This homemade chicken gnocchi soup is the perfect comfort food…creamy, hearty and delicious! Only takes one pot and 30 minutes to make.
Easy Olive Garden Copycat
Last year we visited my BIL and SIL in New York for their baby’s blessing and she made the most delicious chicken gnocchi soup while we were there. It tasted like Olive Garden’s chicken gnocchi soup.
I knew once I got home that I had to get the recipe and make it for my family. It’s so creamy, rich and delicious. It’s definitely a new family favorite along with this creamy potato leek soup recipe!
I had never tried gnocchi until I got married, but have made several recipes with it ever since (this soup and sheet pan gnocchi are my faves). This recipe is SO easy to make and can be made in one pot in 30 minutes. You can’t beat that! Enjoy it for lunch, dinner, or whenever. It’s a comforting home cooked meal that the whole family will love!
Why We Love This Recipe
- Made in one pot. What’s not to love about one pot meals? Less dishes means less time cleaning up, which is always a win in my book!
- Ready in 30 minutes. Weeknights get busy, so quick and easy dinners are a must in our house. Easy 30-minute meals come to my rescue time and time again!
- Inexpensive copycat. Learn to make an Olive Garden favorite at home, while saving money at the same time. This inexpensive version tastes just like the real thing!
- Comfort food. This soup will curb all your comfort food cravings. It’s super creamy and hearty and just like my clam chowder recipe will warm you up on a chilly day.
What is Gnocchi?
Gnocchi is basically just mini dumplings made from potato and flour. They are dense, yet soft dumplings that are small in size and typically have ridges on them to help hold sauce.
My kids love to eat them with marinara, basil pesto, bolognese or alfredo sauce. They are also SO yummy in soup and add a great texture! I love eating them with butter and parmesan cheese for a simple lunch as well.
Where is gnocchi found in the grocery store?
If you’ve never tried gnocchi, you can find it in the pasta section at any store. It’s usually vacuum packed to keep it’s freshness. Sometimes it’s also sold in the frozen foods section near other frozen pasta such as ravioli and tortellini. I especially like the DeLallo brand of gnocchi which can be found in the pasta aisle.
Tips + Variations
- Prepare veggies. Make sure to chop the vegetables before getting started. For convenience, use a bag of shredded carrots or buy pre chopped onions and celery.
- Rotisserie chicken. Instead of cooking the chicken breasts, use a rotisserie chicken to make this recipe even easier.
- Greens. You can use kale instead of spinach if preferred. Just make sure to wait to add it in until the very end.
- Gluten-free. Use gluten-free gnocchi if needed. DeLallo and Trader Joe’s make a great gluten-free version.
- Vegetarian. Omit the chicken and use vegetable broth to make vegetarian. You can even add in a can of chickpeas or more veggies to bulk it up a little more.
How to Store Chicken Gnocchi Soup
This soup will keep in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days in an airtight container. Leftovers make a great lunch the next day! I don’t recommend freezing this soup, as dairy tends to separate when frozen and the gnocchi could get mushy.
5 star review
“This recipe was very easy to make! Super easy, super tasty, and super fulfilling. My family went for seconds!‘
– Kaitlin
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Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Video
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- ½ onion , diced
- 1 cup carrots , sliced or shredded
- 1 cup celery , chopped
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 3 chicken breasts cooked and shredded (or use rotisserie chicken)
- 4 cups chicken stock
- 1 pint heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon Kosher salt
- ⅛ teaspoon pepper
- 16 ounce package mini potato gnocchi
- 1-2 cups spinach , chopped
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, celery and garlic and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the onions are translucent.
- Add the chicken, chicken stock, whipping cream, salt, pepper and thyme. Heat to boiling and then add the gnocchi. Gently boil for 4 minutes, then turn down and simmer for 10 minutes, or until it has reached desired thickness.
- Add spinach and cook for another 1-2 minutes, or until the spinach has wilted. Salt and pepper to taste. Enjoy while warm!
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.
Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!
Categorized as: 30 Minute Meals, 30 Minute Meals, Chicken, Chicken, Dinner, Italian, Nut-Free, One Pot, One Pot, Pasta, Soups, Stovetop, Stovetop
Jamielyn Nye is the founder and recipe creator at I Heart Naptime. She is also the author of the I Heart Naptime Cookbook. Here you will find easy family-friendly recipes for every occasion.
Love this recipe, it is sooo easy, rich, & delicious. Can’t believe someone took a star off for prep, all you have to do is chop & shred!! & it’s worth it. Thank you for this recipe!!!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for leaving your nice comment and review Olivia! :)
Very tasty! I did not think it too much prep work – no more than you would expect for that magical carrot- onion- celery combo that is used in many recipes. My family thoroughly enjoyed this & I will be making again! Thank you for the recipe.
I’m so glad to hear you enjoyed it! Thanks for leaving a comment and review Marianne!
My first time making this and it was amazing.!!! Ty for sharing…
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! :)
This is a great soup!
So glad you enjoyed it! :)
Love it
My family LOVES this! I have a few picky eaters so that is saying a lot. I would give it 5 stars, but there is a good amount of prep involved.
I’m so glad it was a hit in your family! Thanks for you comment and review Emily!
This is great, but one large chicken breast is plenty!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
Definitely a keeper. Hubby loved it and ate two bowls.
I’m so glad to hear that! Thanks for your comment and review! :)
This was an amazing recipe! Has anyone tried to use half & half instead of heavy cream? If so, what did it do the flavor?
This was SO good! My daughter helped me make it and we pretty much had everything on hand except we were out of carrots. So tasty and will make it again!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for leaving a comment and review Patti! :)
So yummy and not difficult at all!
Do you think this soup would freeze well?
I haven’t tried freezing this, but I’m not sure how well it would freeze with the gnocchi and spinach.
Going todo the gnocchi soup recipe. Looks easy and I know I’ll enjoy.
This is our family’s favorite soup – and we are a big soup loving family with some picky eaters (my kids are 9, 8, 6), so that is saying something! I have passed the recipe on to many people & all have loved it. I think it definitely belongs in your next cookbook! Thank you for so many wonderful recipes! Please keep them coming – I try almost all of them.?
Thank you so much for your sweet comment Dawn! I’m so glad this is a favorite in your family. :)
It looks so creamy! I love it!!
These are two of my favorite things… OMG so dreamy and delicious.
This soup sounds amazingly delicious! I love how creamy it looks :)
Hope you enjoy! :)
I am always looking for a delicious soul warming soup during the fall. I think I have found my new go-to!