Chicken gnocchi soup always pops up in my kitchen when the weather gets chilly or I need a big dose of cozy. Honestly, this soup is my go-to when I’m craving something comforting but don’t want to fuss for hours. There’s just something about that creamy broth and pillowy gnocchi that makes the whole house smell like a hug.
First, I have to admit, sometimes my kitchen looks like a cyclone hit it—flour on the counter, carrot peels on the floor, and the dog hoping for dropped gnocchi. However, that’s half the fun, right? This recipe is forgiving and simple enough for those of us who get distracted by a cat jumping on the table or a timer going off for the wrong dish. So, whether it’s a Tuesday night or you’re prepping for a big family dinner, this soup slides right into your meal plans, chaos and all.
Personal Anecdote
First, let me tell you, the first time I made chicken gnocchi soup was a total comedy show. I grabbed what I thought was Italian seasoning and ended up with cinnamon—yikes! After a quick save, I finally got those classic Olive Garden Dinner Recipes flavors just right. Also, my kids love anything with gnocchi, so this recipe is always a winner at our place. One time, my youngest tried to sneak raw gnocchi straight from the bag—lesson learned, always keep an eye on the little helpers!
Then, on a rainy night, I decided to try making it in the crockpot after reading about Olive Garden Gnocchi Soup Crockpot hacks online. It came out so creamy, and the chicken stayed super tender. If you enjoy fun chicken dinners, you might also like the Best Easy Chicken Piccata Meatballs Family Approved Dinner Recipe—it’s another hit with my picky eaters.
Why This Recipe is Special
So, why do I keep coming back to this recipe? For dinner, it’s unbeatable. The rich, creamy base and the fluffy gnocchi make it feel like a restaurant treat—without leaving home. Plus, you can use leftover rotisserie chicken to save time (and sanity). Finally, if you’re in the mood for more cozy chicken dishes, check out the Best Easy Mississippi Chicken Recipe For A Cozy Family Dinner. Cooking chicken gnocchi soup truly turns any dinner into something memorable, especially when laughter and a few oops moments are on the menu.
Ingredients breakdown
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Butter | 4 tablespoons |
| Yellow onion, diced | 1 small |
| Celery, sliced | 1 cup |
| Matchstick carrots | 1 cup |
| Garlic, minced | 6 cloves |
| Italian seasoning | 2 teaspoons |
| Rubbed sage | 1/2 teaspoon |
| All-purpose flour | 1/4 cup |
| Chicken broth | 4 cups |
| Heavy cream | 1 1/2 cups |
| Potato gnocchi | 1 pound |
| Rotisserie chicken, shredded | 2 cups |
| Fresh spinach, chopped | 1 1/2 cups |
| Balsamic vinegar | 1 teaspoon |
| Kosher salt | |
| Fresh cracked pepper |
Utensils and substitutions
First, you’ll need a large pot or Dutch oven for this chicken gnocchi soup. A wooden spoon is handy for stirring, and a sharp knife will make dicing onion and celery a breeze. If you don’t have potato gnocchi, try swapping in mini potato dumplings or even whole wheat gnocchi for a twist.
Sometimes, I like to use leftover roasted chicken if I don’t have rotisserie on hand. If you’re looking for more ideas with chicken, check out my Best Creamy Ranch Chicken Dinner Easy Kid Friendly Family Approved recipe. For creamy texture, both half and half or a lighter milk can stand in for heavy cream, though the soup will be less rich.
Also, don’t forget about food safety when handling chicken—this is always important, so I recommend peeking at the official food safety guidelines for tips. For more easy chicken meals, try my Best Easy Chicken Burrito Bowl For A Healthy Family Dinner. If you love Crockpot recipes, this chicken gnocchi soup would also work great in a slow cooker.
Step-by-step method for a chicken gnocchi soup
Step 1
First, melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a large pot over medium heat. Then, add diced onion, sliced celery, and matchstick carrots. Season with salt and pepper, and cook while stirring occasionally for about 8 minutes until the vegetables soften.
Step 2
Next, stir in minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and rubbed sage with a couple of extra pinches of salt and pepper. Cook for another minute, stirring frequently to release the aromas. Then sprinkle the flour over the mixture, stirring constantly for an additional minute to form a roux.
