Did you feel it in the air this morning too? Cooler weather is on its way, which means more nights for cozy Chicken Gnocchi Soup!
This rich, thick, and creamy soup with plump rounds of gnocchi, tender chunks of chicken, and a sneaky number of vegetables, is a healthy take on the Olive Garden chicken gnocchi soup that was the pinnacle of my high school dining experience (along with this Broccoli Cheddar Soup that’s reminiscent of Panera’s).
When you are 15, does it get much better than soup made with primarily heavy cream and a side of all-you-can-eat breadsticks to go with it?
Only if you order the chicken alfredo too!
(For another healthy spin on Olive Garden copycat recipes, check out this Chicken Alfredo Bake.)
5 Star Review
“I loved this recipe, it is so cozy! The flavors are perfection and well-balanced.”
— Veronica —
Fast forward a couple of decades, and here I am, still craving the comfort of chicken gnocchi soup…but without the hefty number of calories.
That’s where this lightened-up chicken gnocchi soup recipe comes in:
- Like the Olive Garden original that inspired it, this copycat recipe is decadently creamy. It will warm your belly and your soul on even the chilliest night.
- Unlike the original, this chicken gnocchi soup is made of lighter ingredients (just like this Healthy Chicken Pot Pie), including spinach, carrots, chicken breast, potato gnocchi, and evaporated milk in place of heavy cream and bacon.
What is Gnocchi?
Although gnocchi is commonly thought of as pasta, gnocchi is actually a potato dumpling.
Like pasta, you can serve it with a variety of sauces and toppings, and of course, use it to make the most delicious spin on chicken soup. (Though for a traditional version of chicken soup with pasta, try this Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup.)
How to Make Chicken Gnocchi Soup
This easy and healthy soup is still filling (like my favorite Healthy Turkey Chili), so a moderately sized bowl will tuck you in.
Added bonus?
It comes together fast enough to be weeknight appropriate.
And what weeknight wouldn’t benefit from a steaming bowl of pure comfort?
The Ingredients
- Gnocchi. To make this soup fast and easy enough for a weeknight, we are using my favorite ready-made, quick-cooking gnocchi: DeLallo Potato Gnocchi.
- Chicken Breast. For lean protein, I used boneless, skinless chicken breasts. The chicken adds rich flavor to the soup and helps make it super satisfying. (This Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup is another satisfying favorite.)
- Carrots + Celery + Onion. Frequently referred to as a mirepoix, this combination of ingredients helps build the soup’s flavor right from the start. Plus, they’re all good for you too!
- Evaporated Milk + Cornstarch. My sneaky swap for heavy cream also lets me avoid making a roux with flour. Instead, a slurry with evaporated milk and cornstarch thickens the soup like a dream but with less saturated fat and cholesterol than heavy cream.
- Spices. Italian seasoning, dried thyme, and poultry seasoning enhance the flavors of the soup, add wonderful earthiness, and give it Italian flair (like my Crockpot Lasagna Soup). A dash of celery salt adds saltiness with a special touch, and black pepper is always delicious.
What is Poultry Seasoning?
Poultry seasoning is a blend of herbs and spices that enhances the flavors in a dish. It adds a wonderful savoriness that pairs well with poultry dishes and adds depth to soups. You can typically find it in the spice aisle of your local grocery store. (This Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup uses it too.)
- Chicken Broth. The main liquid for our soup. I like to use low sodium chicken broth.
- Baby Spinach. The spinach is barely noticeable once it’s stirred into the soup. However, you will still reap the nutritional benefits from it. Spinach is rich in fiber and vitamins.
The Directions
- Brown the chicken. Remove it to a plate.
- Sauté the mirepoix.
- Whisk cornstarch into the evaporated milk.
- Add the spices and garlic to the vegetables. Pour the cornstarch slurry into the pot and add the remaining milk and broth. Let simmer.
- Stir in the gnocchi. Let simmer for 8 to 10 minutes more.
- Add the chicken.
- Stir in the spinach a little bit at a time. ENJOY!
Tip!
This soup cooks up THICK, which is exactly how we love it (think of it as an Italian version of this all-American Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings).
If you prefer it thinner, stir in additional chicken broth, milk, or water until you reach your desired consistency.
