The first time I made this Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Soup, I honestly had no idea how much I’d fall in love with it! What started as a random experiment turned into a recipe we can’t get enough of. The rich broth, tender gnocchi, and perfectly seasoned chicken come together beautifully, making it feel fancy without the extra effort.
After we polished off the leftovers (all too quickly), it became my go-to comfort food. I love serving it on chilly evenings with crusty bread on the side. Trust me, one bite of this velvety, garlicky goodness, and you’ll be hooked too!

Ingredients
To make this soul-warming soup, here’s what you’ll need. Trust me, these ingredients work best!
- 1 (16 oz.) package gnocchi: For a soft and pillowy texture. Avoid frozen gnocchi for best results.
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken: Rotisserie chicken works like a charm for this!
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds a luscious richness.
- 6-8 garlic cloves, minced: The heart of the flavor. Don’t skimp on fresh garlic!
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Thickens the soup beautifully.
- 2 teaspoons all-purpose seasoning or a blend of salt, pepper, and herbs: Gives a bold, balanced flavor.
- 1 teaspoon sea salt: Enhances the flavor of every ingredient.
- 5 cups chicken stock or broth: Forms the flavorful base of this soup.
- 1½ cups heavy cream: Adds the irresistible creamy texture.
- 2 cups kale, de-stemmed and chopped: For a hearty, fresh twist.
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Packs in nutty, cheesy richness.
Note: This recipe serves about 4-6 people and is perfect as a hearty main course.
Creative Variations to Try
If you’d like to switch this recipe up a bit, here are some alternatives and add-ons:
- Swap the Chicken: Use turkey, plant-based chicken, or shrimp if you like.
- Gnocchi Alternatives: Gluten-free gnocchi or whole wheat options work great too.
- Go Dairy-Free: Replace heavy cream with unsweetened coconut milk or almond cream.
- Experiment with Greens: Spinach, collards, or even arugula are tasty substitutes for kale.
Cooking Time Breakdown
This quick and easy soup comes together in no time:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Equipment You’ll Need
Here’s the minimal gear you’ll need to whip up this one-pot wonder:
- Dutch Oven or Large Pot: Ideal for even heat distribution.
- Whisk: Helps blend the flour into the broth without forming lumps.
- Ladle: Makes serving smooth and mess-free.
How to Prepare Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Soup?
Making this soup is as easy as it is delicious. Follow these simple steps to create a bowl of joy:
Sauté the Garlic
Begin by melting your butter in a large pot over medium heat. Once it’s sizzling, toss in the minced garlic, stirring until fragrant and golden, about 1-2 minutes. This fragrant base sets the tone for a flavorful soup.
Create the Soup Base
Whisk in the flour, seasoning, and sea salt. Stir constantly to form a smooth paste (also known as a roux). Gradually pour in the chicken stock, whisking as you go to keep it lump-free. Within minutes, you’ll have a glossy, thickened broth.
Add the Creaminess
Pour in the heavy cream and allow the soup to simmer gently. Stir in the kale, letting it wilt and add a vibrant green touch. This step makes the soup hearty and nutrient-packed.
Incorporate the Gnocchi and Chicken
Add the gnocchi and shredded chicken. Stir gently and cook until the gnocchi starts floating to the surface, about 10 minutes. The chicken warms through, and the gnocchi absorbs the rich flavors of the soup.
Finish with Cheese and Serve
Sprinkle in the Parmesan and stir until melted and creamy. Remove from heat, and your soup is ready to shine! Ladle it into bowls, garnish with extra Parmesan, and pair with bread for a truly comforting experience.

Extra Tips from My Kitchen
From my experience, these shortcuts and enhancements can make all the difference:
- Prep Everything First: Chop and measure ingredients ahead of time to make cooking seamless.
- Adjust Consistency: Thicken with more flour or thin with extra broth to your liking.
- Always Use Fresh Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and tastes way more vibrant than pre-packaged options.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Soup?
Take your serving game to the next level with these ideas:
- Classic Pairing: A warm slice of crusty garlic bread does wonders for soaking up the creamy broth.
- Dress it Up: Garnish with crispy bacon bits, parsley, or even a drizzle of olive oil for a gourmet touch.
- Complete the Meal: Pair it with a light citrusy salad or roasted veggies for a full-course experience.
Nutritional Information at a Glance
Here’s a quick look at what you’re enjoying in every delicious serving:
- Calories: 627
- Protein: 34g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fat: 48g
Make Ahead and Storage Tips
Keep the amazing taste going with these storage tips:
Refrigeration
Allow the soup to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Gently reheat over low heat, adding a splash of broth to refresh its consistency.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze individual portions in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating for a cozy, no-fuss dinner.
Why You’ll Adore This Recipe?
This soup hits all the marks for the perfect comfort food. Here’s why I always come back to it:
- Quick and Effortless: With just 10 minutes of prep, you’ll have a restaurant-quality meal ready in under half an hour.
- Rich and Comforting: The velvety texture combined with tender gnocchi is the definition of cozy.
- Easily Customizable: From dairy-free to vegetarian versions, it’s easy to tailor this recipe to suit everyone’s needs.
- Minimal Cleanup: One pot means fewer dishes and more time to relax after dinner.
Perfect for weeknights, special occasions, or just because, this Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a game-changer. Once you try it, it’s bound to secure a permanent spot in your recipe collection!

Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Ingredients
- 1 16 oz. package gnocchi
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 6 –8 garlic cloves minced
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons all-purpose seasoning or a mix of salt, pepper, and herbs
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 5 cups chicken stock or broth
- 1½ cups heavy cream
- 2 cups kale de-stemmed and chopped
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Begin by melting your butter in a large pot over medium heat. Once it’s sizzling, toss in the minced garlic, stirring until fragrant and golden, about 1-2 minutes. This fragrant base sets the tone for a flavorful soup.
- Whisk in the flour, seasoning, and sea salt. Stir constantly to form a smooth paste (also known as a roux). Gradually pour in the chicken stock, whisking as you go to keep it lump-free. Within minutes, you’ll have a glossy, thickened broth.
- Pour in the heavy cream and allow the soup to simmer gently. Stir in the kale, letting it wilt and add a vibrant green touch. This step makes the soup hearty and nutrient-packed.
- Add the gnocchi and shredded chicken. Stir gently and cook until the gnocchi starts floating to the surface, about 10 minutes. The chicken warms through, and the gnocchi absorbs the rich flavors of the soup.
- Sprinkle in the Parmesan and stir until melted and creamy. Remove from heat, and your soup is ready to shine! Ladle it into bowls, garnish with extra Parmesan, and pair with bread for a truly comforting experience.
Notes
- Prep Tip: Have all ingredients chopped and measured before starting.
- Cheese Matters: Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best texture and flavor.
- Customize: Try spinach instead of kale, coconut milk instead of cream, or turkey instead of chicken.
- Storage: Keeps in the fridge up to 3 days; freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently with added broth.