If you’re craving a soul-warming bowl that’s creamy, hearty, and bursting with fresh Italian flavors, this Italian Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe is your new best friend. It’s the perfect blend of tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and vibrant veggies swimming in a rich, comforting broth infused with the savory goodness of sun-dried tomatoes. Whether you’re looking for a cozy meal to impress family or an easy weeknight dinner that feels special, this recipe delivers that irresistible homemade touch every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple, everyday staples that work together harmoniously to create the rich flavor and satisfying texture that make this soup so memorable. Each one adds a special note—whether it’s the sweetness of carrots, the earthiness of garlic, or the fresh pop of spinach—helping bring this dish to life.
- Sun-dried tomatoes (8 oz jar, oil-packed): Their concentrated, tangy sweetness infuses the broth and adds depth.
- Large onion (1): Provides a savory base and natural sweetness when sautéed.
- Carrots (3 large): Add a pleasant crunch and a subtle natural sweetness that balances the savory elements.
- Celery (2 stalks): Brings aromatic notes and a slight crispness to the soup.
- Garlic (5 cloves): Elevates every bite with its pungent, fragrant flavor.
- Chicken broth (5 cups): The foundation that ties all ingredients together with warmth and comfort.
- Cooked chicken (2 cups): Shredded for tender protein that soaks up all the delicious broth.
- Shelf-stable gnocchi (1 lb): These soft, pillowy dumplings give the soup a wonderful texture and heartiness.
- Baby spinach (3-4 oz): Adds fresh color and a mild, leafy bite that brightens the bowl.
- Evaporated milk: Creates that creamy, luscious consistency without too much heaviness.
- Tomato paste, chicken base, flour, and spices: These pantry essentials boost flavor and help thicken the broth for a satisfying mouthfeel.
How to Make Italian Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Veggies
Start by heating the flavorful oil from the sun-dried tomatoes in a large pot. Toss in your diced onions, carrots, and celery, and sauté them gently until they turn soft and fragrant, about five minutes. This step is crucial because it builds that savory foundation that’s bursting with natural sweetness and sets the stage for our soup’s depth.
Step 2: Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Garlic
Next, stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and minced garlic along with your spices. Cook everything together for another minute so that those bold, tangy sun-dried tomato flavors marry perfectly with the earthy garlic. This little moment infuses your broth with a richness you’ll notice from the very first spoonful.
Step 3: Build the Base
Now, mix in the tomato paste, chicken base, and flour, cooking them for an extra minute to remove any raw flour taste. This mixture will thicken your broth and amplify the savory tomato goodness while keeping everything balanced. You’re creating a deliciously rich canvas for the rest of the ingredients.
Step 4: Add Chicken Broth and Simmer
Pour in the chicken broth, making sure to scrape the bottom of the pot to lift all those caramelized bits. Bring everything to a gentle simmer—this is where all your flavors start to harmonize beautifully. Simmer the soup partially covered on low heat for about fifteen minutes, allowing the veggies to soften and the broth to thicken just right.
Step 5: Finish with Chicken, Spinach, and Gnocchi
Finally, add your shredded cooked chicken, fresh baby spinach, evaporated milk, and the gnocchi. Cook everything together for 5 to 10 minutes until the gnocchi are tender and the spinach has just wilted. This step introduces the final layers of comfort and texture that make this Italian Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe truly unforgettable.
How to Serve Italian Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Garnishes
The best way to elevate this soup when serving is to sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top. It adds a salty, creamy finish that complements the richness of the broth wonderfully. If you have fresh parsley, a light scattering brings a pop of color and a subtle herbaceous note that brightens each spoonful beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair your soup with some crusty garlic bread or a simple side salad to keep things light and fresh. The crisp bread is perfect for dipping into the creamy broth and soaking up every bit of that delicious sauce, while the salad provides a nice contrast with a refreshing crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in individual bread bowls or rustic ceramic mugs. It turns an everyday meal into something feel-special and cozy, perfect for casual gatherings or family dinners. You can also add a drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of chili flakes on top for an extra layer of flavor and flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep any leftover Italian Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s a great option for quick lunches or dinners, just make sure to cool it down before refrigerating to maintain freshness and prevent it from becoming watery.
