Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup

If you love Olive Garden’s famous Chicken Gnocchi Soup, you’re going to fall head over heels for this homemade version. It’s creamy, rich, and packed with tender chicken, soft potato gnocchi, carrots, spinach, and herbs. The best part? It takes just 25 minutes from start to finish — a quick and cozy meal that’s perfect for any day of the week.

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup onion, diced
• 1/2 cup celery, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups half-and-half
• 1 (14-ounce) can chicken broth (use 2 cans for a thinner soup)
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1 cup chopped spinach
• 1 cup diced cooked chicken breast (rotisserie chicken works perfectly)
• 1 (16-ounce) package potato gnocchi
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1-In a large pot, melt butter with olive oil over medium-high heat. Add diced onion, celery, and minced garlic, sautéing until tender and fragrant.

2-Sprinkle in the flour and stir for about one minute to create a roux.

3-Slowly whisk in half-and-half and chicken broth until the mixture begins to thicken.

4-Add thyme, shredded carrots, chopped spinach, cooked chicken, and gnocchi. Let the soup simmer for about 5 minutes, or until the gnocchi are cooked through and the soup has reached your desired consistency.

5-Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serve this soup immediately while it’s warm and velvety. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of black pepper for extra flavor. Pair it with breadsticks, a slice of garlic bread, or a crisp salad for a complete meal.
To store leftovers, let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk to thin it out as it reheats. It’s not ideal for freezing since dairy and gnocchi can separate or become mushy after thawing.

Variations

1. Bacon Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Add 4–6 slices of cooked, crumbled bacon for a smoky, savory twist. The salty bacon enhances the creamy base beautifully.

2. Spicy Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Add 1/4 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce for a little kick of heat. Perfect for spice lovers.

3. Vegetarian Gnocchi Soup
Skip the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add mushrooms, zucchini, or chickpeas for extra texture and nutrition.

4. Creamy Turkey Gnocchi Soup
Swap the chicken for leftover roasted turkey — a great way to use up holiday leftovers while keeping all the same comforting flavors.

5. Lemon Herb Gnocchi Soup
Add a tablespoon of lemon juice and a teaspoon of zest to brighten the flavors. The citrus adds a refreshing contrast to the creamy base.

6. Pesto Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Stir in 2 tablespoons of basil pesto at the end for a fragrant, herby upgrade that adds depth and color.

7. Dairy-Free Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Use olive oil instead of butter and coconut milk or oat milk instead of half-and-half. The result is still creamy but lighter and dairy-free.

8. Sausage Gnocchi Soup
Replace chicken with Italian sausage (mild or spicy). The sausage adds bold, rich flavor and turns this soup into a hearty meal.

9. Roasted Veggie Gnocchi Soup
Add roasted bell peppers, carrots, and cherry tomatoes for a sweet, smoky flavor. Perfect for using leftover veggies.

10. Cheesy Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Mix in 1 cup of shredded Parmesan or mozzarella cheese for an extra creamy, indulgent texture that takes it over the top.

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought gnocchi?
Yes, pre-packaged potato gnocchi from the pasta aisle works perfectly for this recipe.

2. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can make it a day ahead. Just store it in the fridge and reheat slowly before serving.

3. How can I thicken the soup?
If your soup is too thin, simmer it a bit longer or add an extra tablespoon of flour when making the roux.

4. Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free flour and gluten-free gnocchi to make this recipe completely gluten-free.

5. What can I substitute for half-and-half?
You can use a mix of whole milk and heavy cream, or even evaporated milk for a similar texture.

6. Can I freeze the soup?
It’s not recommended since dairy and gnocchi don’t freeze well, but you can freeze the base before adding gnocchi and half-and-half.

7. Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, thaw and drain it well before adding it to avoid excess liquid.

8. What type of chicken works best?
Rotisserie chicken is convenient and flavorful, but leftover roasted or grilled chicken works just as well.

9. How do I make it less rich?
Use milk instead of half-and-half or substitute with low-fat evaporated milk for a lighter version.

10. What side dishes go well with this soup?
Serve it with crusty bread, garlic knots, or a Caesar salad for a complete Olive Garden-style meal.

This Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup is the ultimate comfort food—rich, hearty, and bursting with flavor. With just 25 minutes of cooking time, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend meal. Whether you’re a fan of Olive Garden or just love creamy soups, this recipe is guaranteed to become a family favorite.

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