Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a classic Italian dish that is both hearty and creamy. This soup is typically made with chicken, gnocchi, chicken broth, heavy cream, garlic, and herbs, which work together to create its signature flavor. Some variations of the soup may include spinach, carrots, or celery to add more texture and depth of flavor.
This Homemade Chicken Gnocchi Soup is one of the best soup recipes to make in under 30 minutes. It is a satisfying main course that pairs well with crusty bread, roasted or baked vegetables, or a side salad perfect for lunch and dinner.
The recipe I have shared here provides easy step-by-step instructions to make this delicious soup at home. Additionally, a detailed video of the recipe is included below to provide visual clarity and guidance during the cooking process.
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What is Chicken Gnocchi Soup?
Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a rich, creamy, and classic Italian dish. The soup is made with chicken, vegetables, and fluffy potato dumplings, which give it a thick and hearty texture. The broth is infused with cream, garlic, and herbs, making it rich and satisfying. This soup is perfect to serve on a chilly evening, and it pairs well with crusty bread, roasted or baked vegetables, or a side salad. It is one of the classic chicken soups that are sure to warm your soul.
One of the most popular Italian dishes in restaurants like Olive Garden is the Chicken Gnocchi Soup. This soup is a favorite because of its rich and creamy texture, which is achieved by using heavy cream and chicken broth. The potato gnocchi gives the soup a unique and delicious flavor, making it a perfect comfort food. This soup is enjoyed by people of all ages and is a perfect one-pot meal to have on a cold winter day. It is one of those dishes that will leave you feeling satisfied and content.
If you are looking for a cozy and filling dinner, then Chicken Gnocchi Soup is the perfect choice. It is easy to make and loaded with essential carbs, nutrition, and fiber. The soup is a perfect meal to have after a long day at work, and it can be prepared in under an hour. The chicken, vegetables, and herbs in the soup provide essential nutrients, making it a healthy dinner meal in under 30 minutes. Whether you are cooking for yourself or a large family, this soup is sure to impress. It is a classic dish that will never go out of style.
Ingredients & Substitutions
To make this delicious Chicken Gnocchi Soup, you will need the following basic Italian pantry staples and fresh produce. So let's see what are they below.
- Boneless chicken: Adds protein and flavor to the soup. Here I have used boneless chicken breasts but you can also use chicken thighs, leftover roasted chicken, or baked chicken breast
- Gnocchi: Small dumplings made of potato or flour, that add texture and heartiness to the soup
- Spinach: Adds a nutritious and fresh green element to the soup
- Celery and carrots: A classic combination that adds depth and aroma to the soup
- Chicken broth: Provides a rich and savory base for the soup. You can use either bone broth or regular chicken broth here. Even veg broth can also be used
- Heavy cream: Adds richness and creaminess to the soup. You can also substitute the cream with half and half for a less creamy texture
- Onion and garlic: Adds flavor and depth to the soup
- Black pepper and chili flakes: Delivers a subtle spiciness and depth of flavor to the soup
- Herbs: Dried herbs like oregano and thyme add a fragrant aroma and earthy flavor to the soup
- Parmesan cheese: Parmesan cheese has a rich, nutty, and slightly salty taste profile. When added to gnocchi soup, it enhances the overall flavor and adds a pleasant umami taste
- Butter and olive oil: Provides richness and depth of flavor to the soup
For a detailed ingredients list, please check out the recipe card below.
How to Make Chicken Gnocchi Soup at Home?
The recipe I have shared here is Chicken Gnocchi Soup, a soup full of flavors and textures, from the tender chicken and vegetables to the soft and chewy gnocchi. The addition of cream, parmesan cheese, and spinach adds a creamy, cheesy, and slightly tangy taste to the soup. It makes a perfect cozy and comforting meal along with the crusty bread or other side dishes of your choice.
Below are the high-level instructions for this recipe, but for detailed step-by-step instructions with photos and a video, please see the recipe card below.
- Saute the aromatics: Heat oil and butter in a medium-sized pan over medium heat until the butter has melted. Add diced onions and sauté until they turn soft and translucent. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant for about 1 minute
- Saute the veggies: Add the carrots and celery and sauté until they become tender
- Cook the chicken with seasonings: Add small bite-sized pieces of boneless chicken, salt, black pepper, chili flakes, dried thyme, and oregano. Stir everything together until the chicken turns pale in color and begins to cook
- Cook Gnocchi in broth: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once it starts boiling, add the gnocchi and cook until tender according to the package instructions
- Add the cream: Reduce the heat to low and add heavy cream. Simmer the mixture for 3 to 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together
- Add spinach and cheese: Add spinach and grated parmesan cheese to the soup. Cook until the cheese melts and the spinach slightly wilts. Remove the chicken gnocchi soup from the heat and it is now ready to serve
Tips
- Chicken: Use boneless chicken breasts or thighs, and cut them into small bite-sized pieces so they cook quickly and evenly. You can use any leftover roasted chicken, baked chicken breast, or rotisserie chicken
- Herbs: I have used dried herbs here since they were handy for me. However, if possible, fresh herbs would give the soup a more vibrant and aromatic flavor
- Cooking Gnocchi: Be careful not to overcook the gnocchi, as they can become mushy and fall apart. Follow the package instructions and remove them from the soup once they are tender
- Healthy alternatives: For a healthier option, you can use low-sodium chicken broth and skim milk instead of heavy cream
- For creamier consistency: To make the soup creamier, you can add a tablespoon of flour to the sautéed vegetables before adding the broth. Stir until the flour has dissolved and then add the broth
- Vegetable options: You can also add other vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or peas to the soup to make it more nutritious and flavorful
- Adjust the seasonings: Taste the soup as you go and adjust the seasoning accordingly. You may need to add more salt or pepper depending on your preferences
Storage Suggestions
This Chicken Gnocchi Soup tastes great when served warm and immediately. However, you can store it for up to two days in a closed, airtight container.
