Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe in 30 Minutes (2025)

Imagine a chilly evening. You’re wrapped in a blanket, craving something creamy, hearty, and soul-warming. That’s when chicken gnocchi soup comes in. It’s not just a soup. It’s comfort food at its best: rich, creamy broth, tender chicken, pillowy potato gnocchi, and fresh veggies.

This recipe is inspired by the famous Olive Garden version but made at home with simple, fresh ingredients. It’s quick, affordable, and guaranteed to taste like you spent hours in the kitchen (even though it comes together in under 30 minutes).

Let’s dive into the ultimate guide to making this cozy dish step by step, with tips, tricks, and variations to keep it fun.

🧡 Why You’ll Love Chicken Gnocchi Soup

There’s something magical about a big bowl of chicken gnocchi soup. It’s rich, creamy, and filled with tender chicken, soft potato gnocchi, and fresh veggies that make every bite cozy and satisfying. This isn’t your average soup; it’s a complete meal in one pot that comforts your soul and fills your belly.

You’ll love this recipe because it brings restaurant-quality flavor right into your kitchen without the hassle or price tag.

The combination of buttery broth, creamy half-and-half, and freshly grated Parmesan makes it taste indulgent, while the addition of spinach, carrots, and celery keeps it light and balanced. It’s the perfect blend of hearty and wholesome.

And the best part? It’s quick. You don’t need hours of simmering or fancy ingredients. This comes together in under 30 minutes, start to finish.

Whether you’re cooking for your family, prepping for the week, or just craving something cozy after a long day, this recipe delivers.

A few more reasons why you’ll absolutely adore this soup:

• One-pot comfort: Everything cooks in a single pot, making for easy prep and cleanup.
• Budget-friendly: Simple ingredients you already have.
• Perfect for leftovers: The flavors get even better the next day.
• Customizable: Adjust the creaminess, add your favorite vegetables, or use leftover chicken; there are no strict rules.
• Freezer-friendly: Make a batch, portion it out, and you’ve got homemade comfort food ready whenever you need it.

Each spoonful feels like a warm hug on a cold evening, a mix of creamy texture, savory chicken, and soft, pillowy gnocchi that melts in your mouth. Once you make it, you’ll wonder why you ever waited for restaurant soup when you can whip up this dreamy bowl at home.

🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a complete list of what you’ll need to make the best Chicken Gnocchi Soup—plus what each ingredient brings to the recipe.

Ingredient	Amount	Purpose / Notes
Potato Gnocchi	16 ounces	Soft, pillowy dumplings that give the soup its signature texture. Found in the pasta aisle.
Chicken (boneless, skinless thighs)	1¼ cups, cooked and chopped	Adds rich, juicy flavor. You can also use breasts or a rotisserie chicken.
Unsalted Butter	½ stick	Provides a buttery base and helps create the roux for creaminess.
Olive Oil	1 tablespoon	Prevents butter from burning and adds a subtle, fruity note.
All-Purpose Flour	¼ cup	Thickens the soup, giving it that restaurant-quality creaminess.
Half-and-Half	2 cups (or mix 1 cup milk + 1 cup heavy cream)	The key to a velvety, luxurious texture without being too heavy.
Chicken Broth	32 ounces (4 cups)	Adds depth and ties all the flavors together. Use low-sodium for control over salt.
Parmesan Cheese	½ cup, shredded	Adds salty richness and enhances the creamy base. Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
Onion	1 medium, diced	Builds the flavor foundation with natural sweetness.
Garlic	2 cloves, minced	Infuses the soup with warmth and depth. Fresh is best.
Celery	½ cup, chopped	Adds crunch, aroma, and balance to the creamy broth.
Carrots	1 cup, shredded	Brings color, texture, and a hint of sweetness.
Baby Spinach	1½ cups	Wilts beautifully into the hot soup for freshness and nutrients.
Dried Thyme	½ teaspoon	Adds earthy, herby depth.
Dried Parsley	½ teaspoon	Brings a touch of brightness to the soup.
Ground Nutmeg	½ teaspoon	The secret ingredient that gives a warm, subtle hint, don’t skip it!
Salt	2 teaspoons, divided	Balances and enhances every flavor. Start with less and adjust to taste.

