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Razzle Dazzle Life » Soups and Stews

Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi Soup

This post was last updated on December 23, 2024 at 11:59 pm

March 11, 2022 by Tamara J. 10 Comments

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Chicken and Gnocchi Soup is the creamy, comforting dish you know and love from Olive Garden, now easy to make at home in just one pot. Smothered in rich flavor and packed with tender gnocchi and hearty chicken, this recipe is perfect for cozy nights in.

For more soup recipes using gnocchi, try my Copycat Zuppa Toscana Soup next. You can also warm up with my Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Soup with Biscuits or this Chicken Lime and Avocado Soup.

close-up of chicken and gnocchi soup on a spoon

Chicken and Gnocchi Soup

Making Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup at home is such a great way to enjoy a restaurant favorite without leaving the house. The mix of hearty vegetables, tender chicken, and soft gnocchi makes it perfect for chilly winter nights.

It’s also so easy to customize, whether you’re using precooked chicken or adding extra ingredients your family loves. This soup is so flavorful and filling. It’s a recipe that brings everyone to the table and makes dinner feel special without a ton of effort.

close-up of a bowl of chicken and gnocchi soup

What is Gnocchi?

Gnocchi are small dumplings made from a simple mixture of potato, flour, and eggs. While they’re often served like pasta, they are not technically pasta due to their unique dumpling-like texture. Traditionally Italian, gnocchi pairs well with creamy sauces, hearty soups, or simple butter and herb toppings.

close-up of a spoonful of chicken and gnocchi soup

Ingredients

  • Butter: The chicken will cook in this.
  • Chicken breasts: Sear the chicken before starting the soup. To save time, you can use pre-cooked chicken instead.
  • Vegetables: Cut yellow onion, celery, and baby carrots small so they cook evenly. This healthy medley adds nutrition, fresh flavor, and a nice crunch.
  • Garlic: This just makes everything taste better!
  • Water: Add more or less depending on how thick or thin you want your soup to be.
  • All-purpose flour: This gives the soup that thick consistency we need.
  • Half and half: For the creaminess.
  • Potato gnocchi: The heart of this recipe! Although gnocchi can be made from scratch, I used premade potato gnocchi from the pasta aisle. Not using homemade gnocchi saved me a few steps and cut back on cooking time. You will know gnocchi is cooked nice and tender when you can easily slice it.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: An optional addition for a spicy kick!
  • Seasoning: Seasoned salt, black pepper, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper (to taste).
soup in a bowl sitting on a table with a piece of buttered bread next to it

How to Make Gnocchi Soup

See recipe card for ingredient quantities and full instructions.

Sear the Chicken

I start by melting 3 tablespoons of butter in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. While that’s melting, I season the chicken breasts with seasoned salt and black pepper. Then, I place the chicken into the pot and let it sear for about five minutes on each side. Once it’s golden, I remove the chicken and set it aside for later.

Sauté the Vegetables

Next, I add the remaining tablespoon of butter to the pot and toss in the diced onion, celery, and carrots. I let them cook for about five minutes, stirring occasionally. I like to add the garlic during the last minute so it doesn’t burn.

Simmer Soup

Once the vegetables are soft, I return the chicken to the pot and pour in the water. I sprinkle in the garlic powder and Italian seasoning, then cover the pot and let it simmer for 20 minutes. This step gives the soup so much flavor.

Thicken the Broth

While the soup is simmering, I mix the flour with about one cup of water until it forms a smooth slurry. After removing the chicken from the pot to let it cool, I pour the slurry and half and half into the pot. I give it a good stir and let it simmer gently.

Add Gnocchi to Soup & Serve

I shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces and return it to the pot. Then, I add the gnocchi and let everything cook for another 20 minutes until the gnocchi are tender. If I’m feeling fancy, I’ll throw in a handful of fresh spinach at this point. Finally, I taste the chicken and gnocchi soup and adjust the seasoning with a little more salt and pepper if needed.

chicken and gnocchi soup in a bowl with a piece of buttered bread nearby

Pro Tips

  • Don’t skip searing the chicken. Searing locks in flavor and creates a golden crust that adds depth to the soup.
  • Add garlic at the last minute when sautéing vegetables. This prevents it from burning, which can leave a bitter taste in the soup.
  • Use a flour slurry to thicken the broth. Mixing flour with water first ensures there are no lumps and makes the soup smooth and creamy.
  • Shred the chicken once it’s cool enough to handle. This makes it easier to create bite-sized pieces without burning your hands.
  • Simmer the gnocchi until tender. This step allows the gnocchi to absorb the flavors of the broth while softening to the perfect texture.
  • Add spinach at the end if desired. Fresh spinach wilts quickly, so tossing it in just before serving keeps it vibrant and tender.
  • Taste and adjust the seasoning before serving. A little salt and pepper at the end can make all the difference in bringing out the flavors.

