If you’re craving a cozy, comforting bowl of soup that feels like a warm hug after a long day, this Chicken Gnocchi Soup is exactly what you need. Creamy, hearty, and packed with tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and fresh vegetables, this homemade version tastes just like the famous Olive Garden classic—maybe even better. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, relaxed family dinners, or those chilly evenings when only a comforting soup will do.
Best of all, this easy chicken gnocchi soup comes together in about 30 minutes and uses simple, everyday ingredients. Whether you’re cooking with fresh chicken or using leftovers, this recipe is guaranteed to become a regular in your dinner rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creamy and comforting, just like the restaurant favorite
- Ready in about 30 minutes, perfect for busy nights
- Family-friendly and great for meal prep
- Uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients
- Easy to customize with spices or vegetables
Ingredients
- Butter – Adds richness and creates the base for a flavorful roux
- Yellow onion – Brings natural sweetness and depth
- Celery – Adds savory balance and classic soup flavor
- Carrots – Provide color, sweetness, and texture
- Garlic – Enhances aroma and overall flavor
- All-purpose flour – Thickens the soup to a creamy consistency
- Half-and-half – Makes the soup luxuriously creamy
- Chicken broth – Forms the savory backbone of the soup
- Thyme – Adds subtle herbal warmth
- Mustard powder – Enhances flavor without being overpowering
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts – Lean, tender protein
- Salt and black pepper – Essential for seasoning
- Potato gnocchi – Soft, pillowy bites that make the soup hearty
- Fresh spinach – Adds freshness and color
- Red pepper flakes (optional) – For a gentle kick of heat
How to Make Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Prepare the Base
Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, celery, and carrots. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
Make the Roux
Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir well to combine. Cook for about 2 minutes, allowing the flour to lightly toast and turn a pale golden color. This step ensures your soup won’t taste floury.
Build the Soup
Slowly add the chicken broth and half-and-half in small splashes, stirring constantly to keep the mixture smooth. Take your time here—adding liquid too quickly can break the roux. Stir in the thyme and mustard powder.
Cook the Chicken
Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then add it directly to the pot. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer, not a rapid boil, to keep the chicken tender. Simmer for 10–15 minutes, depending on thickness, until the chicken is fully cooked.
Finish the Soup
Remove the chicken and let it rest for 5 minutes, then dice it and return it to the pot. Allow the soup to simmer until it reaches your desired thickness. Add the gnocchi and cook for about 5 minutes, or according to package instructions.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the spinach and red pepper flakes. Simmer for about 1 minute, just until the spinach wilts. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve warm and enjoy.
Tips for Success
- Keep the heat moderate when simmering to prevent tough chicken
- Add liquids slowly to maintain a smooth, creamy texture
- The soup will thicken as it sits—add a splash of broth if reheating
- Use fresh gnocchi for the softest, most pillowy texture
Equipment Needed
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Ladle for serving
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Chicken Gnocchi Soup: Add extra red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne
- Vegetable Gnocchi Soup: Skip the chicken and add mushrooms or zucchini
- Extra Creamy Version: Replace half of the half-and-half with heavy cream
- Herb Twist: Add rosemary or Italian seasoning for a different flavor profile
Serving Suggestions
Serve this homemade chicken gnocchi soup with warm crusty bread, garlic knots, or a simple green salad. A sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper on top adds a lovely finishing touch.
FAQs
Can I use cooked chicken instead of raw?
Yes, diced cooked chicken works perfectly. Add it after the broth and dairy are incorporated and heat through.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze chicken gnocchi soup?
Cream-based soups don’t freeze well, as the texture can change, but it’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.
Can I substitute milk for half-and-half?
Yes, but the soup will be slightly less creamy. Whole milk works best.
Where do I find gnocchi?
Gnocchi is usually located in the pasta aisle of most grocery stores.
Chicken Gnocchi Soup
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings
Description
This creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup is easy to make at home and tastes just like the famous Olive Garden version. Perfect for using fresh or leftover chicken on the stovetop or in the Crock Pot.
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 1 stick celery, diced
- 1/2 cup carrots, julienned
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups half-and-half
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts (or 2 cups cooked diced chicken)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 16 oz potato gnocchi
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- Red pepper flakes, optional
Instructions
- Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, celery, and carrots and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Stir in flour and cook for 2 minutes until lightly golden.
- Add chicken broth and half-and-half gradually, stirring constantly.
- Add thyme and mustard powder.
- Season chicken with salt and pepper and add to the soup. Bring to a gentle boil and simmer 10–15 minutes until cooked.
- Remove chicken, dice, and return to soup. Simmer to thicken.
- Add gnocchi and cook about 5 minutes.
- Reduce heat and add spinach, red pepper flakes, and additional seasoning. Simmer 1 minute and serve.
Notes
- The soup thickens as it simmers.
- Sausage can be substituted for chicken.
- Half-and-half is equal parts milk and cream.
- Mustard powder enhances flavor without tasting like mustard.
- Crock Pot method available by omitting flour and thickening at the end with cornstarch.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Gnocchi Soup is everything you want in a comforting homemade meal—creamy, hearty, and full of flavor. It’s the kind of recipe that brings people together around the table and turns an ordinary night into something special. Give it a try, make it your own, and don’t forget to share your experience. Cozy dinners start right here.
