Creamy Gnocchi Soup Recipe

There's nothing quite like a bowl of creamy gnocchi soup on a chilly evening. This dinner recipe brings together pillowy potato dumplings swimming in a rich, velvety broth that feels like a warm hug. Whether you're craving creamy chicken gnocchi soup or keeping it vegetarian, this one-pot wonder delivers maximum comfort with minimal effort. The best part? You can have this creamy gnocchi soup on the table in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you need something hearty and satisfying.

This creamy gnocchi soup has become my go-to dinner recipe because it's incredibly forgiving and endlessly adaptable. The tender potato gnocchi absorbs all those gorgeous flavors while maintaining that signature pillowy texture we all love.

Why This Italian-Inspired Comfort Food Never Disappoints

This creamy gnocchi soup recipe stands out because it combines the heartiness of Italian potato gnocchi with a luscious cream base that feels restaurant-quality but comes together in your own kitchen. Unlike traditional soups that require hours of simmering, this creamy gnocchi soup develops deep, satisfying flavors quickly thanks to aromatic garlic, fresh herbs, and a perfectly balanced cream sauce. It's the kind of dish that makes you feel like you're dining at a cozy Italian trattoria.

The magic of this creamy gnocchi soup lies in its versatility. You can easily transform it into creamy chicken gnocchi soup by adding shredded rotisserie chicken, or keep it vegetarian with extra spinach and white beans. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread for dipping or a simple green salad. This comfort food gnocchi soup also makes fantastic leftovers, which is rare for soups containing pasta or dumplings.

Jump to:

• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Recipe Variations & Substitutions
• Equipment Recommendations
• Storage & Meal Prep Tips
• The Golden Rule for Restaurant-Quality Results
• FAQ
• Cozy Comfort in Every Spoonful
• Related
• Pairing
• Creamy Gnocchi Soup

Ingredients

For the Soup Base

• Olive oil or butter
• Onion, diced
• Garlic, minced
• Chicken or vegetable broth
• Heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free)
• Potato gnocchi

Vegetables & Add-Ins

• Fresh spinach
• Diced tomatoes
• Dried Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper
• Cooked shredded chicken (optional)
• Italian sausage (optional)

Garnishes

• Fresh basil or parsley
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Red pepper flakes

Substitution Tips

• Use cashew cream or full-fat coconut milk for a vegan version.
• Opt for gluten-free gnocchi if needed.
• Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth for vegetarian options.

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

Step 1: Building the Flavor Base

1. Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering.
2. Add diced onions and sauté for 3-4 minutes until they become translucent and fragrant.
3. Toss in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
4. This aromatic base creates the foundation for your garlic cream gnocchi soup.

Step 2: Creating the Creamy Broth

1. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring to a gentle simmer.
2. Stir in the diced tomatoes and Italian seasoning, letting flavors meld for 2-3 minutes.
3. Reduce heat to medium-low and slowly add the heavy cream while stirring continuously.
4. Season with salt and pepper, tasting and adjusting as needed.

Step 3: Cooking the Gnocchi

1. Add the potato gnocchi directly to the simmering soup.
2. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the gnocchi floats to the surface; this signals they're perfectly done.
3. Avoid overcooking as gnocchi can become mushy in this easy creamy gnocchi soup.
4. If using chicken or sausage, add it now and heat through for 2 minutes.

Step 4: Final Touches

1. Stir in fresh spinach and let it wilt for about 1 minute.
2. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or herbs.
3. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh basil, Parmesan, and red pepper flakes.
4. Serve immediately while hot for the best texture and flavor.

Expert Cooking Tips

Choosing Your Gnocchi

Fresh or shelf-stable gnocchi both work beautifully in this homemade gnocchi soup. Refrigerated gnocchi cooks faster and has a softer texture, while shelf-stable varieties hold their shape slightly better. For the best results, add gnocchi when the soup is at a gentle simmer, not a rolling boil.

Cream Consistency Secrets

The key to a perfectly smooth cream sauce gnocchi soup is temperature control. Always add cream when the soup is at medium-low heat to prevent curdling. If your soup seems too thick, thin it with extra broth. Too thin? Let it simmer uncovered for a few minutes or whisk in a tablespoon of flour mixed with cold water.

