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 for up to three months in your pantry 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.
Recipe Tips for Perfect Chicken Gnocchi Soup
- 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.
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
Easy Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a combination of potato gnocchi, carrots, celery, garlic, spinach, and tender chicken in a creamy, seasoned broth.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 25
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stove top
- Cuisine: Italian
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.
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.
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Debbie
I love this yummy comfort soup – It comes together so easily and quickly. It is a favorite of ours!
Diane Monti
I made this today, but sliced the carrots and celery. Added extra garlic and thyme.
Beth Pierce
I hoped you liked it, Diane!
Ramil H
I love dishes that are easy to prepare and Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a spot-on. This is perfect for those busy weeknights or chilly fall days.
Beth Pierce
I agree, Ramil!
Sonya S
I love that it’s quick and easy to make, and the combination of gnocchi, veggies, and chicken in a creamy broth was so comforting and delicious. It rivals Olive Garden’s chicken gnocchi soup. Thank you for the recipe.
Beth Pierce
You are most welcome, Sonya!
Tameka
So much better than Olive Garden and it was pretty easy to make. I am going to check out your other soup recipes. I need to expand my soup recipe collection. Thank you.
Beth Pierce
My pleasure, Tameka!
Nikki W
Wow! This was very delicious soup and easy to make. It was quite comforting for my head cold. I have been feeling a little under the weather lately.
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Nikki! So glad that you liked the soup. Feel better soon!
Robert P
Great gnocchi soup! Creamy and delicious. It was even better than the soup from Olive Garden! Thanks for the great recipe.
Beth Pierce
My pleasure, Robert!
Stephanie P
Such a tasty and fun soup. I love anything with gnocchi so I knew it was going to to be a hit! It was quick, easy and tasty…everything I am looking for in a recipe.
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Stephanie! I am so glad that you liked it!
Leanne Reynolds
I love the creaminess of this soup with the gnocchi. It’s so hearty, and it was so easy to make. That’s the best combination!
Beth Pierce
I agree, Leanne!
Kimmie L
Thanks for sharing your culinary expertise with us! This soup was amazing. It was quick, easy, hearty, and tasty. Everything tastes so much better when you make it at home. Thank you!
Beth Pierce
I agree with you! It really does taste better when you make it at home!
Brandy D
The flavor of this soup was incredible! It’s so comforting and delicious. Perfect for the season.
Beth Pierce
I could not agree more! Thank you, Brandy!
Jackie
Brilliant idea to add gnocchi to soup
I would never have thought of that.
Gina
The flavors are rich and comforting, and the gnocchi adds a nice, hearty touch. The chicken is juicy and the veggies are perfectly cooked. It’s definitely a go-to comfort food for me.
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Gina! So glad taht you liked it!
Annie
I love this soup. It’s so addictive. Thanks!
Dakota
This was such a cozy soup—absolutely perfect for today. It’s dreary and cold with flurries. Needed exactly this! Thank you.
Beth Pierce
The pleasure is all mine, Dakota!
Justine
Oh my gosh, I love this soup sooooo much. It’s so creamy and filling, perfect for winter! Thanks for sharing the recipe, Beth!
Beth Pierce
The pleasure is all mine, Justine!
Shelby
This soup is so nourishing and delicious. I love the texture of the little gnocchi that make it feel more filling, too.
Ali
What a great comfort food recipe, and a great way to use up gnocchi! This soup was fantastic!
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Ali! I am glad that you enjoyed the chicken gnocchi soup!
dana
I don’t know if there’s a soup out there that is cozier than this one. It’s a hug in a bowl! Perfect dinner for these chilly nights. Thank you so much!
Beth Pierce
The pleasure is all mine, Dana!
Megan K
I just made this using leftover roast chicken. It was really good. I didn’t have gnocchi so I subbed potatoes. Also added a little white wine at the end and some Tony Cacheres Creole Seasoning to kick up the flavor a notch. Topped with fresh grated Asiago cheese & served with green salad & bread. Yummy! This would be a great way to use up the leftover Thanksgiving turkey. Thanks for sharing the recipe; can’t wait to try many more from your site!
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Megan! I am so glad that you liked the soup. I hope you enjoy more of my recipes.
Candace
This was delightful. I added some corn and left out the spinach, as we did not have any.
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Candace! I am so glad that you liked it.
Mel
It’s the perfect weather for this soup, so creamy and comforting. I like to serve it with a simple garden salad or homemade breadstcks.
Hayley
I live in the United Kingdom and I kept seeing tiktoks of Olive Garden and their Chicken Gnocchi Soup – so I was so excited to try this. It was creamy and tasty and pretty easy to make. I had to order the gnocchi online but I will definately make this again.
Sandra
Such an amazing and delicious soup!
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Sandra! So glad that you liked the soup!
Ree
Combining gnocchi and soup sounds like a great way to beef up a soup dish. I haven’t cooked gnocchi in a while so I need to give that a go
Monica
Your chicken gnocchi soup recipe was amazing! I’m not a cooking enthusiast, but your instructions made it easy. It tasted great and had the perfect balance of flavors. Thanks for the delicious and simple recipe!
Beth Pierce
You are most welcome, Monica!
Melissa
I love this soup. It is the perfect, warming, filling, and comforting dish for the cooler weather. My family always enjoys this soup! Five stars, my friend.
Erik
This was easy and yummy. We are making it again on Sunday. The family really gobbled it up.
Amanda
This is a must make soup for the colder winter months that are upon us. I highly recommend this to everyone!