🍲 Step-by-Step Chicken Gnocchi Soup

This cozy Chicken Gnocchi Soup may sound fancy, but it’s straightforward to make once you break it down. Every step builds on the last, creating layers of flavor, texture, and creaminess that make this soup taste like a restaurant favorite.

Let’s walk through it step by step so you can make a batch that’s warm, rich, and absolutely irresistible.

🔪 Step 1: Build the Base

Start by setting the stage for flavor. In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, add ½ stick of unsalted butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil.

As the butter melts and mingles with the oil, your kitchen will instantly smell amazing. The oil prevents the butter from burning while creating a rich base for sautéing the aromatics.

Next, toss in 1 diced onion and ½ cup of chopped celery. Sauté over medium heat for about 2 minutes or until the onions turn translucent. Stir occasionally so everything cooks evenly.

This stage is crucial; it’s where you begin to build that comforting depth. The onions become sweet, the celery adds a subtle herbal note, and together they form the backbone of the soup.

Once the onions are soft, add 2 minced garlic cloves and ½ teaspoon of salt. Stir for about 30 seconds, just until the garlic becomes fragrant. Don’t overcook it; burnt garlic can make your soup taste bitter.

At this point, your kitchen smells like cozy perfection, the kind of aroma that makes everyone peek in, asking, “What’s cooking?”

🧈 Step 2: Create a Roux

Now it’s time to give the soup its creamy texture. Sprinkle in ¼ cup of all-purpose flour right over the softened onions, celery, and garlic.

Stir immediately and consistently. You’re coating the vegetables and creating what’s called a roux, a classic French technique for thickening soups and sauces. The flour absorbs the butter and oil, forming a smooth paste that will later help your soup achieve that rich, velvety consistency.

Cook this mixture for about 1 minute, just until the raw flour is no longer visible. The goal isn’t to brown it, just to let the flour blend evenly with the fat.

This step might seem small, but it’s what transforms a watery soup into that creamy, spoon-coating bowl of comfort you’re craving.

🥛 Step 3: Add the Creamy Element

Once your roux is smooth, it’s time to bring in the creamy magic. Slowly pour in 2 cups of half-and-half while stirring constantly.

If you don’t have half-and-half, you can make your own blend with equal parts milk and heavy cream. This combination keeps the soup rich without being too heavy or greasy.

Increase the heat slightly to medium-high and stir continuously as the mixture begins to thicken. Within a few minutes, you’ll notice it transforming into a silky, luscious base.

The key here is patience; don’t rush it. You want to bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, not a rolling boil. Boiling too hard can cause the dairy to curdle.

Once it starts to thicken slightly, you’ll see that gorgeous creamy texture forming. This is the moment your soup begins to look restaurant-worthy.

🍗 Step 4: Add Broth and Spices

Now that your base is creamy and thickened, it’s time to balance it with savory depth. Pour in 4 cups (32 ounces) of chicken broth, stirring as you go to combine all the ingredients.

The broth thins out the cream just enough, providing the perfect balance between richness and lightness.

Next, sprinkle in your seasonings:

• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon dried parsley
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

The nutmeg might surprise you, but don’t skip it; it’s the secret that adds warmth and subtle sweetness, tying all the flavors together. Just that little hint makes your soup taste professionally made.

Let the mixture simmer gently for 4–5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. You’ll notice the soup starting to look more uniform, smooth, creamy, and fragrant.

🥕 Step 5: Toss in Veggies

Now it’s time to add some color, crunch, and nutrition. Add 1 cup of shredded carrots and give the mixture a good stir.

Carrots do two wonderful things here: they add a gentle sweetness that balances the saltiness of the broth, and they bring that pop of bright orange color that makes your bowl look as good as it tastes.

If you love texture, you can also add extra celery or even a few diced bell peppers at this point. Let the vegetables simmer for another 3–5 minutes, just until they start to soften but still keep a slight bite.

This ensures that by the end of cooking, your soup has both creamy richness and fresh crunch, a balance that keeps every spoonful interesting.

🥔 Step 6: Cook the Gnocchi

While the soup simmers, let’s prepare the star ingredient: the gnocchi.

