The Coziest Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe for Winter Nights

Nestled in the comfort of a creamy chicken gnocchi soup, warmth embraces you like a culinary hug.

Soft potato dumplings float alongside tender chicken pieces in a velvety broth that whispers home-cooked memories.

Hearty ingredients mingle with delicate herbs, creating a symphony of flavors perfect for chilly evenings.

Each spoonful promises satisfaction and nostalgia, transporting you to a kitchen filled with love.

Mediterranean influences shine through this simple yet sophisticated dish that feels both familiar and exciting.

Delicate textures and rich seasonings dance together, making this soup more than just a meal.

You’ll want to savor every delightful bite and share this magical recipe with those closest to you.

Chicken Gnocchi Soup Comfort Guide

• Easily adapt the recipe by switching chicken for vegetarian protein, adjusting vegetable quantities, or making it spicier to suit different family preferences.
• Loaded with protein from chicken, vitamins from spinach and vegetables, and hearty gnocchi, this soup provides a balanced, wholesome meal in one delicious bowl.
• Minimal cleanup required since everything cooks in a single pot, making this recipe a dream for those who dislike washing multiple dishes after cooking.

Ingredients for Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup

• Onions: Provide a sweet and aromatic base for the soup's flavor.
• Carrots, Celery: Add depth and traditional mirepoix flavor to the soup.
• Garlic: Enhances the overall taste with its robust and pungent profile.

• Chicken: Adds hearty protein and creates a satisfying main ingredient for the soup.
• Chicken Broth: Forms the liquid foundation that carries all the soup's flavors.

• Gnocchi: Soft potato dumplings that provide a comforting and filling texture.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a rich and smooth consistency for the soup.
• Spinach: Introduces a fresh green element and additional nutritional value.

• Salt, Pepper: Bring out and balance the natural flavors of all ingredients.

• Olive Oil: Helps sauté vegetables and provides a subtle underlying flavor.

How to Make Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Step 1: Sizzle Aromatic Vegetables

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium flame.

Toss in diced onions, sliced carrots, chopped celery, and minced garlic.

Stir and cook the vegetables until they become soft and release their fragrant aroma, about 4-5 minutes.

Step 2: Build the Soup Base

Pour chicken broth into the pot with sautéed vegetables.

Bring the liquid to a rolling boil.

Gently add shredded chicken and soft potato gnocchi.

Allow the mixture to simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, ensuring the gnocchi becomes perfectly tender and plump.

Step 3: Create Luxurious Creaminess

Lower the heat to a gentle simmer.

Pour in rich heavy cream, stirring smoothly to create a velvety texture.

Toss in fresh spinach leaves, watching them delicately wilt into the soup.

Let the ingredients meld together for 2-3 minutes.

Step 4: Final Flavor Boost

Taste the soup and season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Adjust seasoning to your preference.

Ladle the steaming soup into warm bowls.

Serve immediately with a side of crusty, rustic bread for dipping.

Tips for Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup

• Choose crisp vegetables and high-quality chicken for maximum flavor and nutrition.
• Cook gnocchi briefly to prevent becoming mushy, ensuring they remain soft yet slightly firm.
• Lower heat when adding cream and stir continuously to maintain smooth, consistent texture without curdling.
• Enhance taste by using homemade chicken broth or adding a splash of white wine during cooking.
• Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk for dairy-free version or use gluten-free gnocchi for wheat-sensitive individuals.

Storing and Reheating Chicken Gnocchi Soup

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool soup completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving space for expansion. Freeze for 2-3 months. Avoid freezing cream-based soups with gnocchi, as texture may change.
• Warm soup over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add splash of chicken broth to restore creamy consistency. Heat until steaming and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Transfer portion to microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval. Check temperature and ensure even heating to prevent cold spots.

Pairing Suggestions for Chicken Gnocchi Soup

• Pair Zesty Sauvignon Blanc: Crisp white wine cuts through the soup's richness, complementing the creamy texture with bright, citrusy notes.
• Serve Rustic Sourdough Bread: Crusty, tangy bread provides perfect dipping surface and absorbs the soup's velvety broth, enhancing overall dining experience.
• Match Herb-Infused Salad: Light, fresh green salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the soup's heaviness, adding refreshing contrast to the creamy dish.
• Select Parmesan Cheese Topping: Sprinkle aged parmesan over the soup, adding sharp, salty dimension that elevates the gnocchi and chicken flavors.

Variations on Chicken Gnocchi Soup

• Gluten-Free Gnocchi Soup: Replace traditional wheat gnocchi with potato-based or gluten-free gnocchi varieties. Use gluten-free chicken broth and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute chicken with firm tofu, white beans, or plant-based chicken alternatives. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a complete vegetarian version.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Alternative: Replace gnocchi with cauliflower gnocchi or riced cauliflower to reduce carbohydrate content. Add extra vegetables like zucchini noodles for volume and nutrition.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of heavy cream. Select dairy-free milk alternatives to maintain the soup's creamy texture while accommodating lactose-intolerant individuals.

FAQs

• What are gnocchi made of?

Gnocchi are traditional Italian dumplings typically made from potatoes, flour, and eggs. They have a soft, pillowy texture that absorbs flavors beautifully in soups and sauces.

• Can I use a different type of chicken in this soup?

Absolutely! You can use rotisserie chicken, leftover roasted chicken, or even canned chicken as a quick alternative to shredded chicken. Each option works well and adds delicious protein to the soup.

• Is this soup nutritious?

Yes! The soup is packed with vegetables like carrots, celery, and spinach, providing essential vitamins and minerals. The chicken offers lean protein, making it a balanced and wholesome meal.

• How can I make this soup lighter?

To reduce calories, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk. You can also use low-sodium chicken broth and add more vegetables to increase the nutritional value without significantly changing the soup’s creamy texture.

Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

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4.5 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Olive Garden’s famous creamy chicken gnocchi soup brings comfort and warmth to winter evenings. Rich flavors and tender potato dumplings create a hearty Italian-inspired meal you’ll savor with every delicious spoonful.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450 g) chicken breast, cooked and shredded
• 1 package (16 oz/454 g) gnocchi
• 4 cups (960 ml) chicken broth
• 2 cups (480 ml) heavy cream

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 2 cups (60 g) spinach leaves, roughly chopped
• 1 cup (150 g) carrots, diced
• 1 cup (100 g) celery, diced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Seasoning and Cooking Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. In a spacious pot, warm olive oil over medium heat, introducing diced onions, julienned carrots, chopped celery, and minced garlic. Sauté the aromatics for 4-5 minutes until vegetables become translucent and fragrant.
2. Pour chicken broth into the pot, elevating the temperature to a gentle boil. Incorporate shredded chicken and pillowy gnocchi, allowing them to dance in the simmering liquid for 5-6 minutes until gnocchi reaches perfect tenderness.
3. Lower the heat and introduce rich, velvety heavy cream, creating a luxurious base. Fold delicate spinach leaves into the soup, letting them wilt gracefully for 2-3 minutes and infusing the dish with vibrant green color.
4. Calibrate the flavor profile with a precise sprinkle of salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Ladle the steaming, creamy soup into waiting bowls and accompany with a crusty, rustic bread for a complete culinary experience.

Notes

• Use fresh or homemade chicken stock for deeper, richer flavor that elevates the entire soup’s taste profile.
• Choose pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken to save time and add convenience without sacrificing taste quality.
• Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version that reduces overall calorie content.
• Experiment with different greens like kale or Swiss chard as spinach alternatives to create unique flavor variations.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 590
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 37 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg