Name: Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided; 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced; 3 medium carrots, peeled and diced; 3 celery stalks, diced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; ¼ cup all-purpose flour; 6 cups chicken broth (low-sodium recommended); 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 2 bay leaves; 1 pound potato gnocchi (refrigerated or shelf-stable); 1 cup heavy cream; 3 cups fresh baby spinach, roughly chopped; Salt and black pepper, to taste; Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional); Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

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There’s something incredibly comforting about a bowl of creamy chicken gnocchi soup that warms you from the inside out. This restaurant-quality soup brings together tender chicken, pillowy potato gnocchi, fresh spinach, and a rich, velvety broth that tastes like a warm hug on a chilly day. If you’ve ever enjoyed the famous chicken gnocchi soup from Olive Garden, you’re going to absolutely love this homemade version that’s even better—and surprisingly easy to make in your own kitchen!

This creamy chicken gnocchi soup is perfect for cozy weeknight dinners, meal prep Sundays, or when you’re craving serious comfort food without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s hearty enough to serve as a complete meal, yet elegant enough for company. The best part? You can have this restaurant-worthy soup on your table in about 45 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy families who don’t want to sacrifice flavor for convenience.

Whether you’re battling cold weather, recovering from a long day, or simply want to treat your family to something special, this creamy chicken gnocchi soup delivers on every level. The combination of creamy broth, tender vegetables, soft gnocchi, and seasoned chicken creates a symphony of flavors and textures that will have everyone asking for seconds.

History / Background

Chicken gnocchi soup has an interesting culinary journey that beautifully merges Italian and American comfort food traditions. While gnocchi itself dates back to Roman times—originally made with semolina flour before potatoes were introduced to Europe from the Americas—the creamy soup version we know and love today is actually a more modern, Americanized creation.

Traditional Italian cuisine rarely combines gnocchi with soup in this particular style. Classic Italian preparations typically feature gnocchi tossed with sage butter, tomato sauce, or pesto. However, when Italian immigrants brought their beloved potato dumplings to America, creative American chefs began experimenting with ways to incorporate these pillowy delights into heartier, cream-based dishes that appealed to American palates.

The popularity of chicken gnocchi soup exploded in the early 2000s when Olive Garden added it to their menu rotation as a limited-time offering. The response was so overwhelming that it became a permanent fixture, sparking countless home cooks to recreate the beloved soup in their own kitchens. This copycat phenomenon has made creamy chicken gnocchi soup one of the most searched comfort food recipes online.

What makes this soup so special is how it represents the beautiful fusion of culinary traditions—taking an ancient Italian staple and transforming it into a quintessentially American comfort food. It’s a testament to how food evolves and adapts across cultures, creating new favorites that become family traditions in their own right.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This creamy chicken gnocchi soup is about to become your new go-to comfort food recipe, and here’s why: it combines the heartiness of a full meal with the comforting warmth of classic chicken soup, all while maintaining an elegant, restaurant-quality taste that makes every spoonful feel special. The soup strikes the perfect balance between indulgent and satisfying without being overly heavy.

Here’s what makes this recipe absolutely irresistible:

Restaurant-quality flavor at home – Tastes even better than the Olive Garden version, with customizable seasoning to suit your preferences
Ready in 45 minutes – Perfect for busy weeknights when you want something special without the time commitment
One-pot wonder – Minimal cleanup means more time enjoying your meal and less time doing dishes
Crowd-pleaser guaranteed – Even picky eaters love the creamy, mild flavors and tender gnocchi pillows
Budget-friendly ingredients – Uses simple, affordable pantry staples and grocery store basics
Flexible and customizable – Easy to adapt for dietary preferences, spice levels, and ingredient availability
Make-ahead friendly – Great for meal prep and tastes even better the next day
Freezer-compatible – Double the batch and freeze half for an easy future dinner
Nutritionally balanced – Includes protein, vegetables, and carbs in one complete, satisfying meal
Impressive yet approachable – Looks and tastes fancy enough for guests but simple enough for Tuesday night

Ingredient Notes

Understanding your ingredients is key to making the best possible creamy chicken gnocchi soup. Here’s what you need to know about each component:

Chicken breasts or thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken works best. Breasts are leaner and more traditional, while thighs offer richer flavor and stay more tender. You can even use rotisserie chicken for an ultra-quick shortcut—just shred and add it near the end.