Storage

If you intend to have leftovers, try to cook the gnocchi separately and add them to individual servings. For soup that is already cooked with the gnocchi in it, it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just note, the gnocchi will puff up after it cooks so it will be super tender.

Recipe Variations

  • Protein Options: Swap the chicken for ground sausage or ground turkey to change up the flavor while keeping the soup hearty and satisfying.
  • Vegetable Add-Ins: Try adding spinach, kale, mushrooms, or broccoli for extra nutrients and texture. If using spinach, add it at the same time as the gnocchi so it wilts perfectly.
  • Cheesy Upgrades: Stir in parmesan cheese or mozzarella to make the soup even creamier and more indulgent.
  • Slow Cooker Method: For a hands-off approach, use a slow cooker or crockpot. Sauté the veggies and sear the chicken first for extra flavor. Slow-cook everything except the gnocchi and half and half for 3-4 hours, then add the gnocchi during the last hour and stir in the half and half just before serving.
chicken and gnocchi soup in a bowl with a piece of buttered bread next to it

FAQ

Should you cook gnocchi before adding to soup?

No, you don’t need to cook the gnocchi before adding it to the soup. It cooks directly in the simmering broth, absorbing the flavors while softening to the perfect texture. This also saves time and keeps the recipe simple.

How do you keep gnocchi from getting soggy in soup?

To prevent gnocchi from getting soggy, add it toward the end of the cooking process and simmer it until just tender. Avoid overcooking because this can cause the gnocchi to break down and lose its texture. If reheating leftovers, warm the soup gently to prevent the gnocchi from becoming too soft.

Can you freeze chicken and gnocchi soup?

I don't recommend freezing chicken gnocchi soup because it contains dairy and gnocchi. The milk will separate and the gnocchi will get too soft.

close up of a bowl of olive garden soup with buttered bread

More Comforting Soup Recipes

Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:

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    Caldo de Res (Hearty Mexican Beef Soup)
  • chicken taco soup in a white bowl with pico de gallo on top as garnish
    Creamy and Delicious Chicken Taco Soup
  • overhead view of a bowl of chicken tortellini soup
    Comforting Chicken Tortellini Soup
  • overhead view of creamy chicken and rice soup
    Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup

After you try this Chicken and Gnocchi Soup recipe, I'd love to hear your thoughts. Comment below and follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube for more delicious recipes!

📖 Recipe

bowl of creamy chicken and gnocchi soup

Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi Soup

Chicken and Gnocchi Soup is the creamy, comforting dish you know and love from Olive Garden, now easy to make at home in just one pot. Smothered in rich flavor and packed with tender gnocchi and hearty chicken, this recipe is perfect for cozy nights in.
Print Recipe SaveSaved! Rate Recipe
Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour hour
Total Time: 1 hour hour 15 minutes minutes
Course: Soups and Stews
Cuisine: American
Keyword: chicken and gnocchi soup, chicken gnocchi soup, gnocchi soup, how to make gnocchi soup, what is gnocchi
Servings: 6 Servings
Calories: 442kcal
Author: Tamara J.

Ingredients

  • 4 tablespoons Butter unsalted
  • 2 boneless skinless Chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon Seasoned salt
  • ½ tablespoon Black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 small Yellow onion diced
  • 1 stick of Celery diced
  • ½ cup Baby carrots sliced
  • 2 cloves Garlic minced
  • 4 cups Water
  • 2 tablespoons All-purpose flour
  • 2 cups Half and half
  • 1 pound Potato gnocchi found in the pasta isle)
  • 1 pinch red pepper flakes optional
  • Salt and pepper to taste (if needed)

Instructions

  • Add 3 tablespoons of the butter to a heavy bottom stock pot and melt it over medium heat. Season the chicken breast with the seasoned salt and black pepper.
  • Place the chicken directly into the pot and sear on both sides for five minutes. After five minutes, remove the chicken and set aside.
  • Add the other tablespoon of butter to the pot and then add the diced vegetables directly into the pot and sauté for five minutes. Add the garlic at the last minute so that it does not burn.
  • Place the chicken back into the pot and pour the water directly over the chicken. Add in the rest of the seasoning: garlic powder and Italian seasoning. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes.
  • Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside to cool. Skim the top of the water for any fat remnants from the chicken if needed.
  • Meanwhile, mix the flour into about one cup of water until it is dissolved and forms a thick slurry. Pour the flour mixture and the half and half directly into the pot with the veggies.
  • Shred the chicken with your hands, or cut it into bite size pieces with a knife and add it back into the pot.
  • Add the gnocchi into the pot. Cover and simmer for an additional 20 minutes or until the gnocchi are tender. Add salt and pepper to taste if needed.

