Easy & Healthy Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup: A Lighter Homemade Olive Garden Copycat Recipe
There’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting bowl of soup, especially when it’s as rich and satisfying as a classic creamy chicken gnocchi soup. Our recipe brings you all the luscious flavor you adore, lightened up for a guilt-free indulgence. Imagine tender chicken, soft potato gnocchi, and a medley of fresh, vibrant vegetables swimming in a silky, savory broth that’s infused with garlic and savory Parmesan cheese – without a drop of heavy cream! This isn’t just a meal; it’s a hug in a bowl, perfect for cozy evenings or when you’re craving that famous restaurant taste right at home.
What makes this particular chicken gnocchi soup recipe a standout is its clever approach to creaminess. Instead of relying on calorie-dense heavy cream, we achieve that dreamy texture using whole milk and a simple flour slurry, making it significantly lighter yet just as delicious and deeply satisfying. This healthier version is packed with wholesome ingredients, ensuring you get a nourishing meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor or the comforting experience. Whether you prefer to start with raw chicken breasts, convenient canned chicken, or a time-saving rotisserie chicken, this versatile recipe adapts to your needs, making weeknight dinners or leisurely weekend cooking a breeze. And for ultimate convenience, it’s also adaptable for your trusty crock pot or slow cooker!
Pairing this delightful soup is effortless. For a truly complete and comforting meal, we highly recommend serving it alongside our irresistible Garlic Cheese Drop Biscuits or our Soft Fluffy French Bread. The golden, buttery goodness of these sides perfectly complements the creamy, savory notes of the soup, making every spoonful an absolute treat. This homemade rendition offers all the charm of your favorite Italian-American eatery’s signature soup but with the added benefits of being budget-friendly, healthier, and customizable to your personal taste. It’s a wonderful alternative to restaurant dining, proving that amazing flavors don’t have to break the bank or your healthy eating goals. Like our other fall favorites such as Slow Cooker Vegetable Beef Stew and Healthy Taco Soup, this chicken gnocchi soup has quickly climbed to the top of our family’s most-loved recipes, promising warmth and satisfaction with every bite.
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⭐️ What To Expect From This Recipe
- Effortless Preparation: This creamy chicken gnocchi recipe is designed for maximum flavor with minimal fuss, guiding you through just six straightforward steps! You won’t need any complex techniques or specialty equipment to achieve a restaurant-quality result right in your own kitchen. It’s the perfect recipe for both novice cooks and seasoned home chefs looking for a reliable, delicious meal. We prioritize simplicity without compromising on taste, making it accessible for everyone.
- Quick & Convenient: Get a delightful, hearty meal on the table in just over 30 minutes! For those busy weeknights, you can significantly cut down on prep and cooking time by utilizing pre-cooked shredded chicken (such as store-bought rotisserie chicken) and a mix of frozen vegetables. This makes it an incredibly fast option when time is of the essence, allowing you to enjoy a homemade meal even on your busiest days.
- Unforgettable Flavor: Prepare your taste buds for an experience that rivals your favorite Italian restaurant’s chicken gnocchi soup – specifically, the beloved Olive Garden version. Our recipe captures that signature rich and creamy essence but with a mindful twist, incorporating more vegetables to boost its nutritional profile and fresh flavors. It’s a healthier spin on a classic comfort food, delivering all the familiar taste you crave in a lighter, more wholesome package.
🛒 Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Soup
Crafting this incredible chicken gnocchi soup relies on a few key ingredients, each playing a crucial role in building its signature flavor and creamy texture. While we encourage you to follow the recipe closely for the best results, we also provide ideas for substitutions to cater to various dietary needs and preferences, ensuring everyone can enjoy this heartwarming dish.
- Gnocchi: Our recipe calls for one pound of traditional potato gnocchi, which cooks up wonderfully soft and tender, adding a delightful chewiness to every spoonful. The pillowy texture is a hallmark of this soup and makes it incredibly satisfying. However, feel free to experiment with whole wheat gnocchi for added fiber, gluten-free varieties for dietary restrictions, or even a flavored option like spinach or pumpkin gnocchi to introduce an exciting twist. Any choice will absorb the rich flavors of the broth beautifully.