Storage Tips
- To Store. Refrigerate soup in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- To Reheat. Gently reheat soup in a pot on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding splashes of broth or water as needed to thin the soup. You can also reheat leftovers in the microwave.
- To Freeze. Chicken gnocchi soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. Freeze soup in an airtight, freezer-safe storage container. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Meal Prep Tip
Cut the chicken and vegetables up to 1 day in advance. Refrigerate the meat and veggies in separate airtight storage containers.
What to Serve with Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Recommended Tools to Make this Recipe
- Stockpot. Standard for all your soup simmering needs when the cold weather arrives.
- Dutch Oven. Another great option for making large batches of soup on the stovetop.
- Chef’s Knife. Essential for everyday chopping, dicing, and mincing.
If you’ve been looking for a bowl of soup that tastes like a warm hug, look no further!
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can omit the chicken from this recipe if desired. The soup will still be tasty and filling without it. If you need the soup to be vegetarian, you can also swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth. Both variations are delish!
I have not made this chicken gnocchi soup in a slow cooker before, so I cannot provide specific guidance on adapting this recipe for the crockpot. You could experiment with swapping the gnocchi for the tortellini in this Crockpot Tortellini Soup.
I have not tried making this an Instant Pot chicken gnocchi soup, so it would be an experiment. If you try it, I’d love to hear about your results. Alternatively, for a creamy Instant Pot soup option, try this Instant Pot Potato Soup.
Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast diced
- 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt divided
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 medium carrots scrubbed or peeled and 1/4-inch diced
- 2 stalks celery halved lengthwise and cut 1/2-inch thick
- 1 small yellow onion finely chopped
- 2 (12-ounce) cans low-fat evaporated milk divided
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning optional
- 1/4 teaspoon celery salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper plus additional cracked black pepper for serving
- 3 cloves garlic minced (about 1 tablespoon)
- 4 cups low sodium chicken broth plus additional to thin the soup if needed
- 2 pounds potato gnocchi 2 packages; about 4 cups
- 4 ounces fresh baby spinach roughly torn or chopped (about 4 big handfuls)
FOR SERVING:
- Grated parmesan cheese
- Chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- In a Dutch oven or similar large, sturdy pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high. Add the chicken and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Sauté until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, about 4 minutes. Remove to a plate and set aside.
- Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. As soon as it is melted, add the carrots, celery, and onion. Sauté until the onion is softened, about 5 minutes, adjusting the heat as needed so that it turns translucent but does not brown.
- Meanwhile, splash a few tablespoons of evaporated milk into a mixing bowl or large measuring cup. Add the cornstarch and whisk to combine.
- To the pot with the veggies, stir in the Italian seasoning, thyme, celery salt, pepper, and garlic. Let cook 30 seconds, until the garlic is fragrant.
- Add the cornstarch slurry, remaining evaporated milk, and chicken broth. Reduce heat, partially cover the pot, and let simmer for 10 minutes to thicken.
- Stir in the gnocchi. Continue to simmer with the pot partially covered, until the gnocchi is tender and cooked through, about 8 to 10 minutes more.
- Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in chicken.
- Then, stir in the spinach a few handfuls at a time until it wilts.
- Taste and season with additional salt and pepper as desired (the amount of salt you need will vary based on how salty your chicken broth is). If the soup is thicker than you would like, stir additional chicken broth or water as needed to reach your desired consistency. Serve hot with a sprinkle of Parmesan, parsley, and a few cracks of black pepper.
Video
Notes
- TO STORE: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- TO REHEAT: Gently reheat soup in a pot on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding splashes of broth or water as needed to thin the soup. You can also reheat leftovers in the microwave.
- TO FREEZE: Freeze soup in an airtight, freezer-safe storage container for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition
Join today and start saving your favorite recipes
Create an account to easily save your favorite recipes and access FREE meal plans.
Sign Me Up
Can this be done in the crockpot? If so, what changes would I need to make?
Thanks,
Holly Simpson
Hi Holly! I’ve only tested this recipe as written so it would be hard to know how to convert this to a crockpot recipe. I do have one using dumplings instead of gnocchi that you might like: https://www.wellplated.com/crockpot-chicken-and-dumplings/ If you decide to experiment, let me know how it goes!
Any chance this can be made dairy free?