Bring a separate pot of salted water to a boil and gently add in 16 ounces of potato gnocchi. Cook for 3–4 minutes, or until the gnocchi float to the surface. That’s how you know they’re done.

Drain them immediately to prevent sticking. If they start clumping together, drizzle a small amount of olive oil and toss lightly.

Cooking the gnocchi separately is essential, as it prevents the soup from turning overly starchy and keeps the gnocchi perfectly tender, rather than gummy.

Once drained, add the gnocchi into your simmering soup in small batches, stirring gently to distribute them evenly.

You’ll instantly notice how the gnocchi plump up in the creamy broth, soaking in all that savory flavor. They become soft, chewy, and utterly delicious, the perfect contrast to the creamy base.

🍗 Step 7: Add Chicken

Now that your gnocchi are cozy in the pot, it’s time to introduce the protein that ties it all together: 1¼ cups of chopped cooked chicken.

In this recipe, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are the ideal choice. They stay juicy and tender even after simmering. But if you prefer something leaner or faster, rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken breasts work beautifully.

Add the chicken to the soup and stir until well combined. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend and the chicken to warm through.

During this time, the soup thickens slightly, and every ingredient starts working in harmony: the gnocchi absorbs the creamy broth, the chicken infuses its richness, and the herbs meld into perfection.

Taste the soup and adjust salt as needed. Usually, one additional teaspoon of salt brings everything to life, but adjust according to your preference.

🧀 Step 8: Finish with Cheese and Spinach

Finally, it’s time for that irresistible finishing touch, the moment that makes this soup truly indulgent.

Add ½ cup of shredded Parmesan cheese to the pot and stir gently until it melts completely. This not only adds a subtle nuttiness but also enhances the soup’s creamy body. You’ll notice the broth becoming even silkier with that lovely cheesy aroma floating through the kitchen.

Next, stir in 1½ cups of baby spinach. The residual heat from the soup will wilt it perfectly in just 2 minutes. You don’t need to overcook it; you want the spinach to stay vibrant and tender, not soggy.

Once the spinach has softened, give your soup one final stir. Take a moment to admire the beauty of this dish, with its creamy golden broth, green spinach ribbons, soft gnocchi, and bits of chicken and carrots, all coming together to create the perfect balance of color and texture.

Taste again before serving. If you like it extra cheesy, sprinkle more Parmesan on top.

🥗 What to Serve with Chicken Gnocchi Soup

When you serve a creamy, hearty bowl of chicken gnocchi soup, you don’t need much else, but the right side dish can turn a simple meal into something unforgettable.

Think of this soup as the central star: rich, buttery, and filling. So, your sides should balance those flavors with something light, crisp, or freshly baked.

Here are a few delicious pairings that complement it beautifully:

1. Garlic Bread or Breadsticks

There’s nothing better than warm, crusty bread to soak up that velvety broth. Try garlic bread, buttery breadsticks, or even a simple French baguette. The buttery crunch adds a perfect contrast to the creamy soup. Sprinkle Parmesan on top for a restaurant-style finish.

2. Fresh Garden Salad

Balance the creaminess with freshness. A simple green salad, featuring lettuce, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and a zesty vinaigrette, lightens up the meal. The acidity cuts through the richness and refreshes your palate between bites.

3. Roasted Vegetables

Want something warm but still healthy? Oven-roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, or Brussels sprouts, pair perfectly with the soup. The charred, caramelized edges bring a deep flavor that complements the soft gnocchi and tender chicken.

4. Cheesy Pull-Apart Rolls

If you’re feeding a crowd, cheesy pull-apart rolls or dinner rolls make the experience extra comforting. They’re fun to share and soak up every last drop of soup goodness.

🌟 5 Pro Tips for Perfect Chicken Gnocchi Soup

If you want your chicken gnocchi soup to taste like a five-star restaurant creation every single time, these tips are your secret weapons. Each one ensures your soup is creamy, flavorful, and never too thick or bland.

1. Don’t Skip the Roux

That flour-butter mixture at the beginning may seem like a small step, but it’s what gives your soup its luxurious, silky base. Take your time whisking it for about one minute so it cooks off the raw flour flavor and thickens properly. Rushing this step can result in a soup that is too thin or grainy.

