Chicken gnocchi soup is the ultimate comfort food—rich, creamy, and packed with tender chicken, soft gnocchi, and flavorful vegetables. This one-pot wonder is easy to make and perfect for chilly nights, cozy lunches, or feeding a hungry family. Inspired by Italian-style soups, it’s hearty without being heavy, and every spoonful delivers satisfying texture and warmth. Whether you’re serving it with crusty bread or enjoying it solo, chicken gnocchi soup is a recipe you’ll want to make again and again.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One pot, 40-minute meal
- Creamy, flavorful broth with herb and veggie layers
- Gnocchi adds a pillowy bite that’s irresistibly satisfying
- Flexible for dietary needs (gluten-free, dairy-free)
- Stores and reheats beautifully—great for meal prep
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 medium carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cubed
- 1 tsp fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried)
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 lb shelf-stable gnocchi
- 1 cup half-and-half
- 5 oz baby spinach, chopped
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add garlic and cook 1 more minute.
- Sprinkle in flour and stir for 1 minute to form a roux. Slowly pour in chicken broth, stirring to avoid lumps.
- Add chicken, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5–7 minutes, until chicken is cooked through.
- Stir in gnocchi, cover, and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring once or twice, until gnocchi is tender.
- Stir in half-and-half and spinach. Cook 1–2 minutes until spinach wilts and soup is creamy. Adjust seasoning and serve hot.
Recipe Details
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6
Nutrition Facts (per serving, approx.)
- Calories: 390
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Carbs: 32g
- Protein: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 670mg
Tips & Variations
- Lighter version: Use milk + Greek yogurt instead of half-and-half
- Dairy-free: Substitute with coconut milk or oat cream
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free flour and gnocchi
- Extra veggies: Add mushrooms, zucchini, or peas
- Protein swap: Try shredded rotisserie chicken for a shortcut
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, just simmer gently to avoid drying out.
Can I use fresh gnocchi instead of dried?
Absolutely—just adjust cook time slightly, fresh cooks faster.
Does this soup freeze well?
Freeze without the spinach and cream for best texture. Add them when reheating.
How do I thicken the soup more?
Add 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water before adding the cream.
Is this similar to Olive Garden’s gnocchi soup?
Very! This version is homemade, richer, and easier to customize.
Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Equipment
- Large soup pot
- – Wooden spoon
- Ladle
Ingredients
- – 2 tbsp olive oil
- – 1 onion diced
- – 2 carrots chopped
- – 2 celery stalks chopped
- – 4 garlic cloves minced
- – ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- – 6 cups chicken broth
- – 1½ lbs chicken thighs cubed
- – 1 tsp thyme
- – ½ tsp salt
- – ½ tsp pepper
- – 1 lb gnocchi
- – 1 cup half-and-half
- – 5 oz spinach chopped
Instructions
- Sauté onion, carrot, and celery in olive oil for 10 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 more minute.
- Stir in flour and cook 1 minute. Slowly add broth, stirring to prevent lumps.
- Add chicken, thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer 5–7 minutes until chicken is cooked.
- Add gnocchi and simmer 5 minutes until tender.
- Stir in half-and-half and spinach. Cook until spinach wilts. Serve hot.
Notes
– Use rotisserie chicken to save time
– Add mushrooms or zucchini for more veggies
Conclusion
This creamy chicken gnocchi soup is comfort in a bowl—simple to make, endlessly satisfying, and ideal for sharing. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, cold-weather lunches, or whenever you need a warm, nourishing meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor. With tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a silky broth, it’s guaranteed to become a staple in your kitchen.