Hi Fran! I’ve only tested this recipe as written, so it would be an experiment if you make it dairy free. If you decide to give it a try, let me know how it goes!
Along the line of the crock pot question..how about soup setting on the Instantpot?
Hi Estee! I’ve only tested the recipe as written, so it would be an experiment if you try it in the Instant Pot. If you decide to try it, I’d love to hear how it goes!
This soup is amazing! (Actually it ended up being more of a stew but no complaints there.) I thought about adapting it for the pressure cooker but decided that browning the chicken is an essential element… All that fond seems important for the final results.
Also, I never thought to sub low fat evaporated milk for cream. That little tip is going to be my go to for soups from now on! Thanks!
One tip: I added a tablespoon of Lakeshore Drive Shallot and Herb Seasoning from The Spice House. Yum!
Hi Mark! So glad you enjoyed the soup! Thank you for this kind review!
Do you cook the gnocchi before adding to the soup?
Hi Lauri, you do not cook it before putting in the soup. Step 6 in the recipe card gives more instructions about how long to cook it. Hope you enjoy it!
Added to our fall/winter rotation. So flavorful and filling!
Hi Linday! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
I loved this recipe, it is so cozy! I stuck to the recipe as written and I would highly recommend you do the same. The flavors are perfection and well-balanced.
Hi Veronica! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
Loved this. We didn’t have celery seasoning or Italian herbs so I just used mixed herbs instead. Will be making again!
Hi Jade! So glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for this kind review!
So good!! Super creamy and hearty. Perfect for a snowy day like today!
Hi Kate! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
This soup is amazing! I made it vegetarian and it is so delicious and filling. So much flavor!
Hi Christa! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
This has become my favorite chicken soup! I added a bit more chopped spinach and love this soup so much. Freezes beautifully too.
Hi Jill! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
This looks delicious! About how much is a single serving?
Hi Nicole! It’s 1/8 of the finished recipe. I did not measure it out in cups.
I made this soup today, and it’s excellent! I didn’t have celery, but added an extra carrot. I also added a splash of white wine. The soup is creamy and rich and so satisfying. Thank you!
Hi Virginia! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
This is the 3rd recipe of yours that I’ve tried and each one has been sensational. Browsing your site is now becoming an essential part of my family meal planning process.
As to this recipe in particular, this soup received rave reviews from all of my family members and made plenty for lunch the next day. An absolute winner.
Hi Garrett! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
Soooo good! I froze it and it kept really well. A great comfort recipe for the winter!
Hi Kate! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
Delicious! I sliced up a couple tomatoes and a package of mushrooms that needed to be used up, but other than that the recipe is perfect as written. I’ve never added gnocchi to soup, just in place of pasta in red sauce recipes. This has great flavor and looks delicious too! My guys loved it, and I love that this is a healthier version of cream soup. It was a filling meal all by itself, but we did have some crusty bread for the bottom of the bowl. I appreciate the swaps of evaporated milk in this recipe and yogurt in others that lighten things up without sacrificing flavor. Thank you, and please keep them coming :)
HI Terri! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review and the feedback!
Erin – I have cooked my way through your blog/cookbook – this could be my favourite. It was SO good and SO easy.
Love, love, love. Thank you!
Hi Olivia! That makes me so happy to hear! THANK YOU!
Delicious!! My husband, who is not a soup fan, loves when I make this!
Hi Jess! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
Erin! This soup was AMAZING! I made it exactly as written (except the brand of gnocchi, my store was out of the recommended brand) and it was a huge hit. I will definitely be adding this soup to my winter menu rotation and I’m considering making it again next week, it was that good! THANK YOU!
Hi Lori! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
Such a delicious and easy meal! This is a great go to for large group events served with some bread on the side
Hi Claire! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
I did the 2x version of this recipe. Not the biggest fan of the flavor. Had to do a lot of adjustments with spices/seasoning and had to spoon a lot of liquid. When it got to the cornstarch phase, I wasn’t sure what a “few tablespoons” was supposed to look like, so I had to guess. I think that also impacted how this turned out.
I’m sorry to hear that you had trouble with the recipe, Karley. The method and timing has worked well for myself (and others) but I know how frustrating it can be to try a new recipe and not have it work out, so I really wish you would’ve enjoyed it!