2. Add the Dairy Slowly

When you pour in your half-and-half (or milk and cream combo), do it gradually while stirring. This prevents clumping and ensures your soup stays smooth. Pouring too fast can cause lumps or even curdling. Gentle and steady wins here.

3. Season in Layers

Add salt and herbs throughout the cooking process, not just at the end. A pinch of salt when sautéing the onions enhances their sweetness, and adding spices after the broth helps them bloom. Layering flavor this way gives your soup depth and balance rather than a flat, one-note taste.

4. Cook Gnocchi Separately

This step makes a world of difference. Boiling the gnocchi separately for 3–4 minutes ensures they’re soft and tender without turning the soup too starchy. Once they float, drain them well and add them in gently at the end. Your broth will stay creamy and light.

5. Add Spinach Last

Spinach wilts incredibly fast; just 1–2 minutes in hot soup is enough. Adding it too early makes it soggy and dull. For a fresh, green look and bright flavor, stir it in at the very end, just before serving.

🍴 Variations to Try

Once you’ve mastered the classic version, get creative! The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility. You can adjust it to suit your mood, dietary needs, or the ingredients you have on hand.

Here are a few tasty variations to explore:

Variation	What to Change	Flavor & Texture Notes
Low-Carb Version	Swap potato gnocchi for cauliflower florets or zucchini noodles.	Lighter, veggie-forward, still creamy but without the carbs.
Gluten-Free Version	Use gluten-free gnocchi and substitute flour with cornstarch or rice flour for the roux.	Same comforting texture with no gluten; ideal for sensitive diets.
Dairy-Free Version	Replace half-and-half with unsweetened coconut milk or cashew cream, and use vegan cheese instead of Parmesan.	Adds a slight nutty-sweet twist while keeping the soup smooth and indulgent.
Protein-Loaded Version	Add white beans, diced ham, or extra chicken to boost protein.	Makes it extra filling and perfect for post-workout meals or hearty dinners.
Vegetarian Version	Skip the chicken and use vegetable broth with mushrooms or chickpeas for texture.	Earthy, wholesome, and satisfying, great for Meatless Mondays.
Spicy Kick Version	Add red pepper flakes, Cajun seasoning, or a dash of hot sauce to the broth for added flavor.	Brings warmth and depth for spice lovers.
Smoky Bacon Twist	Stir in crispy bacon bits or smoked paprika before serving.	Adds smoky saltiness that pairs perfectly with the creamy broth.
Herb-Lovers’ Delight	Boost the herbs with fresh basil, rosemary, or dill before serving.	Aromatic and garden-fresh flavor that instantly elevates the soup.

💭 Final Thoughts

There’s something timeless about a bowl of Chicken Gnocchi Soup. It’s creamy, cozy, and bursting with flavor in every bite. From the tender chicken to the soft potato gnocchi and fragrant herbs, this dish is pure comfort made simple.

What makes it truly special is how effortlessly it comes together. You don’t need restaurant skills to create restaurant flavor, just a pot, a few fresh ingredients, and a bit of love.

Whether you’re craving warmth on a chilly day or planning a quick weeknight dinner that feels special, this recipe always delivers.

So grab a spoon, curl up on the couch, and enjoy every comforting bite. This is one of those soups that tastes like home, and once you make it, you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again.

🥣 Cozy Soups You’ll Want to Try Next

If you loved this creamy bowl of goodness, you’ll definitely want to explore more easy homemade soup recipes that bring comfort to your table. Each of these is perfect for busy weeknights, cozy fall evenings, or lazy weekends at home.

🍳 Egg Drop Soup Recipe for Lazy Weeknight Dinners

A light and silky soup made in minutes! This Chinese-inspired classic combines soft egg ribbons with warm, savory broth, perfect when you need something fast, healthy, and soothing.

🥕 Homemade Beef Vegetable Soup Recipe in 45 Minutes

Hearty, flavorful, and packed with tender beef and vegetables, this soup brings warmth to every spoonful. Ideal for family dinners or cold nights when you crave something filling and wholesome.

🌿 Homemade Split Pea Soup Recipe for Fall Comfort

A rich, protein-packed classic made with green split peas, carrots, and a hint of ham. It’s the ultimate fall comfort food: cozy, nutritious, and even better the next day.