There is nothing quite like a warm bowl of creamy chicken gnocchi soup to bring comfort and joy to a busy evening. This recipe captures all the rich, hearty goodness you love from classic restaurant versions, but with a few simple chef’s secrets that elevate it to an entirely new level. Get ready to master a truly exceptional creamy chicken gnocchi soup that is both easy to follow and incredibly satisfying. I will guide you through each step, ensuring a perfect texture and flavor every time, making this a new family-friendly favorite in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You will adore this chicken gnocchi soup because it takes a beloved classic and makes it even better. My unique twist ensures a consistently luxurious texture and bright, balanced flavors.

A stable, luxurious base. I incorporate a light roux, made from butter and all-purpose flour, before adding the liquids. This creates a remarkably stable and smooth base for the creamy soup, preventing any separation and adding a subtle nutty depth through the Maillard reaction. This simple step guarantees a consistently rich and beautiful chicken gnocchi soup every time.

A bright, balanced finish. The soup is finished with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. The lemon provides a crucial acidic lift that balances the richness of the half and half, enhancing all the other flavors without making the soup taste lemony. The Parmesan cheese adds a wonderful umami depth and a salty, savory kick.

This is hearty comfort food at its finest. It is packed with tender chicken, soft potato gnocchi, and savory vegetables in a rich, creamy broth, making it the ultimate cozy meal for any time of year. This recipe is surprisingly quick and easy to prepare, especially if you use pre-cooked chicken, making it a perfect 30-minute meal for busy weeknights. You will achieve a restaurant-quality copycat recipe, even better than Olive Garden, right in your own kitchen.

Ingredients Needed

* 3-4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (cooked and diced )
* 1 stalk of celery (chopped)
* ½ white onion ( diced)
* 2 teaspoons minced garlic
* ½ cup shredded carrots
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 4 cups low sodium chicken broth
* salt and pepper (to taste)
* 1 teaspoon thyme
* 16 ounces potato gnocchi
* 2 cups half and half (see note)
* 1 cup fresh spinach (roughly chopped)

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

Chicken. For ultimate convenience, use a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken, shredded or diced. If cooking boneless skinless chicken breast from scratch, dice it evenly and sauté it in a separate pan before adding it to the soup. Avoid overly dry pre-shredded cooked chicken from a package, as it can be chewy. Chicken thighs can also be used for a richer flavor. If you’re craving another delightful chicken and pasta dish, consider our blackened chicken pasta.

Gnocchi. The type of potato gnocchi you choose can affect the outcome. Shelf-stable gnocchi often found in the pasta aisle works well and is widely available. Refrigerated gnocchi, usually found near fresh pasta, tends to be slightly softer and cooks quicker. Frozen gnocchi can also be used; simply follow package instructions, often adding a few extra minutes to the boiling time. Gluten-free gnocchi options are also available and work perfectly in this creamy soup.

Dairy. Half and half provides a wonderful creaminess without being overly heavy. For an even richer, more luxurious soup, you can substitute some or all of the half and half with heavy cream. The roux we are making will help emulsify the dairy, preventing separation.

Broth. I recommend using low sodium chicken broth so you can control the salt content of your creamy soup. If you are looking for a vegetarian option, simply swap chicken broth for vegetable broth and omit the chicken entirely.

Herbs. This recipe calls for dried thyme, but fresh thyme will bring an even more aromatic depth. If using fresh thyme, use 1 tablespoon of fresh herbs for every 1 teaspoon of dried herbs. For additional Italian-inspired flavor, consider adding a bay leaf during the simmering stage or a pinch of Italian seasoning.

Vegetables. Beyond the celery, onion, carrots, and spinach, feel free to add other vegetables to boost nutrition and flavor. Kale can be added at the same time as the spinach. Zucchini or peas make excellent additions; add them with the gnocchi to allow enough time to cook through.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Making this creamy chicken gnocchi soup is a straightforward process that yields incredible results. Follow these steps for a perfect bowl of comfort.

First, prepare your aromatics. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped celery, diced white onion, minced garlic, and shredded carrots. Sauté them for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions become translucent and the vegetables soften slightly. You will notice a wonderful aroma filling your kitchen.

Now, create the stable, creamy base. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in the pot with the sautéed vegetables. Stir in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until a pale golden roux forms. This simple step will prevent your creamy soup from becoming watery.

Next, build the soup’s body. Add the cooked and diced chicken, 4 cups of low sodium chicken broth, salt and pepper to taste, and 1 teaspoon of thyme to the pot. Stir everything together. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil.

Gently stir in the 16 ounces of potato gnocchi. Boil the soup for 3-4 minutes longer, allowing the gnocchi to begin cooking. Then, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and continue to cook for another 10 minutes, or until the gnocchi is tender but not mushy.