Potato gnocchi: These Italian potato dumplings are found in the pasta aisle or refrigerated section. Store-bought works perfectly, though homemade is an option if you’re feeling ambitious. Avoid the shelf-stable vacuum-packed variety if possible; refrigerated gnocchi has better texture.

Heavy cream: This creates the signature silky, luxurious texture. Half-and-half can work in a pinch, but the soup will be slightly thinner. For a lighter version, you can use a combination of milk and cream cheese.

Chicken broth: Use good-quality broth for the best flavor—low-sodium gives you more control over seasoning. Bone broth adds even more depth and nutrition.

Fresh spinach: Adds color, nutrients, and a subtle earthy flavor. Baby spinach is most tender, but regular spinach works too. Kale is a heartier substitute.

Carrots and celery: The classic soup aromatics that add sweetness and depth. Always dice them small so they cook through in the same time as everything else.

Onion and garlic: These aromatics build the flavor foundation. Yellow or white onions work best; shallots add a gourmet touch.

Flour: Acts as a thickening agent to create that creamy, soup-like consistency without being too thin or too thick. All-purpose works perfectly.

Italian seasoning, thyme, and bay leaves: The herb trio that gives this soup its signature Italian-inspired flavor profile.

Butter and olive oil: The fat combination used to sauté vegetables and create the roux. Using both adds richness and prevents burning.

Equipment Needed

You don’t need any fancy kitchen gadgets to make this creamy chicken gnocchi soup—just these basic tools:

Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed soup pot (at least 6-quart capacity)
Sharp chef’s knife for chopping vegetables and chicken
Cutting board
Wooden spoon or silicone spatula for stirring
Measuring cups and spoons
Ladle for serving
Medium bowl (for coating chicken if desired)
Tongs or slotted spoon (helpful for removing cooked chicken)
Whisk (optional but helpful for incorporating cream smoothly)

Nutrition information is approximate and will vary based on exact ingredients used and portion sizes.

Tips & Variations

Spicy Kick: Add ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes with the garlic, or stir in a few dashes of hot sauce at the end for some heat.

Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken with white beans or chickpeas, use vegetable broth, and add extra vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini for heartiness.

Lighter Option: Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream and use chicken tenderloins. You can also replace some cream with Greek yogurt (stir in at the end off heat to prevent curdling).

Extra Vegetables: Boost nutrition by adding diced zucchini, mushrooms, bell peppers, or peas along with the other vegetables.

Tuscan Style: Add sun-dried tomatoes, white beans, and extra garlic for a Tuscan-inspired twist.

Cheesy Upgrade: Stir in ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese with the cream for an even richer, more decadent soup.

Bacon Addition: Cook 4-6 slices of bacon first, crumble and set aside, then use the bacon fat in place of some butter for cooking. Garnish soup with crispy bacon pieces.

Fresh Herbs: Replace dried herbs with fresh thyme, rosemary, and oregano for brighter flavor. Use about three times the amount of fresh herbs as dried.

Protein Swap: Try using turkey, shrimp, or Italian sausage instead of chicken for a different flavor profile.

Pro Chef Tips

Toast your aromatics properly: Taking the extra time to properly sauté your onions, carrots, and celery until they develop some color creates a deeper, more complex flavor foundation. Don’t rush this step—properly caramelized vegetables are key to restaurant-quality soup.

Control your cream temperature: Always add cream to hot soup slowly and on low heat. If your soup is boiling rapidly when you add cold cream, it can curdle or separate. Reduce to a gentle simmer first for a silky-smooth finish.

Season in layers: Don’t wait until the end to season. Add salt and pepper at multiple stages—when cooking chicken, after sautéing vegetables, and again at the end. This builds complex, well-rounded flavor throughout.

Use homemade stock when possible: While store-bought is convenient, homemade or high-quality chicken stock makes a remarkable difference. The depth of flavor is incomparable, and your soup will taste noticeably richer.

Don’t overcook the gnocchi: Gnocchi can go from perfectly tender to mushy quickly. Cook them just until they float (usually 2-4 minutes), and if you’re making the soup ahead, consider cooking gnocchi separately and adding to individual bowls when serving.

Fresh spinach at the finish: Add spinach at the very end and just wilt it. Overcooking spinach makes it slimy and dull-colored. You want it bright green and tender, which only takes 2-3 minutes in hot soup.

Fat equals flavor: Don’t be tempted to reduce the butter significantly. It’s essential for creating the roux and developing that signature rich, restaurant-style taste. For a healthier version, adjust other components instead.

