Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a warm, comforting dish that combines tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a rich, creamy broth. While many know this dish from popular restaurants such as Olive Garden, its roots lie in traditional Italian cuisine, where hearty soups are a staple of everyday meals. This authentic recipe brings the flavors of Italy straight to your kitchen, blending fresh vegetables, savory chicken, and soft gnocchi into a satisfying meal that’s perfect for any time of year.
1. Authentic Italian Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 sticks celery, diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup half-and-half (or heavy cream for a richer soup)
- 1 pound potato gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach, roughly chopped
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan (for serving, optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Cook and shred the chicken: Start by poaching 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, then shred it into bite-sized pieces. Set the shredded chicken aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Heat the olive oil: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil (or butter) over medium heat.
Sauté the onions, carrots, and celery: Add the chopped onion, diced carrots, and diced celery to the pot. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and the onion becomes translucent.
Add the garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
Step 3: Build the Soup Base
Add the broth: Pour in 4 cups of chicken broth and stir everything together. The broth forms the base of the soup and will later be enriched with cream and gnocchi.
Season the soup: Stir in ½ teaspoon of dried thyme, ½ teaspoon of dried basil, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Simmer: Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Step 4: Add the Gnocchi and Spinach
Cook the gnocchi: Gently add the 1 pound of potato gnocchi to the simmering soup. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until the gnocchi float to the top and are tender.
Add the spinach: Stir in the 2 cups of fresh baby spinach. The spinach will wilt almost instantly, adding a fresh, vibrant touch to the soup.
Step 5: Finish with Cream
Add the half-and-half: Slowly pour in 1 cup of half-and-half (or heavy cream for a richer consistency). Stir well to combine. The cream gives the soup its signature richness and silky texture.
Simmer gently: Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes to heat through and thicken slightly. Be careful not to let it boil, as this can cause the cream to separate.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Taste and adjust: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
Serve immediately: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with grated Parmesan if desired.
2. Tips for the Best Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Use Fresh Gnocchi: Fresh gnocchi cooks quickly and has a soft, pillowy texture that’s perfect for this soup. If you’re using shelf-stable or frozen gnocchi, adjust the cooking time accordingly, as they may take a bit longer to cook.
Rotisserie Chicken Saves Time: For a quicker meal, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. It’s tender, flavorful, and shreds easily, cutting down on prep time.
Don’t Overcook the Gnocchi: Gnocchi cooks fast—usually in just a few minutes. As soon as the gnocchi float to the surface, they’re done. Overcooking them can lead to a mushy texture, so keep an eye on the pot.
Heavy Cream for Extra Richness: If you want a richer, creamier soup, swap the half-and-half for heavy cream. For a lighter version, you can use whole milk instead of cream.
Thicken the Soup: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to make a slurry. Stir this into the soup during the last few minutes of cooking, and simmer until the soup thickens.
3. Variations of Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Vegetarian Version: To make this soup vegetarian, simply swap the chicken with tofu or white beans, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The soup will still be creamy and flavorful, with a satisfying texture from the gnocchi and vegetables.
Gluten-Free Gnocchi Soup: For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free gnocchi. Many grocery stores carry gluten-free potato gnocchi, which work perfectly in this recipe. Be sure to check the labels on your broth as well to ensure it’s gluten-free.
Spicy Chicken Gnocchi Soup: For a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the soup. You can also stir in chopped jalapeños or hot sauce for extra spice.
Dairy-Free Chicken Gnocchi Soup: To make this soup dairy-free, use coconut milk or almond milk instead of half-and-half, and omit the Parmesan. The coconut milk version adds a subtle sweetness that pairs surprisingly well with the savory flavors of the soup.
4. What to Serve with Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Garlic Breadsticks: Just like at Olive Garden, serve this soup with garlic breadsticks for dipping. The soft, buttery breadsticks complement the creamy soup perfectly.
Caesar Salad: A crisp Caesar salad with crunchy croutons and a tangy dressing is a great side dish to balance out the richness of the soup.
Crusty Bread: Serve the soup with slices of crusty French bread or sourdough to soak up every bit of the flavorful broth.
Roasted Vegetables: Pair the soup with roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots, or zucchini to add a healthy and colorful side to your meal.
Grilled Cheese Sandwich: For a comforting and indulgent combo, serve the soup with a grilled cheese sandwich. The melty cheese and crispy bread are the perfect complements to the creamy soup.
5. Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Storing: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The gnocchi may absorb some of the broth, so you might need to add a splash of broth or water when reheating.
Reheating: Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If needed, add more broth or cream to adjust the consistency. You can also reheat it in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
This authentic Italian chicken gnocchi soup recipe is the perfect way to bring the flavors of Italian cuisine into your home. With tender chicken, soft gnocchi, and a creamy broth filled with fresh spinach and vegetables, this soup is both satisfying and easy to make. The simple, wholesome ingredients come together in under an hour, making it an ideal dish for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners.