- Veggies: The foundation of this healthy soup’s vibrant flavor and nutritional value comes from a classic trio of peas, carrots, and celery. These vegetables not only add essential nutrients and beautiful color but also contribute a subtle sweetness and earthy depth that perfectly complements the creamy broth. While we’ve chopped our carrots for this recipe, using pre-shredded carrots is a fantastic time-saver for quicker prep. This particular blend of vegetables is so complementary that we also feature it in our Bone Broth Chicken Noodle Soup with Homemade Noodles, ensuring a consistently delicious outcome.
- Chicken Broth: This liquid gold forms the robust base of our soup, infusing the chicken and vegetables with incredible flavor as they simmer. You can confidently use either chicken broth or chicken stock interchangeably in this recipe; both will yield a wonderfully rich and aromatic foundation for your gnocchi soup. Opt for a low-sodium version to have better control over the overall saltiness of the dish.
- Milk: The secret to achieving that luscious, creamy texture without heavy cream lies in using whole milk. Whole milk provides ample richness and body to the soup, creating a velvety consistency that rivals its creamier counterparts, but with fewer calories and a boost of protein. It’s a smart swap that doesn’t sacrifice on the desired mouthfeel, ensuring your soup feels decadent and satisfying.
- Flour: All-purpose flour is our chosen thickener for this recipe, creating a smooth, cohesive texture when combined with the milk to form a “slurry.” This method helps prevent lumps and ensures a perfectly thickened soup that clings beautifully to the gnocchi and vegetables. For those needing a gluten-friendly alternative, we’ve provided a simple substitution below that works just as effectively to achieve the desired consistency.
✏️ Customizing Your Soup: Substitutions & Variations
One of the beauties of this creamy chicken gnocchi soup is its incredible adaptability. Don’t hesitate to make it your own by experimenting with different ingredients. Here are some fantastic ways to customize your dish, whether for dietary needs, seasonal availability, or simply to suit your personal preferences, ensuring every bowl is exactly how you like it:
- Versatile Veggies: While our classic trio of peas, carrots, and celery is delightful, the world of vegetables is your oyster! Feel free to incorporate seasonal favorites like tender zucchini, crisp green beans, hearty diced potatoes (ensure they’re cut small enough to cook quickly with the gnocchi), fresh broccoli florets, halved Brussels sprouts, or even delicate asparagus tips for a touch of elegance. Each addition will bring its own unique flavor and texture profile to the soup, making it fresh and exciting every time you prepare it.
- Tailor to Your Taste: If celery isn’t your favorite, simply omit it from the recipe – the soup will still be incredibly flavorful and well-balanced. On the other hand, if you love the aromatic depth of onions, feel free to add finely minced onions or shallots to the pot during the initial sautéing of the chicken or with the other vegetables. This recipe is wonderfully forgiving, allowing you to easily adapt it to your family’s preferences and whatever fresh produce you have on hand.
- Dairy-Free Options: For those following a dairy-free diet, this recipe can be easily modified without losing its creamy appeal. Replace the whole milk with an unsweetened plant-based milk such as almond milk, oat milk, or cashew milk. To maintain the creamy richness, ensure the plant-based milk is full-bodied and not watery. If you’re avoiding dairy entirely, simply omit the Parmesan cheese topping or use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative for serving.
- Gluten-Friendly Flour Alternative: If you need a gluten-free option for thickening the soup, swap out the all-purpose flour for 2 tablespoons of cornstarch. To use, dissolve the cornstarch in a small amount of cold water (about ¼ cup) before whisking it into the milk to create a smooth slurry. This ensures a lump-free thickening agent that will give your soup that desired creamy consistency without any gluten.
🧑🍳 Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Get ready to create a wonderfully creamy and flavorful chicken gnocchi soup with these easy-to-follow instructions. We’ve broken down the process into simple steps to ensure a smooth cooking experience, even for beginners. Remember, for those looking to save even more time, using pre-cooked chicken offers a fantastic shortcut!
