Chicken Gnocchi Soup is an easy, super delicious soup that comes together in less than thirty minutes with the addition of rotisserie chicken. It combines gnocchi, onions, celery, carrots, spinach, and chicken into a creamy broth. It is one of our favorites, and this recipe is just as good or if not better than Olive Garden’s recipe.
Fall is here, and with it comes some AMAZING soups. Of course, we are a soup-loving family, so we eat soup all year round. However, I know many of you are fall and winter soup eaters. This delicious creamy soup is simple and comes together in about thirty minutes. It reheats well on the stovetop. You would think that those little gnocchi would easily overcook and turn to mush, but such is not the case if you don’t start simmering again for long periods.
What are gnocchi?
Gnocchi are small, soft dumplings usually made from potatoes but can also be made from ricotta and semolina. Gnocchi can be found in the frozen pasta, refrigerator section, or dried pasta section of your local grocery store.
The dried pasta gnocchi will be vacuum sealed, and it will keep in your pantry for up to 3 months if not opened. Once opened, they should be stored in the refrigerator and consumed within a couple of days.
I prefer the frozen gnocchi or fresh refrigerator gnocchi over the dried gnocchi. They have fewer preservatives and taste better. Make sure if you buy the frozen gnocchi that you add it to the soup frozen. It should not be thawed.
Where did gnocchi originate from?
There is much dispute as to the origins of gnocchi. Some believe that the claim belongs to Northern Italy and comes from the word nocca, which means knot, as the small round shape of the gnocchi resembles knots.
Some believe that gnocchi originated in the Middle East using semolina dough instead of potatoes. No matter its origin, it is scrumptious in pasta and soups.
How to make Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Melt the butter in a Dutch Oven or a large pot over medium heat. Add the onions, celery, and carrots and cook until the onions and celery are tender, about 7-8 minutes. Reduce the heat to low and add the garlic, cooking for 1 minute while stirring.
Sprinkle the flour over the veggie mixture and continue cooking for 2 minutes while stirring to cook out that raw flour flavor. Slowly stir in the half and half and chicken broth, alternating between the two. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil and then simmer until thickened. Add the fresh thyme, potato gnocchi, and cooked chicken, and simmer for about 5 minutes. Stir in the spinach and red pepper flakes, and season with salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste.
Preparation Tips
- Pick up an already-cooked rotisserie chicken. They are so delicious and easy to cut or shred the day they are cooked or reheated. I pick them up from Costco frequently.
- Cut your onions, celery, and carrots small so they will cook quickly, and you will have dinner on the table in no time.
- Other fresh herbs to use include chopped rosemary, parsley, or basil.
- If available, purchase frozen gnocchi or fresh gnocchi. It has fewer preservatives and tastes better than dried gnocchi.
- Use baby spinach or coarsely chopped spinach and remove long stems.
Storage and Reheat
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave at reduced power.
To freeze, first cool completely. Then, spoon into zipper freezer bags or a sturdy freezer container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Soups with dairy in them may change consistency when frozen. Thaw in the fridge overnight. It is best to reheat them slowly over low heat.
This fabulous Chicken Gnocchi Soup is quick and easy, making it ideal for your busy family. Put the ingredients on your shopping list today and grab a big bowl. You will not be disappointed.
More Soup Recipes
Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 small yellow onion chopped
- 2 celery ribs chopped
- 2 medium carrots peeled and chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 2 cups half n half
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme
- 2 ½ cups diced cooked chicken cut into bite-size pieces
- 16 ounces potato gnocchi
- 3 cups fresh baby spinach long stems trimmed
- Red pepper flakes optional
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a Dutch Oven or a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the onions, celery, and carrots and cook until the onions and celery are tender, about 7-8 minutes. Reduce the heat to low and add the garlic, cooking for 1 minute while stirring.
- Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and continue cooking for 2 minutes while stirring. Slowly stir in the half and half and chicken broth, alternating between the two.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil and then simmer until thickened about 10 minutes. Add the fresh thyme, cooked chicken, and potato gnocchi. Simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the spinach, red pepper flakes, and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Simmer until the spinach is wilted.
Video
Notes
- Pick up an already cooked rotisserie chicken. They are so delicious and easy to cut or shred the day they are cooked or when reheated. I pick them up from Costco frequently.
- Cut your onions, celery, and carrots small so they will cook quickly, and you will have dinner on the table in no time.
- Other fresh herbs to use include chopped rosemary, parsley, or basil.
- If available, purchase frozen gnocchi or fresh gnocchi. It has fewer preservatives and tastes better than dried gnocchi.
- Use baby spinach or coarsely chopped spinach and remove long stems.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave at reduced power.
- To freeze, first cool completely. Then, ladle into zipper freezer bags or a sturdy freezer container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Soups with dairy in them may change consistency when frozen. Thaw in the fridge overnight. It is best to reheat them slowly over low heat.
Nutrition
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Jack
Yummy soup, definitely loved it when I tried it the other day. I can’t wait to make it for my sister. She loves gnocchi!
Barbie ritzman
Yes! I love Olive Garden’s Chicken Gnocchi Soup, so I’m thrilled to find a copycat recipe at home. This is perfect for fall weather and in 30 minutes? Sold! I can’t wait to try it and skip the restaurant line. Thanks for sharing!
Connor
This is a great recipe. So much tastier than Olive Garden! Thanks for the great recipe, Beth!
Beth Pierce
You are most welcome, Connor!
Colleen
I love any kind of gnocchi soup, so this was a winner for me. I really enjoyed the creamy soup base. It was perfect with the gnocchi.
Kimberley
This Chicken Gnocchi Soup recipe was amazing! I love the blend of creamy broth, tender chicken, and gnocchi, making it a perfect comfort meal. Thanks for sharing such a delicious and easy-to-follow recipe!
Beth Pierce
The pleasure is all mine, Kimberley!
Claudia
This was really delicious. I loved the texture of the gnocchi with the chicken and the creamy base. BIG TIME winner.
Beth Pierce
Thank you , Claudia!
Michelle
This creamy gnocchi soup is DIVINE! I make homemade gnocchi all the time so this is a game changer!
Debby Baker
This was delicious! I am definitely keeping this recipe!! Thank you for sharing it.
Beth Pierce
You are most welcome, Debby! I am so glad that you liked the soup.
Janelle
This was sooooooo tasty! My kids devoured it. Thanks!!
Beth Pierce
My pleasure, Janelle!
April
This is one of my favorite soups! It’s sooooo creamy, yum!
Beth Pierce
Thank you, April! We love it too!
tisha
This is one of my favorite soups at olive garden and now I make it at home whenever I get the craving! LOVE IT
Beth Pierce
Thank you, Tisha!
Aurora
I tried your Chicken Gnocchi Soup for dinner, and it was a hit! The soup was rich and creamy, and the gnocchi added the perfect texture. It was comforting and full of flavor, perfect for a cozy night in.
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Aurora! So glad that you liked the soup!
Sandra Z
This is my perfect comfort food! So delicious and very easy to make! We loved it!
Beth Pierce
Thank you, Sandra! We love it too!
Erin
Tried this last night and it was incredibly comforting and delicious! Now I’m craving for more! Definitely deserves a repeat appearance soon!
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Erin! Enjoy!
Amanda Martin
Such a comforting soup, everyone enjoyed every bite! Thank you, Beth.
Beth Pierce
You are most welcome, Beth!
Jack V
This was yummy, I love this gnocchi soup! It is beyond delicious and it is a new favorite of mine!
Beth Pierce
Thank you, Jack! I am glad that you like it!