Italian Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

If you are craving something cozy, flavorful, and downright comforting, this Italian Chicken Gnocchi Soup is exactly what you need to warm your soul. This soup combines tender shredded chicken, pillowy gnocchi, rich sun-dried tomatoes, and a medley of aromatic vegetables, all swimming in a creamy, savory broth that hugs you from the inside out. Each spoonful is a beautiful balance of Italian-inspired herbs and spices, creating a dish that feels both familiar and indulgently special. Whether you’re seeking a comforting weeknight dinner or an impressive yet simple soup to share, this Italian Chicken Gnocchi Soup is about to become your new favorite go-to.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind this Italian Chicken Gnocchi Soup lies in its simple but thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, offering bursts of flavor, wonderful texture, and a vibrant touch of color that brings the whole dish to life. Let’s dive into what you’ll gather before you start cooking.

• 8 oz jar oil-packed sun dried tomatoes: Provides an intense, tangy sweetness and reserves flavorful oil to sauté veggies.
• 1 Large onion – diced: Adds foundational sweetness and depth to the broth.
• 3 Large carrots – diced: Offers gentle sweetness and a lovely pop of color.
• 2 stalks celery – diced: Contributes a subtle aromatic earthiness and crunch.
• 5 cloves garlic – minced: Packs that sharp, fragrant punch that lifts every spoonful.
• 1 tsp. Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs that embodies classic Italian flavor.
• ½ tsp. smoked paprika: Adds warmth and a hint of smokiness.
• 1 teaspoon onion powder: Intensifies onion flavor without extra texture.
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and highlighting all the flavors.
• ½ teaspoon pepper: Balances the taste with a subtle bite.
• 2 tablespoon tomato paste: Deepens the color and adds a concentrated tomato richness.
• 1 Tbsp. chicken base: Boosts the savory umami dimension of the broth.
• 2 ½ tablespoon flour: Gently thickens the soup for a creamy mouthfeel.
• 5 cups chicken broth: The heart of the soup, creating the perfect liquid base.
• 1 – 12 oz can evaporated milk: Delivers creaminess without heaviness.
• 2 cups heaping cooked chicken – shredded or chopped: Protein-packed and tender, brings heartiness.
• 3-4 oz. baby spinach: Adds a fresh green touch and mild flavor.
• 1 pound shelf stable gnocchi: Soft, pillow-like dumplings that soak up the broth beautifully.
• Grated parmesan cheese for serving: A salty, nutty topping that finishes each bowl perfectly.

How to Make Italian Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Start by heating 2 tablespoons of the reserved sun dried tomato oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion, carrots, and celery, and gently sauté until they begin to soften, which should take about 5 minutes. This step awakens the veggies’ sweetness and creates a beautifully fragrant base for the soup.

Step 2: Add the Aromatics and Seasonings

Next, stir in the chopped sun dried tomatoes, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, onion powder, kosher salt, and pepper. Let all these ingredients mingle with the softened vegetables by sautéing for an additional minute. This infuses the pot with hearty, Italian-inspired aromas you’ll adore from the very first stir.

Step 3: Incorporate Tomato Paste, Chicken Base, and Flour

Blend in the tomato paste, chicken base, and flour, stirring well to combine. Cook this mixture for about one minute, allowing the flour to cook off and the tomato paste to deepen in flavor. This step gives your soup that signature richness and starts to thicken the broth to a luscious stage.

Step 4: Pour in Chicken Broth and Simmer

Now pour in the chicken broth while scraping the bottom of the pot to loosen all those delicious browned bits. Bringing this to a simmer, partially cover the pot and reduce your heat to low. Let the soup gently simmer for 15 minutes to marry all those flavors together into a smooth, savory blend.

Step 5: Add Chicken, Spinach, Evaporated Milk, and Gnocchi

Finally, stir in the shredded chicken, baby spinach, evaporated milk, and gnocchi. Let everything cook on medium-low heat for 5 to 10 minutes until the gnocchi are tender and the spinach has wilted into the creamy broth. Every ingredient will have melded into one irresistible Italian Chicken Gnocchi Soup masterpiece.

Step 6: Serve with Parmesan Cheese

Dish up generous bowls of the soup and sprinkle each one with freshly grated parmesan cheese. The salty, nutty cheese takes this already comforting soup to a whole new level of deliciousness and will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.

How to Serve Italian Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Garnishes

Adding garnishes to your Italian Chicken Gnocchi Soup is the perfect way to customize each bowl. A sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese or freshly cracked black pepper enhances the depth of flavors beautifully. For some extra freshness, add a few torn basil leaves or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil to brighten each serving.

Side Dishes

This soup is hearty enough to be a main course but pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or some crusty bread to soak up every last bit of that creamy broth. Garlic breadsticks or a warm focaccia make excellent partners, creating a complete Italian-inspired meal that feels both indulgent and satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

Set a rustic table with colorful bowls that highlight the vibrant ingredients. You can also serve this soup in mini bread bowls at a casual dinner party or ladle it over a bed of fresh greens for a soup-salad hybrid. No matter how you present it, the Italian Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let your leftover Italian Chicken Gnocchi Soup cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, it remains flavorful and fresh for up to 3 days, making it an easy option for quick lunches or dinners later in the week.

Freezing

This soup freezes beautifully, but note that the gnocchi might change texture slightly after thawing. To freeze, cool completely, package in freezer-safe containers, and store for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.

Reheating

Reheat your Italian Chicken Gnocchi Soup gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking or separation. If the soup has thickened too much, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to reach your desired consistency. Microwave reheating works well too, but stirring frequently helps maintain smooth creaminess.

FAQs

Can I use fresh gnocchi instead of shelf-stable?

Absolutely! Fresh gnocchi work wonderfully in this soup and will give a delightful, pillowy texture. Just be mindful of the cooking time—fresh gnocchi usually cook faster than shelf-stable ones, so add them a little later in the process.

What if I don’t have chicken base? Can I substitute something else?

If you don’t have chicken base, a good-quality chicken bouillon cube or extra chicken broth will work fine. The idea is to boost the soup’s savory depth, so choose what you have on hand and adjust seasoning to taste.

Is this soup spicy?

This Italian Chicken Gnocchi Soup is mild and comforting, with no significant heat. The smoked paprika adds a gentle warmth and smokiness, but if you prefer a kick, feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version, swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and omit the chicken. You can add hearty mushrooms or beans for protein, and still enjoy all the lovely flavors of the soup, though it won’t be quite the same classic Italian Chicken Gnocchi Soup.

How long does it take to cook this soup?

From start to finish, including preparation and simmering, this Italian Chicken Gnocchi Soup takes about 35 to 45 minutes. It’s a relatively quick meal that feels like a slow-cooked comfort dish, perfect for busy weeknights.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something so irresistibly cozy and satisfying about a bowl of this Italian Chicken Gnocchi Soup. Its creamy broth, tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and soft gnocchi make every bite a celebration of comforting Italian flavors. I truly encourage you to try making this soup at home—it’s straightforward, rewarding, and bound to become a cherished recipe for chilly evenings or whenever you need a hug in a bowl.

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