This Chicken Gnocchi Soup is the perfect answer to chilly days, comfort cravings, or any moment when you need a warm, satisfying meal. Inspired by the beloved version at Olive Garden, this homemade soup is even better—full of tender shredded chicken, pillowy gnocchi, sweet carrots, celery, spinach, and herbs, all swimming in a rich, creamy broth.

Whether you’re feeding a family, meal prepping for the week, or just need a warm bowl of comfort, this recipe is as simple as it is soul-soothing.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy and satisfying – It’s like a warm hug in a bowl
Quick and easy – Done in under an hour with minimal prep
Family-friendly – A crowd-pleaser for all ages
Freezer-friendly – Perfect for batch cooking and leftovers
Restaurant-quality at home – Skip the takeout and enjoy this classic from scratch

Ingredients

Tip: You can find a full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 medium carrots, diced
2 stalks celery, diced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried basil
6 cups chicken broth
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
1 package (16 oz) gnocchi
2 cups fresh spinach
1 cup heavy cream
Salt and pepper to taste
Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

Instructions

1. Sauté the Vegetables

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5 minutes, until vegetables are softened.

2. Add Garlic and Herbs

Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add thyme and basil, stirring to combine.

3. Pour in Broth

Add chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil.

4. Add Chicken and Gnocchi

Reduce heat to a simmer. Add shredded cooked chicken and gnocchi.
Cook for 5–7 minutes, or until gnocchi float to the top and are tender.

5. Stir in Spinach and Cream

Add fresh spinach and heavy cream. Cook for another 2–3 minutes, until the spinach wilts and the soup is heated through.

6. Season and Serve

Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Variations

Make it dairy-free: Use full-fat coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative.
Add extra veggies: Mushrooms, zucchini, or peas would blend in beautifully.
Low-carb version: Swap gnocchi for cauliflower gnocchi or low-carb pasta alternatives.
Use rotisserie chicken: A great shortcut when you’re low on time.
Herb swap: Use fresh herbs instead of dried—just triple the amount.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months in individual portions. (Note: The texture of the gnocchi may change slightly.)
Reheat: Warm on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or cream if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use store-bought gnocchi?

Yes! Shelf-stable or refrigerated gnocchi both work great in this soup.

What kind of chicken should I use?

Any cooked chicken works—grilled, rotisserie, poached, or leftover chicken.

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

You can, but the soup will be thinner. Whole milk is the best substitute for creaminess.

Is this soup gluten-free?

Only if you use gluten-free gnocchi and ensure your broth is certified gluten-free.

Can I make this in advance?

Absolutely! This soup reheats well and tastes even better the next day.

How do I prevent the gnocchi from getting mushy?

Only cook the gnocchi until they float—don’t overboil them. If freezing, add gnocchi fresh when reheating.

Can I use frozen spinach?

Yes, just thaw and squeeze out excess liquid before adding it to the soup.

How spicy is this recipe?

Not spicy at all. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want a little kick.

Can I substitute the cream with something lighter?

Yes—use half-and-half or a combination of milk and Greek yogurt.

What if I don’t have basil or thyme?

You can use Italian seasoning or herbs like oregano, rosemary, or marjoram as substitutes.

Conclusion

This Chicken Gnocchi Soup is rich, creamy, and incredibly comforting—perfect for cozy nights in, cold-weather dinners, or when you’re craving something indulgent yet wholesome. With a simple method and everyday ingredients, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.

Chef sara

Chicken Gnocchi Soup