Serving Suggestions
There are a variety of side dishes that would complement Chicken Gnocchi Soup. Here are some options:
- Garlic Bread: A warm, crusty garlic bread would be a great side to pair with the soup
- Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette would provide a refreshing contrast to the creamy soup
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like asparagus, brussels sprouts, green beans, zucchini, potatoes, or carrots would add some texture and nutrition to the meal
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich: A classic grilled cheese sandwich would be a delicious and satisfying side dish to enjoy with the soup
- Crusty Baguette: A warm crusty baguette can be a great side dish to the soup to help soak up the broth
Related Recipes
You could also find similar soup recipes below and more at comfort food recipes and one-pot meals.
- Hot and Sour Soup
- Chicken Noodle Soup
- Chicken Tortilla Soup
- Chicken and Rice Soup
- Chicken Ramen
- Tom Kha Gai (Thai Coconut Chicken Soup)
- White Chicken Chili
Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe Video
I have also shared a detailed video of this Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe below that I hope will help you make a satisfying meal at home. You can also find this recipe in a story format.
📖 Recipe
Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Ingredients
- ¾ lb Boneless Chicken, small bite size pieces
- 2 cups Gnocchi
- 1 Onion, medium size, chopped
- 2 tsp Olive Oil
- 3 tsp Butter, unsalted
- 1½ tbsp Garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp Celery, finely chopped
- 1 Carrot, chopped
- ½ tsp Black Pepper Powder
- ½ tsp Chili Flakes
- ½ tsp Dried Thyme
- ½ tsp Dried Oregano
- Salt, to taste
- 3 cups Spinach, loosely packed
- 4 cups Chicken Broth, I have used reduced sodium bone broth
- 2 cups Heavy Cream
- ¼ cup Parmesan Cheese
Instructions
To make Chicken Gnocchi Soup
- In a medium-sized pan, heat oil and add butter. Allow the butter to melt over medium heat
- Once the butter has melted, add diced onions and sauté until they turn soft and translucent. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, usually for about 1 minute
- Add the carrots, celery and saute until the veggies turn tender
- Add small bite-sized pieces of boneless chicken, salt, black pepper, chili flakes, dried thyme, and oregano. Stir everything together until the chicken turns pale in color and begins to cook
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once it starts boiling, add the gnocchi and cook until tender. The cooking time may vary, so it's recommended to follow the package instructions
- Reduce the heat to low and add heavy cream. Simmer the mixture for 3 to 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together
- Add spinach and grated parmesan cheese to the soup. Cook until the cheese melts and the spinach slightly wilts
- Remove the chicken gnocchi soup from the heat and it is now ready to serve
To Serve
- Serve the soup with crusty bread, garlic bread, grilled cheese, or with some roasted or baked vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal
Video
Notes
- Chicken: Use boneless chicken breasts or thighs, and cut them into small bite-sized pieces so they cook quickly and evenly. You can use any leftover roasted chicken, baked chicken breast, or rotisserie chicken
- Herbs: I have used dried herbs here since they were handy for me. However, if possible, fresh herbs would give the soup a more vibrant and aromatic flavor
- Cooking Gnocchi: Be careful not to overcook the gnocchi, as they can become mushy and fall apart. Follow the package instructions and remove them from the soup once they are tender
- Healthy alternatives: For a healthier option, you can use low-sodium chicken broth and skim milk instead of heavy cream
- For creamier consistency: To make the soup creamier, you can add a tablespoon of flour to the sautéed vegetables before adding the broth. Stir until the flour has dissolved and then add the broth
- Vegetable options: You can also add other vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or peas to the soup to make it more nutritious and flavorful
- Adjust the seasonings: Taste the soup as you go and adjust the seasoning accordingly. You may need to add more salt or pepper depending on your preferences
Nutrition
FAQ
Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a hearty, creamy, and classic Italian soup. The soup is typically made with chicken broth, heavy cream, garlic, and herbs, which give it its signature flavor. Some variations of the soup may include spinach, carrots, or celery to add more texture and flavor. It is often served as a main course and pairs well with crusty bread or a side salad.
If you need a substitute for heavy cream in Chicken Gnocchi Soup, you can try using half-and-half, a mixture of milk and butter. Keep in mind that each alternative will slightly change the flavor and texture of the soup, so you may need to adjust the seasoning and cooking time accordingly.
Chicken Gnocchi Soup pairs well with crusty bread, garlic bread, or a side salad. The bread can be used to soak up the flavorful broth, while the salad can provide a refreshing contrast to the rich and creamy soup.
I hope you found the recipe enjoyable and I would appreciate hearing about your experience with it.
If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to leave a comment and I will do my best to respond promptly. Thank you for reading and happy cooking!
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