Pro Tip for Speed: If you’re using pre-cooked shredded chicken (like a convenient rotisserie chicken or canned chicken), you can skip Step 1 (searing raw chicken) and Step 4 (shredding cooked chicken). Instead, simply add your already-cooked, shredded chicken to the pot during Step 6, along with the gnocchi, to warm through and absorb the delicious soup flavors. This makes the recipe even faster and perfect for busy weeknights!
Craving the convenience of set-it-and-forget-it cooking? Full slow cooker chicken gnocchi instructions are detailed in the Frequently Asked Questions section further down the page. This hands-off method is perfect for developing deep, rich flavors while you go about your day.
Step 1. Prepare and Sear the Chicken: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Place the raw chicken breasts into the hot oil and season generously with salt and pepper. Sear them for about 3-4 minutes per side, until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust. This crucial step not only cooks the chicken but also adds a rich layer of flavor to the entire soup base.
Step 2. Simmer with Aromatics and Broth: To the pot with the seared chicken, add the chopped celery, carrots, and peas. Incorporate all the spices: minced garlic, onion powder, and chicken bouillon, which will deepen the savory notes and create a wonderfully fragrant base. Pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer on low to medium heat, allowing the chicken and vegetables to cook together for approximately 20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the chicken to become tender.
Step 3. Prepare the Creamy Thickener: While your soup base is gently simmering, it’s time to create the secret to its creamy texture. In a separate bowl or a large glass measuring cup, whisk together the whole milk and all-purpose flour. Continue to whisk vigorously until the mixture, commonly known as a slurry, is completely smooth and free of any flour lumps. This ensures a silky, even consistency when added to the soup, preventing any unwelcome texture issues.
Step 4. Shred the Cooked Chicken: Carefully remove the cooked chicken breasts from the simmering soup and transfer them to a clean cutting board. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Once shredded, return all the tender chicken back into the pot with the simmering vegetables and broth. This ensures the chicken is perfectly integrated into the soup, ready to be enjoyed in every spoonful.
Step 5. Incorporate the Thickener: With the shredded chicken back in the pot, pour the prepared milk and flour mixture (slurry) into the soup. Stir immediately and thoroughly to ensure the thickener is evenly distributed throughout the hot liquid. This will prevent clumping and begin the process of thickening your soup to that desired creamy consistency, making it smooth and velvety.
Step 6. Cook the Gnocchi and Thicken the Soup: Finally, add the gnocchi to the pot. Continue to simmer the soup over medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. As the gnocchi cooks, it will become perfectly tender and float to the surface, usually in about 4-5 minutes. During this time, the soup will also thicken beautifully and come to a low boil, signaling it’s ready to serve. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed for perfect flavor.
Once your creamy chicken gnocchi soup has reached its perfect consistency and the gnocchi are tender, it’s ready for serving! Ladle generous portions into warm bowls and add your favorite garnishes to enhance both flavor and presentation. A sprinkle of fresh grated Parmesan cheese, a scattering of thinly shredded basil leaves, or a few minced green onions will elevate the flavors and add a lovely visual appeal. Serve immediately with your favorite crusty bread or biscuits and savor every comforting spoonful of this homemade masterpiece. Enjoy!
📌 Top Tips & Smart Hacks for the Best Soup
Achieving the perfect creamy chicken gnocchi soup is easy with these expert tips and clever hacks. These insights will help ensure your soup is flavorful, perfectly textured, and ready to impress every time you make it:
- Ensure Tender, Shred-Ready Chicken: The key to easily shredding your chicken breasts is to cook them thoroughly until they are fork-tender. If the chicken hasn’t simmered for at least 20 minutes (or longer if the breasts are very thick), it will be tough and difficult to shred smoothly. Patiently allowing it to cook in the broth not only makes shredding effortless but also infuses the chicken with more delicious flavor, contributing to the overall richness of the soup.