Almost done. Stir in 2 cups of half and half and 1 cup of roughly chopped fresh spinach. Continue to cook for just 1-2 minutes longer, stirring gently, until the spinach wilts and the soup is heated through. Do not let the soup come to a rapid boil once the half and half is added, as this can cause it to curdle.

Finally, taste and adjust the seasonings as needed, adding more salt and pepper if desired. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese before serving. This brightens the entire soup.

Perfecting Your Soup: Tips & Customizations

Achieving the ultimate creamy chicken gnocchi soup is all about understanding a few key elements and embracing customization.

Gnocchi Selection & Cooking

Choosing the right potato gnocchi and cooking it correctly are crucial to avoid mushy gnocchi. Shelf-stable gnocchi is very forgiving, while refrigerated gnocchi cooks a bit faster. Frozen gnocchi will need a few extra minutes of simmering time. Regardless of type, watch the gnocchi closely; it is done when it floats to the surface and is tender. Overcooking will lead to a soft, gummy texture.

Equipment Recommendations

A large pot or a Dutch oven is ideal for making this creamy soup. Their wide bases and heavy construction ensure even heat distribution, which is essential for sautéing vegetables and simmering without scorching. While this recipe is designed for the stovetop, you can adapt it for a slow cooker or Instant Pot. These versatile cooking methods can offer hands-off cooking convenience, though the roux step might need a slight modification (e.g., doing it on the stovetop first, or using the sauté function).

Customizing for Health

Making this creamy soup a bit healthier is simple. Use low-sodium chicken broth to control your sodium intake. You can reduce the amount of half and half or substitute some with milk for a lower fat option, understanding that the soup will be slightly less rich in texture without the roux. Reduce the amount of Parmesan cheese or skip it entirely for a lighter touch. Load up on extra vegetables like kale, zucchini, or peas to boost fiber and nutrients.

Vegetable Additions & Flavor Boosters

Feel free to expand on the vegetable medley. Beyond spinach, consider adding finely chopped kale at the same stage for more greens. Diced zucchini, frozen peas, or even some corn can be excellent additions. For alternative flavor enhancers, a bay leaf simmered with the broth adds a subtle depth and can be removed before serving. A tiny pinch of red pepper flakes can introduce a subtle warmth without making the soup spicy. Always use fresh garlic and onions for the best aromatic base. For another comforting bowl, you might also enjoy our rich cheddar garlic herb potato soup.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Even seasoned chefs appreciate a few extra insights. Here are my best pro tips to ensure your creamy chicken gnocchi soup is nothing short of perfect, along with how to avoid common pitfalls.

Pro Tips

The Roux Advantage. Do not skip the butter and all-purpose flour roux. This is my secret weapon for creating a stable, luxurious creamy soup base that prevents curdling and separation. It provides a wonderful thickness and a rich, nutty flavor that deepens the soup’s profile.

Build Flavor Depth Early. Take your time to sauté the celery, white onion, minced garlic, and carrots until they are fragrant and translucent. This step is crucial for developing the foundational flavors of your soup.

Even Chicken Prep. If cooking your own chicken breast, dice it into uniform, bite-sized pieces. This ensures it cooks evenly and integrates beautifully into the soup, providing a consistent texture in every spoonful.

The Fresh Finish. Always finish your chicken gnocchi soup with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. This brightens the flavors, adds essential umami, and perfectly balances the richness of the creamy broth. It is a game-changer.

Herb Power. While dried thyme works well, using fresh thyme if possible will impart a more vibrant and aromatic character to your soup.

Taste and Adjust. Before serving, always taste your soup and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. Flavors can mellow during cooking, and a final seasoning tweak makes all the difference.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mushy Gnocchi. One of the most common mistakes is overcooking gnocchi. It cooks very quickly. Once it floats, it is usually done. Keep an eye on it during the simmering phase to ensure it remains tender with a slight chew, not disintegrating into the soup.

Watery Soup. If your soup is too thin, it is likely due to skipping the roux or not allowing it to cook long enough. The roux is designed to prevent a watery soup. Avoid adding too much additional water or overly thin broths, which can dilute the creamy base.

Curdled Cream. Never bring the soup to a rapid boil once the half and half or heavy cream has been added. Simmer gently over low heat, stirring occasionally, to prevent the dairy from curdling. High heat can shock the cream and cause it to separate.

Chewy Chicken. Using overly dry or pre-shredded cooked chicken can result in a chewy texture in your soup. Opt for freshly cooked, home-diced chicken breast or good quality rotisserie chicken for the best results.

Skipping the Finish. Forgetting the lemon juice and Parmesan cheese at the end can leave your soup tasting flat or one-dimensional. These final touches are essential for balancing the richness and adding that irresistible brightness and depth of flavor.

Serving & Storage

Once your creamy chicken gnocchi soup is perfected, you will want to know the best ways to enjoy and preserve it.