Let it rest: Like many soups, creamy chicken gnocchi soup tastes even better after sitting for 15-20 minutes off the heat. This allows flavors to meld and develop, creating a more cohesive, delicious bowl.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Adding gnocchi too early: This is the number one mistake home cooks make. Gnocchi becomes mushy and starts to dissolve if it cooks too long or sits in hot soup. Always add it near the end of cooking, and if making ahead, store it separately.

Boiling cream: When you add cream to boiling soup, it can curdle or separate, creating an unpleasant, grainy texture. Always reduce your heat to low before stirring in the cream, and add it gradually while stirring.

Using pre-cooked chicken from the start: While rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut, don’t add it at the beginning. Overcooked chicken becomes dry and rubbery. Add pre-cooked chicken just long enough to heat through—about 5 minutes before serving.

Not properly cooking the flour: Raw flour has an unpleasant, pasty taste. Make sure to cook your roux (flour and butter mixture) for at least 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until it smells nutty and toasted.

Skipping the vegetable soften stage: If you dump in all your liquid before properly softening the carrots, celery, and onions, they’ll never develop the sweet, complex flavor that makes this soup special. Give them adequate time to caramelize.

Over-seasoning (or under-seasoning): Store-bought broth varies wildly in saltiness. Always use low-sodium broth so you control the salt level, and taste before serving, adjusting seasoning as needed. Remember: you can always add more salt, but you can’t remove it.

Overcrowding the pot when cooking chicken: If you cook the chicken in an undersized pot or overcrowd it, it will steam rather than brown. That golden sear adds incredible flavor to your soup. Use a large pot and give the chicken space.

Storage & Meal Prep

Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover creamy chicken gnocchi soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The soup will thicken as it sits due to the gnocchi absorbing liquid. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore the desired consistency.

Reheating Instructions: Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Avoid high heat, which can cause the cream to separate or the gnocchi to break down further. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, until hot.

Meal Prep Tips: This soup is fantastic for meal prep! Prepare the entire recipe on Sunday and portion it into individual containers for easy grab-and-go lunches throughout the week. The flavors actually improve after a day in the refrigerator as they have time to meld together.

Thickening Over Time: As mentioned, the soup naturally thickens as leftovers sit because the gnocchi continues to absorb liquid. To thin it back out, simply stir in chicken broth, cream, or even milk when reheating until you reach your preferred consistency.

Portioning Tip: For meal prep, use 2-cup (16 oz) containers, which makes a perfect single serving. Label containers with the date and reheating instructions for easy reference throughout the week.

Make-Ahead & Freezer Notes

Make-Ahead Strategy: For best results with make-ahead, prepare the soup through step 5 (without adding gnocchi, cream, or spinach). Cool completely and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, reheat the base, then add gnocchi, cream, and spinach as directed. This prevents mushy gnocchi and maintains the best texture.

Freezing Instructions: This soup can be frozen, but with modifications for best results. Freeze the soup base (chicken, vegetables, and broth) WITHOUT the gnocchi, cream, or spinach. These ingredients don’t freeze well—gnocchi becomes mushy, cream can separate, and spinach turns dark and slimy. Store the base in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months.

Freezer Assembly Method: Label your frozen soup base with instructions: “Add 1 lb gnocchi, 1 cup cream, and 3 cups spinach when reheating.” This reminder ensures perfect results every time.

Thawing and Reheating from Frozen: Thaw frozen soup base overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat in a pot over medium heat until simmering, then add fresh gnocchi, cream, and spinach as directed in the recipe. This gives you all the convenience of a freezer meal with the texture and taste of freshly made soup.

Batch Cooking Tip: Double the recipe and freeze half the base before adding cream and gnocchi. You’ll have a second complete meal ready to go with minimal extra effort—just keep fresh gnocchi, cream, and spinach on hand.

Individual Portions: If you prefer, freeze the soup base in individual portions (about 1½ cups each) for single-serving convenience. These thaw faster and allow you to prepare exactly as much as you need.

Serving Suggestions

This creamy chicken gnocchi soup is hearty enough to stand alone as a complete meal, but pairing it with the right sides takes it from delicious to absolutely memorable. Here are the best accompaniments:

Breads: Crusty artisan bread, garlic bread, or homemade breadsticks are perfect for soaking up every last drop of that creamy broth. Warm ciabatta, focaccia, or a simple baguette also work beautifully. For a special touch, brush bread slices with garlic butter and toast until golden.

