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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deborah hendrickson
OMGOSH!♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️don’t know what else to say, it was devoured. Absolutely love love love!
Beth Pierce
Thank you Deborah! I am so glad that you liked it!
Mary
If your reading the comments debating wether or not to make this. MAKE IT!
I made this for my family and it was a favorite for sure. So much flavor and soo creamy. Thank you Beth for sharing your recipe! Will definitely be using it again.
Beth Pierce
You are most welcome, Mary! So glad that you liked it. Thanks for your support!
Paula M
This is the ultimate comfort food! My family really enjoyed it!
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Paula!
Angela M
This was so comforting and a fun twist on chicken and dumplings!! The chicken was tender and perfectly cooked, and the gnocchi turned into the most delicious dumplings in the soup!
Vicky
I just tried the chicken gnocchi soup and it was amazing! The creamy texture and rich flavors made it the perfect cozy meal for a chilly evening. I’ll be making it a lot this fall!
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Vicky! I am so glad that you liked the soup!
Charlene M
One of the best chicken soup I ever have. My family loves it too, thanks for sharing this recipe.
Patti
I made this soup today, it’s awesome! Good stuff.. Thank you.
Beth Pierce
My pleasure, Patti!
Neha
This chicken soup turned out so creamy, comforting and absolutely yum! I will make it again on the weekend.
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Neha! I am so happy that you liked it!
Nate
This is such a fantastic and comforting soup, love the savory flavors and the tender gnocchi! Will definitely be making this again, especially once the weather starts getting cold!
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Nate! I am so glad that you enjoyed it!
Cheryl
Definitely better than Olive Garden’s version – this was out of this world!
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Cheryl!
Justine P
Loved this recipe – it’s one of my favorite soups! So creamy.
Elisa
Love this Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup recipe, so creamy and delicious!!!! we love gnocchi in my family. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Beth Pierce
My pleasure, Elisa!
Elisa T
Love this Chicken Gnocchi Soup recipe, so delicious and creamy!!! my kiddos loved it. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Beth Pierce
My pleasure!
Tameka
Who doesn’t love a good gnocchi soup? This was perfectly creamy, tasty, and comforting. Thanks for the great recipe.
Beth Pierce
You are most welcome, Tameka!
Aleena
This Chicken Gnocchi Soup is an absolute game-changer! I made it for dinner last night, and it was a huge hit. The gnocchi adds such a nice texture, and the soup itself is so hearty and flavorful. I love how simple the recipe is to follow, yet the result is so impressive.
Beth Pierce
Thank you, Aleena! I am so glad that you liked it.
Ralph H
This chicken gnocchi soup was so delicious and easy to make! Perfect for a cozy evening in. I love using rotisserie chicken to save time. Definitely adding this to my recipe rotation.
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Ralph! I am so glad that you liked it!