Italian Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a creamy, comforting dinner that tastes just like your favorite restaurant version. Made with tender chicken, soft gnocchi, and a rich, flavorful broth, this easy chicken soup recipe comes together in under an hour!
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Quick Recipe Overview
WHAT: A one-pot creamy Italian chicken gnocchi soup with tender chicken, soft potato gnocchi, vegetables, and rich broth.
WHAT: Ready in under an hour with simple ingredients, this comforting soup delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort.
HOW: Sauté vegetables, simmer with broth and gnocchi, stir in cream, and serve this warming soup immediately.
Jump to:
- Quick Recipe Overview
- Why I Love Making Italian Chicken Gnocchi Soup
- Ingredient Notes
- Italian Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
- How To Make Chicken Gnocchi Soup
- FAQs for Italian Chicken Gnocchi Soup
- My Best Tips for Making Chicken Gnocchi Soup
- What to Serve With Italian Chicken Gnocchi Soup
- Storage & Reheating Tips
- More Delicious Soup Recipes to Try
Why I Love Making Italian Chicken Gnocchi Soup
This soup is a total comfort food meal. The combination of tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and that silky cream-based broth creates the kind of comfort food that makes everyone slow down and savor dinner together.
What I appreciate most about this soup recipe is how it delivers restaurant-quality results without the fuss. You can have it simmering on your stovetop in less time than it takes to drive to a restaurant. The gnocchi adds such a satisfying heartiness that makes this feel like a complete meal rather than just a starter.
The prep work is minimal—mostly chopping a few vegetables—and then the pot does the heavy lifting.
🩷 Melissa
I always add the cream at the very end to prevent curdling—this is one step you don’t want to rush.
Once that heavy cream goes in, I keep the heat low and maintain a gentle simmer. A rolling boil is the enemy here.
Here’s my trick for perfect consistency: if the soup looks too thick, splash in more broth until it’s just right. Want it richer? Let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes so the liquid reduces and the flavors concentrate.
Ingredient Notes
Italian Seasoning: This blend typically includes basil, oregano, rosemary, and thyme. If you don’t have a pre-mixed blend, combine equal parts of these dried herbs for a homemade version.
Heavy Cream: The richness of heavy cream creates that signature velvety texture. Half-and-half will work in a pinch but won’t be quite as luxurious.
Gnocchi: Look for shelf-stable potato gnocchi in the pasta aisle. These pillowy dumplings are the star of the show and add wonderful heartiness to the soup.
See the recipe card below for full information on ingredients and quantities.
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Italian Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- ½ cup diced celery
- 1 cup diced white onion
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- ½ tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 2 ½ cups shredded chicken
- 1 16 ounce package gnocchi
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups heavy cream
Instructions
- Drizzle a little bit of vegetable or olive oil in a large pot. In the pot, stir together the onion, celery, shredded chicken, and Italian seasoning.½ cup diced celery, 1 cup diced white onion, ½ tablespoon Italian seasoning, 2 ½ cups shredded chicken
- Allow the veggies to cook for a few minutes over medium heat. After about 5 minutes, add the broth, chicken, and gnocchi. Bring the broth to a simmer and then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot with a lid and allow the soup to simmer for 25 minutes.2 ½ cups shredded chicken, 2 cups chicken broth, 1 16 ounce package gnocchi
- After 25 minutes, add the heavy cream and allow the soup to cook for an additional 5 minutes.2 cups heavy cream
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
How To Make Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Step 1: In a large pot, sauté the white onion, celery, and Italian seasoning in a bit of olive oil.
Step 2: Once the vegetables have softened, add the chicken broth, chicken, and gnocchi.
Step 3: Cover and allow the mixture to simmer until the gnocchi is soft and chewy.
Step 4: Add the heavy cream and allow the soup to continue simmering until slightly thickened. Serve warm and enjoy!
FAQs for Italian Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Yes, while potato gnocchi is traditional and what I recommend, you can use sweet potato gnocchi, cauliflower gnocchi, or even cheese-filled gnocchi. Just note that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the type you choose.
Rotisserie chicken is my favorite shortcut for this recipe, but you can also use cooked chicken breast, leftover chicken thighs, or even poached chicken. Just make sure the chicken is already cooked and shredded before adding it to the soup.
Yes, replace the heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version. You can also use a mixture of half chicken broth and half milk. The soup won’t be quite as rich, but it will still be delicious.
Overcooking is usually the culprit. Gnocchi should be tender but still hold their shape. If you’re reheating leftovers, the gnocchi will continue to soften, so slightly undercook them initially if you plan to have leftovers. Fresh gnocchi is more delicate than shelf-stable varieties.
My Best Tips for Making Chicken Gnocchi Soup
☞ Use Rotisserie Chicken: Store-bought rotisserie chicken saves time and is already seasoned and incredibly convenient, cutting prep time in half.
☞ Don’t Skip the Vegetable Sauté: Taking those few minutes to cook the celery, onion, and carrots in oil before adding liquid develops deeper flavor and ensures the vegetables cook evenly throughout the soup.
☞ Season in Layers: Taste your soup before serving and adjust with salt, pepper, or additional Italian seasoning as needed. The flavor will develop as it cooks, but a final seasoning boost makes all the difference.
☞ Add Cream at the End: Always add heavy cream during the final minutes of cooking and avoid boiling once it’s added. This prevents the cream from curdling and keeps your soup silky smooth.
What to Serve With Italian Chicken Gnocchi Soup
This hearty soup is a complete meal on its own, but pairing it with the right sides makes it even better. Crusty garlic bread or breadsticks are perfect for dipping into the creamy broth, while a simple Caesar salad or mixed green salad adds a fresh, crisp contrast.
Parmesan crisps or crackers provide a crunchy element, and grilled cheese sandwiches make the ultimate comfort food pairing. Focaccia or ciabatta rolls are also excellent choices for soaking up every last drop of soup.
Storage & Reheating Tips
Refrigerator Storage
Store leftover Italian chicken gnocchi soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The gnocchi will absorb liquid as it sits, so you may need to add extra broth when reheating.
Freezer Storage
I don’t recommend freezing this soup as the heavy cream and gnocchi don’t freeze well. The cream can separate and develop an off taste, while the gnocchi can become mushy when thawed.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave on 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until heated through. For stovetop reheating, warm over medium-low heat, adding extra chicken broth if needed to reach desired consistency.
Make Ahead
You can prep the vegetables and cook the chicken 1-2 days ahead. Store them separately in the fridge, then proceed with the recipe when ready to make the soup fresh.
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