Freezing
This soup freezes well, though the texture of gnocchi can change slightly after thawing. To freeze, place cooled soup in freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and stir well before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If it seems too thick after reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up. Avoid microwaving for long periods as gnocchi can become mushy.
FAQs
Can I use fresh gnocchi instead of shelf-stable?
Absolutely! Fresh gnocchi will work wonderfully and may cook a bit faster, so keep a close eye on them to avoid overcooking. Either option yields a wonderfully comforting texture in the soup.
Is there a vegetarian version of this Italian Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe?
Yes, you can swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and omit the chicken. Add extra beans or mushrooms for protein and texture to keep the soup rich and satisfying.
Can I prepare the soup in a slow cooker?
You can! Start by sautéing the veggies on the stove, then add everything except the gnocchi and spinach to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, then add gnocchi and spinach during the last 30 minutes.
What can I use if I don’t have evaporated milk?
Whole milk or half-and-half works as a substitute, although evaporated milk gives the soup its signature creaminess without being too heavy. For a dairy-free version, try canned coconut milk for a subtle twist.
How do I make sure the gnocchi doesn’t fall apart in the soup?
Add gnocchi towards the last 5-10 minutes of cooking and avoid over-stirring. Cook just until they float to the top, indicating they’re tender but intact, keeping that delightful pillowy texture.
Final Thoughts
This Italian Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe is genuinely one of those treasured meals that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. It’s easy enough for weeknights but special enough to share with loved ones anytime. Once you try making this, I’m certain it will become a go-to comfort food in your kitchen just like it is in mine. So grab your pot and get ready to enjoy some seriously satisfying soup magic!
Print
Italian Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Italian Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a hearty and comforting dish featuring tender chicken, tender gnocchi, and fresh baby spinach in a flavorful tomato-infused broth enhanced with sun-dried tomatoes and aromatic vegetables. Perfect for a cozy meal, it balances creamy and savory elements for a delicious taste of Italy.
Ingredients
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 large carrots, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 3–4 oz baby spinach
- 8 oz jar oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped (reserve oil)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Broth & Liquids
- 5 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (about 12 oz) evaporated milk
- Sun-dried tomato oil (from the jar), for sautéing
Proteins & Carbs
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 lb shelf-stable gnocchi
Other Ingredients
- Tomato paste (about 2 tablespoons)
- Chicken base (about 1 tablespoon)
- All-purpose flour (about 1 tablespoon)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot, heat the reserved sun-dried tomato oil over medium heat. Add diced onions, carrots, and celery, sautéing until the vegetables are soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Add Tomatoes and Garlic: Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and minced garlic along with your preferred spices (such as salt and pepper). Cook for another minute to release their flavors.
- Create Base: Add tomato paste, chicken base, and all-purpose flour to the pot, stirring constantly. Cook for an additional minute to combine and slightly thicken the mixture.
- Add Broth: Slowly pour in the chicken broth while scraping the bottom of the pot to deglaze and incorporate any browned bits, then bring the soup to a simmer.
- Simmer Soup: Partially cover the pot and let the soup simmer gently on low heat for about 15 minutes to develop flavors.
- Add Chicken, Spinach, Dairy, and Gnocchi: Stir in the shredded cooked chicken, baby spinach leaves, evaporated milk, and gnocchi. Continue cooking until the spinach wilts and the gnocchi are heated through, about 5-10 minutes.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh chopped parsley for an authentic Italian finish.
Notes
- For best results, use fully cooked chicken such as rotisserie or leftover roasted chicken.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, increase the amount of flour slightly or reduce the amount of broth.
- Shelf-stable gnocchi cooks quickly and adds comforting texture; fresh gnocchi can be substituted but adjust cooking time accordingly.
- This soup can be refrigerated for up to 3 days; reheat gently to avoid overcooking the gnocchi.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper at the end according to taste.
