. Simmer for another 3–5 minutes to thicken slightly.

6. Add Kale and Finish

Stir in chopped kale or spinach until wilted. Finish with lemon juice if desired. Taste and adjust seasoning.

7. Serve Hot

Ladle into bowls and top with extra parmesan or fresh basil.

👩‍🍳 Cooking Tips

• Don’t overcook the gnocchi—they only need 3–4 minutes
• Freshly grated parmesan melts smoother than pre-shredded
• Stir cream in slowly over low heat to prevent curdling
• Add more broth if soup thickens too much when reheating

🔄 Substitutions & Variations

• No gnocchi? Use small pasta like orzo or tortellini
• Dairy-free? Use coconut milk and vegan parm
• Low-carb? Try cauliflower gnocchi or zucchini noodles
• Add mushrooms or bacon for extra depth

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

• Warm crusty bread or garlic knots
• Side salad with lemon vinaigrette
• A sprinkle of chili flakes or black pepper on top
• Glass of dry white wine (Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay)

🧊 Storage & Reheating

• Fridge: Store up to 4 days in an airtight container
• Freezer: Best without gnocchi—freeze base, then add fresh gnocchi when reheating
• Reheat: On the stovetop over low heat. Thin with broth or cream as needed

❓ FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes! It’s a huge time-saver and adds great flavor.

Will this soup thicken as it cools?
It will. Add more broth or cream when reheating to loosen it up.

Can I make it ahead?
Yes, just undercook the gnocchi slightly and add extra liquid when reheating.