Step 3
After that, pour 1/4 to 1/2 cup of chicken broth into the pot to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Add the remaining chicken broth and heavy cream, seasoning again with salt and pepper. Bring the soup to a simmer over medium-high heat. Then add potato gnocchi and shredded rotisserie chicken. Lower the heat to medium-low and gently simmer for 3 to 5 minutes until the gnocchi is tender. Finally, stir in fresh spinach and balsamic vinegar until the spinach wilts. Adjust seasoning as needed and serve warm for a comforting dinner.
Tips and tricks to make this Dinner recipe shine
Also, to get the best out of your chicken gnocchi soup, use fresh, high-quality ingredients. Fresh spinach adds a nice touch of color and nutrition. If you want to try variations, check out this Best Cozy Merry Me Chicken Pasta For A Hearty Family Dinner for a related comforting meal. For a quick and easy option, consider this Easy Dump Go Marry Me Chicken Best 5 Star Dinner Recipe. This recipe resembles the classic Soup From Olive Garden, but with a personal twist that makes it perfect for a cozy dinner. Remember, stirring gently during simmering prevents the gnocchi from sticking or breaking apart. Enjoy this hearty soup on chilly evenings for a satisfying meal.
What to serve with this Dinner recipe
First, pair your chicken gnocchi soup with a crisp green salad or some warm garlic bread to balance the creamy texture. Also, consider serving a side of roasted vegetables for a wholesome meal. For more dinner ideas, check out our Best Easy Mediterranean Chicken Piccata For A Healthy Dinner Tonight and Best Creamy Lemon Chicken Piccata For An Easy Delicious Dinner recipes.
How to store and reheat
Next, store leftover chicken gnocchi soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, gently warm it on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the gnocchi from sticking. Avoid using the microwave directly as it may cause the soup to separate or the gnocchi to become mushy.
FAQ
Can I use store-bought gnocchi for chicken gnocchi soup?
Yes, store-bought gnocchi works perfectly and saves time. Just add them towards the end of cooking to avoid overcooking.
Is this soup freezer-friendly?
It’s best to avoid freezing because the cream and gnocchi can change texture after thawing. Instead, enjoy leftovers within a few days refrigerated.
How do I make the soup thicker?
To thicken the soup, mix a small amount of cornstarch with cold water and stir it in during the last few minutes of cooking.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Add all ingredients except the gnocchi and cream to the crockpot, cook on low for 4-6 hours, then stir in gnocchi and cream near the end.
Print
Chicken Gnocchi Soup
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Low-Carb
Description
A creamy and hearty soup with tender shredded chicken, potato gnocchi, fresh vegetables, and aromatic Italian herbs.
Ingredients
4 tablespoons butter
1 small yellow onion, diced
1 cup sliced celery
1 cup matchstick carrots
6 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon rubbed sage
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
4 cups chicken broth
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1 pound potato gnocchi
2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
1 1/2 cups chopped fresh spinach
1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
Kosher salt
Fresh cracked pepper
Instructions
1. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add diced onion, sliced celery, matchstick carrots, salt, and pepper; cook for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Add minced garlic, Italian seasoning, rubbed sage, salt, and pepper; cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently.
4. Sprinkle flour over the mixture and cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly.
5. Pour 1/4 to 1/2 cup chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up browned bits.
6. Add remaining chicken broth and heavy cream with salt and pepper; bring to a simmer over medium-high heat.
7. Add potato gnocchi and shredded chicken.
8. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer gently for 3 to 5 minutes until gnocchi is cooked through.
9. Stir in fresh spinach and balsamic vinegar; mix until spinach wilts.
10. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, then serve and enjoy.
Notes
Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for convenience.
Fresh spinach can be substituted with kale or Swiss chard.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently to avoid breaking the gnocchi.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Finally, chicken gnocchi soup is one of those cozy meals that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a simple weeknight treat, it’s sure to bring comfort and smiles. Don’t forget to explore more comforting recipes like our Best Easy Mediterranean Chicken Piccata For A Healthy Dinner Tonight and Best Creamy Lemon Chicken Piccata For An Easy Delicious Dinner. Also, if you love collecting cozy recipes, be sure to follow us on Pinterest where we share all kinds of tasty inspirations. Thanks for stopping by the kitchen today—here’s to many more delicious moments together!