Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi Soup

🍂 Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi Soup

This cozy creamy chicken and gnocchi soup is the perfect comfort food — rich, hearty, and bursting with tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, spinach, and melted cheese. Inspired by the beloved Olive Garden classic, this homemade version is creamier, cheesier, and full of fresh flavor

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Serves: 6
Author: Lily’s Cooking & Home

Welcome to soup season — when the kitchen fills with cozy aromas and everyone gathers around the table! This Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi Soup is pure comfort in a bowl. It’s rich, velvety, and packed with tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, fresh spinach, and a cheesy cream base that will warm your soul.

This recipe tastes better than Olive Garden’s version and is perfect for fall or winter nights. It’s family-friendly, easy to make, and uses simple pantry ingredients — yet feels indulgent enough for guests.

🛒 Where to Buy Gnocchi for Your Chicken and Gnocchi Soup

If you’re not making gnocchi from scratch, these easy-to-find store options taste great in this creamy soup:

• Classic Potato Gnocchi – Buy at World Market
• DeLallo Potato Gnocchi – Authentic Italian gnocchi from Amazon
• Cappello’s Almond Flour Gnocchi – Fresh Almond Flour gnocchi buy on Amazon
• Instacart Gnocchi Options – Find gnocchi near you

Ingredients

• 4 tbsp butter
• 1 lb chicken tenders or thighs (cubed)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 large carrot, shredded or finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, grated
• 1 tbsp garlic powder (yes — lots of garlic flavor!)
• 1 tbsp of onion powder
• 1/3 cup flour
• 8 cups chicken broth
• 1 ½ cups heavy cream
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp dry oregano (optional)
• 3 tbsp chopped parsley
• 3 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• 1 package (16 oz) potato gnocchi
• Salt & pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare your ingredients.
Wash and chop your vegetables, shred carrots, and cube your chicken.

Step 2: Sauté the chicken and vegetables.
In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced onion, shredded carrots, and chicken. Sauté until the chicken turns golden and the vegetables soften.

Step 3: Build the base.
Add seasonings, grated garlic and flour to create a light roux. Stir for about 1 minute, then slowly whisk in chicken broth until smooth.

Step 4: Add cream and simmer.
Pour in heavy cream, cheddar, and Parmesan. Stir well until melted and creamy. Let it simmer gently.

Step 5: Add the gnocchi.
Drop in the gnocchi and cook until they float — about 3–4 minutes.

Step 6: Add spinach and herbs.
Stir in fresh spinach, parsley, and oregano. Let it simmer until the spinach wilts and the soup thickens.

Step 7: Serve and enjoy!
Ladle into bowls, top with extra Parmesan, and enjoy while warm.

💡 Helpful Hints

• Cheese tip: Add cheddar and Parmesan off heat to avoid curdling.
• Make it lighter: Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
• Add a kick: A pinch of crushed red pepper or smoked paprika adds warmth.
• Gnocchi options: Try cauliflower or gluten-free gnocchi for a healthy twist.

🕰️ Recipe Story / History

This cozy soup is inspired by the famous Olive Garden classic, but it’s been refined with homemade touches — like real grated garlic, extra cheese, and fresh spinach instead of frozen. I started making this version during fall family dinners, when everyone wanted something creamy but still nourishing. Over time, it became a weekly staple and one of the most loved soups on chilly Mondays at Lily’s Cooking & Home.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

• Serve with warm sourdough bread, garlic knots, or a side of roasted vegetables.
• Add a sprinkle of fresh Parmesan and black pepper right before serving.
• Pair with a crisp Caesar salad or a slice of homemade focaccia.
• Make it a full meal with a sparkling apple cider or iced tea on the side.

❓ FAQ

Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes — it’s a great shortcut! Just stir it in after the broth.

Can I freeze this soup?
Freeze before adding gnocchi or cream for best texture.

Can I use store-bought gnocchi?
Yes! Brands like Cappello’s  or DeLallo work perfectly.

What if the soup thickens too much?
Add a splash of broth or milk to thin it to your liking.

🔗 Other Recipes To Try:

Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi Soup (

Lily’s Cooking & Home

This cozy creamy chicken and gnocchi soup is the perfect comfort food — rich, hearty, and full of tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, fresh spinach, and melted cheese. Inspired by the famous Olive Garden classic, this homemade version is creamier, cheesier, and full of fresh flavor.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Course Soup

Cuisine Italian

Servings 6

Ingredients

  

• 4 tbsp butter
• 1 lb chicken tenders or thighs cubed
• 1 medium onion diced
• 1 large carrot shredded or finely chopped
• 2 cloves grated garlic
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 8 cups chicken broth
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp onion powder
• 1 tsp dry oregano optional
• Salt & pepper to taste
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese shredded
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 tbsp chopped parsley
• 3 cups fresh spinach chopped
• 1 package potato Gnocchi 16 oz potato gnocchi

Instructions

 

• Dice the onion, shred the carrot, chop spinach, and cube your chicken.

  Melt butter in a large pot or Dutch oven. Add chicken, onion, and carrot. Cook until golden brown.
• Add grated garlic and flour to make a roux. Gradually whisk in chicken broth until smooth and thickened. season it with garlic powder, onion powder, salt and black pepper.
• Add cream, cheese, and gnocchi: Pour in heavy cream, cheddar, and Parmesan. Add gnocchi and cook until they float (3–4 minutes).
• Add spinach and herbs: Stir in spinach, parsley, and oregano. Simmer until spinach wilts and soup thickens.
• Serve: Ladle into bowls, top with Parmesan and parsley, and serve warm.

Notes

Helpful Tips

• Add cheese off the heat to prevent curdling.
• Substitute half-and-half for a lighter version.
• Try cauliflower gnocchi for a gluten-free option.
• Store leftovers for up to 3 days in the fridge; reheat slowly. • Serve with garlic bread or sourdough for dipping.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with warm sourdough, garlic knots, or crusty bread. • Add extra Parmesan before serving.
• Pair with a Caesar salad or roasted veggies.
• Enjoy with sparkling apple cider or white wine.

© 2025 Lily’s Cooking & Home — Spicing up your kitchen and home.

Wrapping Up: Cozy Flavors to Fill Your Home

As the days grow cooler and the evenings get longer, there’s truly nothing better than gathering around the table with food that warms both your heart and your home. From the creamy chicken and gnocchi soup to fresh sourdough bread and sweet walnut cookies, each recipe was created with comfort, connection, and love in mind.

These dishes aren’t just meals — they’re cozy moments shared with family, memories made in the kitchen, and the scent of home filling every corner.

So grab your favorite soup bowl, preheat your oven, and let these fall comfort recipes bring a little extra warmth to your week. Don’t forget to tag @LilysCookingAndHome on Instagram when you try one — I’d love to see your creations and feature them in my stories!

✨ Stay cozy, stay creative, and keep spicing up your kitchen and home.

With love,
Lily 💛
Lily’s Cooking & Home