Make-Ahead Magic

• Prepare the soup base ahead and refrigerate for up to 2 days
• Add gnocchi fresh when reheating to prevent mushiness
• Keep cream separate if meal prepping; stir in when serving
• Fresh herbs should be added just before serving for maximum flavor
• This creamy chicken and gnocchi soup tastes even better the next day as flavors develop

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don't overcook the gnocchi; they need just 3-4 minutes. Avoid boiling the soup after adding cream; it can separate. Always taste before adding more salt, especially if using store-bought broth. Don't skip the aromatic base; it's essential for depth of flavor.

Recipe Variations & Substitutions

Protein Power-Ups

Transform this into chicken & gnocchi creamy soup by adding 2 cups of shredded rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken. For a heartier version, brown Italian sausage and add it to create sausage gnocchi soup. Crispy bacon bits make an excellent topping that adds smoky depth. Shrimp works beautifully too; add them in the last 3 minutes of cooking.

Vegetable Variations

Try spinach gnocchi soup loaded with extra greens, or add kale for more texture. Sun-dried tomatoes bring concentrated flavor for a creamy tomato gnocchi soup twist. Roasted red peppers add sweetness and color. Mushrooms create an earthy, umami-rich version. Zucchini and summer squash work perfectly for a lighter option.

Dietary Modifications

• Vegan creamy gnocchi soup: Use vegetable broth, coconut cream, and vegan gnocchi
• Low-carb option: Replace gnocchi with cauliflower gnocchi
• Gluten-free: Use certified gluten-free gnocchi
• Dairy-free: Substitute coconut milk or cashew cream for heavy cream
• Keto-friendly: Skip gnocchi entirely and load up on vegetables and protein

Flavor Twists

Add pesto for a basil-forward version. Stir in white beans for extra protein and fiber. Use cream of mushroom soup as part of the liquid for deeper flavor. Fresh lemon juice brightens the entire dish. A splash of white wine added with the broth creates sophistication.

Equipment Recommendations

• Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot (5-6 quart): Essential for even heat distribution in this one-pot gnocchi soup; prevents scorching the cream
• Sharp chef's knife: Makes chopping vegetables quick and safe
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula: Won't scratch your pot and handles high heat
• Ladle: For serving this Italian style gnocchi soup perfectly
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate cream-to-broth ratio
• Cutting board: Preferably separate ones for vegetables and any proteins

Budget-friendly tip: A regular large saucepan works fine if you don't have a Dutch oven. The key is having enough room for the gnocchi to cook without crowding.

Storage & Meal Prep Tips

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover chicken gnocchi soup creamy style in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Keep in mind that gnocchi will absorb liquid and soften over time. When reheating, add a splash of broth or cream to restore the original consistency. Heat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally.

Freezing Guidelines

This creamy gnocchi soup freezes moderately well for up to 2 months, though the texture of gnocchi changes slightly. For best results, freeze the soup base without gnocchi and add fresh gnocchi when reheating. If freezing with gnocchi included, expect them to be softer after thawing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop.

Meal Prep Strategy

• Prep and dice all vegetables ahead; store in containers for 2-3 days
• Make the soup base through Step 2; refrigerate separately
• Cook gnocchi fresh each time for optimal texture
• Keep garnishes prepped in small containers
• This approach ensures your comfort food gnocchi soup tastes freshly made

FAQ

Cozy Comfort in Every Spoonful

This creamy gnocchi soup proves that comfort food doesn't have to be complicated. With tender potato dumplings swimming in a rich, velvety broth, you've got everything you need for a satisfying dinner that feels like a warm embrace. The beauty of this creamy gnocchi soup lies in its flexibility; make it exactly as written or customize it with your favorite proteins and vegetables.

Whether you're serving this creamy chicken gnocchi soup to family on a busy weeknight or impressing guests with a bowl of Italian-inspired goodness, you can't go wrong. If you loved this recipe, try our Crock Pot French Onion Soup Recipe for another cozy classic, or keep it light with our Gluten Free Chicken Noodle Soup. Both pair beautifully with crusty bread and deliver that same comforting feeling.

Warm bowls and happy hearts! 🍲~ Viola

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Pairing

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