Laura
Oooh I love Gnocchi and never thought to put it in a soup but it turned out delicious! This is comfort food at its best. This will be on regular rotation at our house.
Tammy
Gnocchi in soup is so delicious! I love creamy soups and this was so comforting…definitely hit the spot on a cold rainy autumn day! I will make it again.
Sue-Tanya
Wow, a 30-minute Chicken Gnocchi Soup that rivals Olive Garden’s? Count me in! 🍲😍 Can’t wait to try this out – it sounds absolutely delicious!
Lisa
We love this chicken gnocchi soup. I think I make it at less once every three weeks. Thanks for sharing the recipe, Beth.
Beth Pierce
My pleasure Lisa! So glad that you like it!
Sam
This chicken gnocchi soup is a new family favorite. So creamy and comforting. I used a baked rotisserie chicken from Sam’s.
Marie
This soup was so delicious and creamy. I am adding this to my regular rotation for the fall and winter. Perfect with some homemade bread.
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Marie! So glad that you liked it.
Yeah Lifestyle
I had not tried gnocchi in a soup before. This recipe was really tasty and perfect for this time of year for a warming meal!
Michelle
As a mom always on the lookout for family-friendly, quick, and delicious meal ideas, your post has been a lifesaver. I especially appreciate your suggestion to use rotisserie chicken, which not only adds flavor but also saves time on busy weeknights.
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Michelle! I hope you enjoy the soup as much as we do!
Kasey
OMG this was so so good!!! It has been so cold here so I am making all your soups. I have not made one that we did not love yet. Thanks for sharing all your great recipes.
Bobby
This is such a good soup! I had it for dinner and then again for leftovers the next day. Will definitely make again!
Beth Pierce
Thank you, Bobby! So glad that you liked the chicken soup.
Suja md
Outstanding recipe thanks so much! tasted so much good!
Tayler
I made this soup for dinner last night and it was perfect! Even better than the Olive Garden version!
Ashley
What a delicious and filling soup! I loved the gnocchi in it and it made me want to add gnocchi to all soups.
Liza
This soup is the ultimate comfort food meal! Everyone in my family loved it last night!
Valerie Reynolds
I’ve made this twice. My husband loves it! I’m going to double the recipe & put it in my slow cooker once done on warm for my family Christmas Eve party.
Beth Pierce
That sounds like a great idea. Merry Christmas Valerie!
Sue Tomeo
Looks amazing I love you recipes.❤
Beth Pierce
Thanks Sue!
Natalie
This soup is real comfort food. I love the added spices and baby spinach. I must make this for my family asap. Lovely recipe! Thanks.
Dolly
Oh wow! This is such an impressive looking recipe, yet seems to easy to prepare. Can’t wait to try it!
Dannii
Now this is my kind of comfort food. Such a great way to use gnocchi too.
Sara
How rich, creamy, hearty and delicious. One to hug you from the inside when you need some comfort food.
Katie Crenshaw
Oh wow! Everything about this yells, “DELICIOUS!” I love the spice combinations of the nutmeg and thyme in this creamy soup! It pairs so well with the gnocchi, cream, spinach, and chicken.
Cathy
Gnocchi is my favorite and I love it in this soup!
Catalina
So creamy and so flavorful! A must try recipe for this weekend!
Toni
I love how comforting this! So easy to make, too!
Erin
This Chicken Gnocchi Soup needs to happen at my house very soon!!
Samantha
I made this recipe for the third time today. Me and my family love it! It’s delicious. I don’t even remember how I stumbled upon your website but will be checking out your other recipes.
When following the steps for this recipe I don’t see the garlic being mentioned again. I add it together with the spices but was wondering if I should add them at the beginning. Either way, great recipe!
Beth Pierce
Thanks Samantha! So glad that you and your family love it. Thanks for the heads up about the garlic. I will take a look at the recipe.
Gillian
Is the soup good for freezing
Beth Pierce
I have never frozen it but I do believe it would be good for freezing.
Sharon
I love gnocchi and this comforting soup is just another way that I can enjoy them now. Looks amazing!
Michelle
My husband LOVED this soup, we even had a bit leftover which he ate for lunch the next day, which is rare hahah
Julie Menghini
This is one of my favorite soups to get when I eat out. I am so happy that I can now make this myself.
Pam Greer
I love that this rich and creamy soup comes together in about 30 minutes and that it reheats beautifully!
Milisa
My family loved this soup. Filling and so full of delicious flavors!
Beth Pierce
Thanks so much Milisa!
Layne
This looks incredible, so comforting and filling. I can’t wait to make it
Mandy
I can’t wait to try this! It looks just like the chicken gnocchi at Olive Garden but even better!
Beth Pierce
Thanks so much! You are going to love it!!
Melinda
Great soup. It was delicious and easy to make. Thanks for sharing.
Beth Pierce
Thanks so much! You are too sweet! It is delicious!!
Julie Evink
I was looking for a new hearty soup recipe for the fall and decided to try this one. It was so good it’s going on our regular rotation and I’m looking forward to a bowl of it for lunch again today!
Heidi
Absolutely yummy! I made dumplings instead of using gnocchi but it’s now a favourite.
Beth Pierce
Awesome! So glad that you like it and that soup weather is here! YAHOO!
Amy Johnson
I love the addition of spinach to this soup and that it is quick and easy to put together. Can’t wait to try it!
Beth Pierce
Thanks so much Amy! It is delicious soup! I hope you enjoy it!