- Maximize Speed with Pre-Cooked Ingredients: For those days when you need dinner on the table in a flash, reach for convenient shortcuts. Utilizing a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken, store-bought shredded chicken, or even canned chicken significantly reduces your cooking time. Pair this with a bag of frozen mixed vegetables (like the peas, carrots, and celery mix), and you can cut down the overall preparation to under 20 minutes, making this a true weeknight warrior meal without compromising on taste!
- The Whole Milk Secret to Creaminess: Don’t underestimate the power of whole milk in this recipe. While many creamy soups rely on heavy cream for richness, whole milk provides a velvety texture without the excessive fat, contributing extra protein in the process. It’s the ideal choice for a lighter yet incredibly creamy soup and sauce, much like how it works wonders in our Lemon Chicken Gnocchi. This thoughtful substitution ensures your soup is wonderfully indulgent and satisfying, appealing to health-conscious eaters.
- Preventing Overcooked Gnocchi: Gnocchi cooks very quickly, typically in just 2-3 minutes once added to simmering liquid. To prevent them from becoming mushy or gummy, add them at the very end of the cooking process, and keep a close eye on them. They are done when they float to the surface and are tender to the bite, not waterlogged.
- Adjust Seasoning to Perfection: Always taste your soup before serving and adjust the seasonings as needed. Different brands of chicken broth and bouillon can vary in saltiness. You might want to add a pinch more salt, pepper, or a dash of your favorite dried or fresh herbs (like dried Italian seasoning, fresh thyme, or fresh rosemary) to truly make the flavors sing and suit your palate.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Here are answers to some of the most common questions about making and enjoying this delicious creamy chicken gnocchi soup, providing you with all the information you need for culinary success and confidence in the kitchen.
No, there’s absolutely no need to pre-cook the gnocchi! Gnocchi cooks incredibly fast, usually in just 2-3 minutes, directly in the simmering soup. Adding it raw towards the end of the cooking process is ideal because it allows the gnocchi to absorb some of the delicious broth flavors without becoming waterlogged or soggy. If you were to pre-boil them, they might become overcooked and break apart in the soup, losing their delightful chewiness and texture. Just toss them in during the final minutes of simmering, and they’ll be perfectly tender and flavorful.
Absolutely! This chicken gnocchi soup is wonderfully adaptable to a slow cooker for a convenient, hands-off approach. Here’s a quick guide:
1. Initial Slow Cook: Add all ingredients except for the milk, flour (which forms the slurry), and gnocchi to your crock pot. Cook on high for 2-3 hours or on low for 4-5 hours, until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and incredibly tender.
2. Shred Chicken: Carefully remove the cooked chicken from the slow cooker, shred it using two forks, and then return it to the pot. This step ensures easy and uniform pieces throughout the soup.
3. Final Thickening & Gnocchi: Stir in the pre-whisked milk and flour mixture (slurry) along with the gnocchi. Continue to cook on high heat for another hour, stirring occasionally to ensure the gnocchi cooks evenly and the soup thickens to your desired creamy consistency. The slow cooker method is perfect for developing deep flavors with minimal effort!
Yes, chicken gnocchi soup freezes beautifully, making it an excellent option for meal prep or saving leftovers! Here’s how to properly store it:
Refrigerate: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4-5 days. It reheats wonderfully and makes for a fantastic quick lunch or dinner later in the week.
Freeze: For longer storage, allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Leave about an inch of headspace for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator or gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. You might need to add a splash of milk or broth to restore its original creamy consistency.
Gnocchi are delightful, small, soft dumplings that are a beloved staple in Italian cuisine. Traditionally, they are made from a simple combination of cooked and mashed potatoes (or sometimes potato flakes/starch for convenience), all-purpose flour, eggs, and salt. Sometimes, other types of flour or spices are added for flavoring or texture variations, such as spinach gnocchi which incorporate pureed spinach for color and a subtle earthy note. The key to perfectly cooked gnocchi is their tender, slightly chewy texture that wonderfully soaks up the flavors of the soup or sauce they are served with.