Salads: Balance the richness of the soup with a crisp, fresh salad. A simple Caesar salad, mixed green salad with balsamic vinaigrette, or an Italian chopped salad with pepperoncini and olives complement the Italian-American flavors perfectly.

Wine Pairing: A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the cream beautifully. For red wine lovers, a light-bodied Pinot Noir works surprisingly well without overwhelming the delicate flavors.

Additional Sides: Roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts add a healthy, colorful element. You could also serve alongside a simple caprese salad or antipasto platter for an Italian-themed dinner.

Garnish Bar: Set out small bowls of grated Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, fresh cracked black pepper, chopped fresh parsley, and crispy croutons so everyone can customize their bowl to their liking.

Beverage Pairings: Beyond wine, this soup pairs wonderfully with sparkling water with lemon, iced tea, or even a light beer like a pilsner.

Make It a Meal: For hungrier appetites or when serving guests, add a simple pasta salad or roasted vegetable platter to round out the meal into a complete, satisfying Italian-style feast.

FAQs Section

Can I use frozen gnocchi instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen gnocchi works perfectly in this soup. Don’t thaw it first—simply add it directly to the simmering soup frozen. It may need an extra minute or two of cooking time, but it will turn out just as tender and delicious as fresh gnocchi. Just watch for them to float to the top, which signals they’re done.

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, but with modifications. Cook the chicken in the slow cooker with broth, vegetables, and seasonings on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours. About 30 minutes before serving, switch to high heat and add the gnocchi. In the last 10 minutes, stir in the cream and spinach. Don’t add gnocchi too early or they’ll become mushy. The stovetop method yields better texture, but slow cooker works for convenience.

Why did my soup separate or curdle?
This usually happens when cream is added to soup that’s boiling too vigorously, or if the heat is too high. Always reduce your heat to low before adding cream, and stir it in slowly. If your soup does curdle, try blending a portion of it with an immersion blender, then stirring it back in—this can sometimes salvage the texture. Using full-fat cream (not skim or low-fat) also helps prevent separation.

How can I make this soup thicker or thinner?
To thicken: Add an extra tablespoon of flour when making the roux, let the soup simmer longer to reduce, or stir in a slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water). To thin: Simply add more chicken broth or cream a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency. Remember that the soup naturally thickens as it sits due to the gnocchi absorbing liquid.

Can I use a different type of pasta instead of gnocchi?
While gnocchi is traditional and creates that signature pillowy texture, you can substitute small pasta shapes like ditalini, small shells, or orecchiette. Cook the pasta separately according to package directions and add it to the soup just before serving to prevent it from getting too soft. The soup will still be delicious, just with a different texture.

Is this soup gluten-free?
The traditional recipe is not gluten-free due to the flour and regular gnocchi. However, you can easily adapt it: use gluten-free all-purpose flour for the roux and gluten-free gnocchi (available at most grocery stores). Make sure your chicken broth is certified gluten-free, and you’ll have a delicious gluten-free version.

Can I add other vegetables to this soup?
Definitely! This soup is very versatile. Popular additions include mushrooms, zucchini, bell peppers, peas, corn, or kale (substitute for spinach). Add heartier vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini with the carrots and celery. Add quick-cooking vegetables like peas or corn in the last 5 minutes. Just be mindful not to overcrowd the soup—you want a good balance of broth, chicken, gnocchi, and vegetables.

Conclusion

There you have it—the ultimate creamy chicken gnocchi soup recipe that rivals any restaurant version and is surprisingly easy to make at home! This comforting, one-pot wonder delivers on flavor, texture, and satisfaction with every spoonful. The combination of tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, fresh vegetables, and that luxuriously creamy broth creates a meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or whenever you need a bowl of pure comfort.

The best part? You now have all the tips, tricks, and variations to make this recipe your own. Whether you keep it classic or experiment with different vegetables, proteins, or seasonings, you’re equipped to create a soup that your family will request again and again.

I’d love to hear how your creamy chicken gnocchi soup turns out! Did you add any special touches? Did your family devour it? Drop a comment below and let me know. And if you loved this recipe, please share it on Pinterest so other home cooks can discover it too—those Pinterest saves really help! Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on social media so I can see your beautiful creation.

Happy cooking, and here’s to many cozy bowls of this incredible soup in your future! 🥣✨

Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe (Better Than Olive Garden!)

History / Background

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ingredient Notes

Equipment Needed