Cozy, Comforting & Better Than Olive Garden at Home
1️⃣ Introduction: Why You’ll Love This Soup
Chicken Gnocchi Soup is the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. It’s creamy, hearty, and packed with tender chicken, soft potato gnocchi, and fresh veggies—all simmered in a rich, flavorful broth.
What makes this soup a real winner?
- It’s comfort food, but not heavy
- Easy enough for weeknight dinners
- Fancy enough to serve guests
- Loved by both kids and adults
If you enjoy cozy soups that feel homemade and satisfying, this one is about to become a regular in your kitchen.
2️⃣ Ingredients (Shopping List with Exact Measurements)
For the Soup Base
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Protein & Main Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) boneless skinless chicken breast (or thighs for extra juiciness)
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
Thickener
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Gnocchi & Greens
- 1 lb (450 g) potato gnocchi (store-bought works great)
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional but highly recommended)
Optional Flavor Boosters
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish
3️⃣ Essential Kitchen Tools & Appliances
Large heavy-bottom soup pot or Dutch oven
Sharp knife
Measuring cups and measuring spoons
Whisk (important for smooth soup!)
Ladle for serving
4️⃣ Preparation Steps (Nice & Simple)
- Wash and chop all vegetables (onion, carrot, celery, spinach).
- Cut chicken into small bite-sized pieces.
- Measure out broth, milk, cream, and seasonings so everything is ready to go.
- Keep gnocchi sealed until needed (it cooks fast).
💡 Prep first, cook stress-free later.
5️⃣ Cooking Instructions (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Build the Flavor Base
- Heat butter and olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onion, carrots, and celery.
- Cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring, until vegetables soften.
- Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Add diced chicken to the pot.
- Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring, until chicken turns white (no need to brown).
Step 3: Make It Creamy
- Sprinkle flour over the chicken and veggies.
- Stir continuously for 1 minute to remove raw flour taste.
- Slowly pour in chicken broth while whisking to avoid lumps.
Step 4: Simmer
- Bring soup to a gentle simmer.
- Cook uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 5: Add Gnocchi & Dairy
- Stir in gnocchi, milk, and heavy cream.
- Simmer for 3–5 minutes, until gnocchi floats and is tender.
Step 6: Finish Strong
- Add spinach and nutmeg.
- Cook 1–2 minutes until spinach wilts.
- Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Stir in Parmesan if using.
🔥 Secret Tip: Don’t boil hard after adding cream—gentle heat keeps the soup silky.
6️⃣ Serving Suggestions
Serve hot with:
- Crusty garlic bread or dinner rolls
- A simple green salad
- Extra grated Parmesan on top
Garnish with fresh parsley, cracked black pepper, or a drizzle of olive oil for a restaurant-style finish.
7️⃣ Additional Tips & Variations
- Healthier Version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free gnocchi + cornstarch instead of flour
- Extra Flavor: Add a splash of white wine after cooking veggies
- Vegetarian: Skip chicken, use veggie broth, add mushrooms
- Meal Prep Friendly: Tastes even better the next day!
8️⃣ Nutrition Details (Per Serving – Approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 kcal |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Carbohydrates | 32 g |
| Fat | 22 g |
| Saturated Fat | 11 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sodium | 680 mg |
| Calcium | 180 mg |
(Based on 4 servings)
9️⃣ FAQ Section
Q1: How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Q2: Can I freeze Chicken Gnocchi Soup?
Not recommended. Cream and gnocchi change texture when frozen.
Q3: Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Add shredded cooked chicken during the simmer stage.
Q4: Why is my soup too thick?
Add a little extra chicken broth or milk until desired consistency.
Q5: Can I make it in a slow cooker?
Yes—cook everything except gnocchi and cream on LOW for 6 hours, then add them in the last 30 minutes.
🔟 Wrap-Up: Final Thoughts
Chicken Gnocchi Soup is comfort food done right—simple ingredients, rich flavor, and a cozy vibe that never gets old. It’s one of those recipes that feels special but doesn’t require fancy skills or tools.
Fun fact: Gnocchi dates back to ancient Roman times, making this soup a delicious blend of old-world comfort and modern home cooking.
Once you try it, don’t be surprised if this soup becomes a weekly favorite. 🍲💛