Classic chicken gnocchi soup is a heartwarming, creamy dish featuring a flavorful base of chicken broth, generously enriched with milk or cream for its signature velvety texture. The main components typically include tender, shredded chicken, a vibrant medley of aromatic vegetables (commonly carrots, celery, and peas), and of course, the star of the show – soft, pillowy potato gnocchi. Garlic, onion powder, and other savory seasonings are usually added to enhance its savory profile, making it a truly comforting and satisfying meal that many enjoy as a copycat of popular restaurant versions.
To make your soup thicker, you can create a small slurry with additional flour (or cornstarch for a gluten-free option) and a bit of cold milk or water. Whisk it until completely smooth, then slowly stir it into the simmering soup, letting it cook for a few more minutes until it reaches your desired consistency. To thin out the soup, simply add a splash more chicken broth or milk until it’s just right. Always start with small amounts and add more as needed to achieve the perfect texture, tasting as you go.
🥣 Explore More Easy & Delicious Soup Recipes
If you’ve enjoyed this creamy chicken gnocchi soup, you’re in for a treat! We have an array of other budget-friendly and incredibly satisfying soup recipes that are perfect for keeping you warm and nourished, especially as the weather turns cooler in the fall and winter months. These recipes are designed for ease and flavor, ensuring you can whip up a comforting meal without much fuss, whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner cook.
Many of our beloved soup recipes, such as our hearty Creamy White Chicken Chili with Corn or the rich and flavorful Shrimp and Corn Chowder, offer the fantastic flexibility of being prepared either on the stovetop for a quicker cook or in a slow cooker for a convenient, hands-off approach. This versatility is something we absolutely love, as it fits seamlessly into any busy schedule and allows you to customize your cooking method. Dive into our collection and discover your next favorite homemade soup!
- Tuscan White Bean Soup
- Canned Homemade Tomato Soup
- Potato Cauliflower Soup
- Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup
Did you try this irresistible recipe? We’d absolutely love to hear from you! Please take a moment to leave a ⭐️ star rating and a comment directly below the recipe card. Your feedback is incredibly valuable to us and immensely helpful to other home cooks looking for their next favorite meal. Share your experience and let us know how your creamy chicken gnocchi soup turned out!
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📝 Printable Recipe Card
Healthy Chicken Gnocchi Soup
It’s a comforting and easy homemade chicken soup recipe perfect for fall and winter!
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lb raw chicken about 2 medium-sized breasts
- ½ teaspoon salt add more to preferred taste
- ¼ teaspoon ground pepper
- 1 cup chopped celery 100g, 2-3 ribs
- 2 cups chopped or slivered carrots 265g
- 2 cups frozen peas 260g
- 1 Tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon
- 3 cups chicken broth
For the thickener:
- 4 cups whole milk
- ¼ cup all purpose flour
- 1 lb gnocchi
Optional toppings:
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- green onions, shredded basil
Instructions
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In a large heavy bottomed pot heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chicken breasts to pot and season with salt and pepper. Sear on both sides about 3-4 minutes, until golden brown.
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To the pot add in the celery, carrots, peas, all spices: garlic, onion powder, chicken bouillon, and chicken broth to the pot.
Simmer on low/medium heat with the chicken for 20 minutes.
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While the soup is simmering, whisk the milk and flour together in a bowl or large glass measuring cup. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and there are no lumps of flour left.
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Remove the chicken breasts from the soup and place on a cutting board. Shred with 2 forks, then transfer back to the pot.
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Pour the milk and flour mixture (slurry) into the soup and mix well.
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Add in the gnocchi, and simmer the soup on medium heat, stirring until it thickens, about 4-5 minutes.
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Serve with parmesan cheese or shredded basil or chopped green onions on top.
Notes
Slow Cooker Instructions:
1. Add all ingredients except the milk, flour (for the slurry), and gnocchi to a crock pot, and cook on high for 2-3 hours or low for 4-5 hours until the chicken is tender.
2. Remove and shred the chicken, then return it to the pot.
3. Stir in the pre-whisked milk and flour mixture along with the gnocchi, and cook for another hour on high heat, stirring occasionally until thickened to your liking.
Storage Tips:
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 4-5 days.
Freeze: For longer enjoyment, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and gently reheat, adding a splash of broth or milk if needed.