Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup (Better Than Olive Garden!)
This creamy chicken gnocchi soup combines tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a rich broth base made with heavy cream and butter. Packed with vegetables like carrots, celery, and spinach, and seasoned with Italian herbs and a hint of red pepper flakes for extra flavor, this soup is a comforting and hearty meal perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
To make this delicious restaurant-quality soup at home, you'll need:
- 2 cups cooked chicken shredded or diced
- 1 package 16 oz potato gnocchi
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups heavy cream or half-and-half
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup carrots shredded
- 1 cup celery chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt adjust to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for a kick
- 2 cups fresh spinach chopped
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese grated (optional)
Instructions
Step-by-Step Instructions
Sauté the Vegetables
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery, then sauté for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and softened.
Add the Chicken and Broth
- Stir in the cooked chicken and season with Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Pour in the chicken broth, then bring it to a simmer.
Cook the Gnocchi
- Add the gnocchi to the pot and let it cook for about 5 minutes or until the gnocchi float to the top.
Make it Creamy
- Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir well and let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes, ensuring the flavors blend together.
Add Spinach & Cheese
- Stir in the fresh spinach and let it wilt into the soup. If using, sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese for extra richness.
Serve & Enjoy
- Ladle the soup into bowls and serve warm with crusty bread or a side of garlic bread.
Notes
Expert Tips for the Best Chicken Gnocchi Soup
✔️ Use Rotisserie Chicken – Save time by using store-bought rotisserie chicken for an easy shortcut.
✔️ Thicken the Soup – If you like a thicker consistency, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir it into the soup.
✔️ Lighten It Up – Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version.
✔️ Make it Dairy-Free – Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free alternative.
✔️ Storage & Reheating – Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat over low heat, adding a splash of milk if needed. What to Serve with Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup This soup is a hearty meal on its own, but it pairs well with:
🥖 Garlic Bread – Perfect for dipping into the creamy broth.
🥗 Caesar Salad – A fresh, crunchy contrast to the rich soup.
🧀 Parmesan Breadsticks – Cheesy and delicious!
✔️ Thicken the Soup – If you like a thicker consistency, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir it into the soup.
✔️ Lighten It Up – Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version.
✔️ Make it Dairy-Free – Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free alternative.
✔️ Storage & Reheating – Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat over low heat, adding a splash of milk if needed. What to Serve with Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup This soup is a hearty meal on its own, but it pairs well with:
🥖 Garlic Bread – Perfect for dipping into the creamy broth.
🥗 Caesar Salad – A fresh, crunchy contrast to the rich soup.
🧀 Parmesan Breadsticks – Cheesy and delicious!