Serving Ideas

This hearty comfort food pairs wonderfully with simple, complementary sides. I love serving it with warm, crusty bread, perhaps some garlic bread or Olive Garden Breadsticks, perfect for soaking up every drop of that creamy broth. A fresh, easy Italian green salad with a light vinaigrette also makes a fantastic accompaniment, offering a refreshing contrast to the richness of the soup. For an elegant touch, garnish each bowl with extra freshly grated Parmesan cheese, a drizzle of high-quality olive oil, or a sprig of fresh thyme or parsley. If you enjoy a glass of wine, a light-bodied white wine like a crisp Pinot Grigio or an unoaked Chardonnay would complement the creamy flavors beautifully.

Storage and Make-Ahead

Fridge Storage. Store leftover chicken gnocchi soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This is generally how long chicken gnocchi soup lasts in the fridge while maintaining optimal quality.

Freezing. Can I freeze chicken gnocchi soup? While creamy soups can sometimes change texture after freezing and reheating, it is possible. Dairy-based soups have a tendency to separate. For best results, I recommend freezing portions of the soup without the half and half. When reheating, thaw the soup, bring it to a simmer, then stir in fresh half and half. If you freeze the entire soup, stir it vigorously during reheating and add a splash of fresh half and half or broth to restore its creaminess.

Reheating. To reheat leftovers, transfer the desired amount to a saucepan and warm over low heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally. Avoid high heat to prevent the cream from curdling. If the soup has thickened too much, add a splash of chicken broth or half and half to achieve your desired creamy consistency.

Meal Prep. This chicken gnocchi soup is excellent for meal prep. You can cook and dice your chicken and chop all your vegetables ahead of time. Store them in separate containers in the fridge, then simply combine and cook on the day you want to enjoy it.

Conclusion

Congratulations, you have now mastered the art of making the ultimate creamy chicken gnocchi soup! With the unique addition of a light roux for unparalleled creaminess and a bright finish of lemon and Parmesan, this recipe truly stands out. It is a hearty, comforting, and family-friendly meal that tastes even better than your favorite restaurant version. Whether you are a novice cook or an experienced chef, these clear instructions and expert tips ensure fantastic results every time. I encourage you to try this amazing chicken gnocchi soup, experiment with your own vegetable variations, and savor the satisfaction of creating a restaurant copycat at home. Please leave a comment below to share your experience or rate the recipe, and explore my other Italian-inspired recipes for more culinary adventures.

FAQ

What is gnocchi and what are the best types for soup?
Gnocchi are small, soft dumplings, traditionally made from potato, flour, and sometimes egg. For soup, shelf-stable, refrigerated, or frozen potato gnocchi all work well. Choose the type most convenient for you, keeping in mind that cooking times may vary slightly.

How to easily make Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup extra creamy?
My secret for an extra creamy, stable soup is to make a light roux with butter and all-purpose flour before adding the broth and dairy. This thickens the soup consistently and prevents the half and half from separating, resulting in a luxurious, extra creamy texture every time.

Can I make this chicken gnocchi soup in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?
Yes, this soup can be adapted for a slow cooker or Instant Pot. For a slow cooker, sauté the vegetables and make the roux on the stovetop first, then transfer to the slow cooker with chicken and broth, cooking on low for 3-4 hours or high for 1.5-2 hours. Add gnocchi, half and half, and spinach for the last 15-20 minutes. For an Instant Pot, use the sauté function for the vegetables and roux, then add remaining ingredients (except dairy and spinach) and cook on high pressure for 3 minutes, then quick release. Stir in dairy and spinach after.

How long can you store leftover chicken gnocchi soup, and can it be frozen?
Leftover chicken gnocchi soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. While creamy soups can sometimes change texture after freezing and reheating, you can freeze it for up to 2-3 months. For best results, consider freezing the soup without the half and half and stirring in fresh dairy when reheating. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or half and half to restore creaminess.

What are some healthy variations or substitutions for chicken gnocchi soup?
To make it healthier, use low-sodium chicken broth, reduce the amount of half and half or substitute some with milk, and minimize added salt. You can also load up on extra vegetables like kale, zucchini, or peas. For a vegetarian version, simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth.

What are the best side dishes to serve with chicken gnocchi soup?
The best side dishes include warm bread or breadsticks for dipping, a fresh Italian green salad with a light vinaigrette, or even a simple side of roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli.

How to prevent gnocchi from getting mushy in soup?
To prevent gnocchi from getting mushy, add it towards the end of the cooking process and do not overcook it. Gnocchi cooks very quickly; it is usually done when it floats to the surface and is tender, typically only 3-4 minutes of boiling followed by a short simmer.

What kind of pot is best for making creamy soups?
A large, heavy-bottomed pot or a Dutch oven is best for making creamy soups. Their even heat distribution helps prevent sticking and scorching, which is crucial when building a roux and simmering dairy-based liquids.