Notes

Add fresh spinach to the soup if desired. It will be added when the potato gnocchi are added.

Recommended Products

De Cecco Pasta, Potato Gnocchi No.401, 17.5 Ounce (Pack of 4)
De Cecco Pasta, Potato Gnocchi No.401, 17.5 Ounce (Pack of 4)
ORBLUE Garlic Press [Premium], Stainless Steel Mincer, Crusher & Peeler Set - Professional Grade, Easy Clean, Dishwasher Safe & Rustproof
ORBLUE Garlic Press [Premium], Stainless Steel Mincer, Crusher & Peeler Set - Professional Grade, Easy Clean, Dishwasher Safe & Rustproof
McCormick Italian Seasoning, 6.25-Ounce
McCormick Italian Seasoning, 6.25-Ounce
imarku Chef Knife - Pro Kitchen Knife 8 Inch Chef's Knives
imarku Chef Knife - Pro Kitchen Knife 8 Inch Chef's Knives
bamfitwell Bamboo Cutting Board with Juice Groove
bamfitwell Bamboo Cutting Board with Juice Groove
Lodge EC6D33 Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven, 6-Quart, Blue
Lodge EC6D33 Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven, 6-Quart, Blue

Nutrition

Serving: 1 | Calories: 442kcal | Carbohydrates: 46g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 105mg | Sodium: 920mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 5g
Did you make this recipe?Please leave a comment on the blog and tag me in your photo on Instagram or Facebook!

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Thanks for sharing!

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Comments

    4.78 from 9 votes (4 ratings without comment)

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    Recipe Rating




  1. Shannon B says

    December 08, 2024 at 8:30 pm

    5 stars
    Oh Em Gee! If you can see my eye roll 🤤.. this was sooo good!!!! I literally just made this and I thought it would be leftovers for tomorrow. Nope! It is completely gone and I cannot even wash the pot out yet because it is still hot from cooking this soup. THAT is how good it is! The only thing I would change is adding more salt and pepper, but that's a personal preference. Definitely will be making this again. Thank you for sharing this recipe ❤️

    Reply
    • Tamara J. says

      December 08, 2024 at 8:56 pm

      Haha! Now this is a review I love to hear! It's definitely one of our favorite soups too 🙂 I'm glad you guys enjoyed it!

      Reply
  2. Joan Brands says

    January 15, 2024 at 11:25 pm

    This is a seriously DELICIOUS recipe!! I added a little bit of better than bouillon chicken to amp up the flavor. I’ll definitely be putting this in my rotation! Thanks!!

    Reply
    • Tamara J. says

      January 16, 2024 at 2:54 pm

      I'm so happy you enjoyed Joan!

      Reply
  3. Monty says

    September 26, 2023 at 8:53 pm

    5 stars
    Yum

    Reply
  4. Steven Fricke says

    February 22, 2023 at 8:15 pm

    Can I use frozen gnocchi for this recipe, should I thaw it before hand

    Reply
    • Tamara J. says

      February 24, 2023 at 4:04 pm

      You can use frozen, just adjust cooking times to make sure it cooks through.

      Reply
  5. Gina says

    January 15, 2023 at 11:45 pm

    5 stars
    Yum

    Reply
  6. Grace says

    October 20, 2022 at 7:56 pm

    5 stars
    Sooooo delicious

    Reply
  7. Carita says

    March 15, 2022 at 1:41 am

    5 stars
    This recipe was spot on. I’ve never made gnocchi soup before and the recipe was so easy to follow. My family absolutely loved this. Will make again for sure!

    Reply

HEY, Y'ALL!

I'm Tamara! I'm a Southern girl who has cooking in her blood. A wife and busy mom of four awesome kids. I love sharing fun family ideas, money saving life hacks, and have a variety of fool-proof family-friendly recipes for the family on the go. Learn more about Tamara


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