Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe – Stove Top & Instant Pot Instructions

Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi soup that tastes just like the famous soup at Olive Garden restaurant. An easy to make comfort soup recipe that can be made on the Stove Top or in a pressure cooker.

When it comes to winter time comfort food recipes it doesn’t get much better than this Chicken Gnocchi Soup. This hearty, Italian-inspired dish full of tender potato gnocchi, shredded chicken, and vegetables nestled in a creamy broth is one of the most flavorful dishes that you will ever have.

In fact, this popular soup recipe has become a favorite for many because of a popular American-Italian restaurant. Although there are several choices of endless bowls of soup to choose from, this one is at the top of the list.

However, if you always order Zuppa Toscana or Minestrone soup and have never given this soup a try, let me explain. It tastes similar to country-style Chicken and Dumplings, but it is slightly thicker and it has more Italian spices that flavors the broth.

In addition, instead of using dumplings made with flour, potato gnocchi is used instead. These small, thumb size pillowy bits of potatoes and flour provide a soft, but slightly chewier texture than classic dumplings.

When added to the broth the gnocchi absorbs the rich flavor of the broth, making every bite just as delicious as the next. Best of all, you can make this soup in minutes by using an Instant Pot. However, I have also included stove top instructions as not everyone has an electric pressure cooker in their kitchen.

Chicken and Gnocchi Soup Recipe

*Specific measurements and complete recipe instructions are located in a printable recipe card at the bottom of this article. However, be sure to continue to read the tips and tricks to making this recipe below.

INGREDIENTS

• 3 large boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 rib of celery, chopped
• 1⁄2 medium onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1⁄2 cup shredded carrots
• 4 cups low sodium chicken broth
• salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 16 ounces potato gnocchi, boxed or frozen
• 2 cups half and half
• 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons cornstarch

*If you are making this Olive Garden Chicken and Gnocchi Soup in an electric pressure cooker, such as an Instant Pot or Ninja Foodi, you do not need to precook your chicken. However, if you are making it on your stove, then the chicken needs to be precooked.

As long as you don’t mind shredded chicken instead of diced you can still make this recipe in minutes by using the meat from a store-bought cooked rotisserie chicken.

Instant Pot Instructions (Stove Top Instructions Located Below)

1. Dice the raw chicken breasts into small, bite size pieces. Set aside.

2. Then turn the Instant Pot on the Sauté mode. While the pot is heating, dice the celery and onions with a clean knife and on a different cutting board than you diced your chicken. When the front display reads HOT, add the oil, celery and onion.

Saute for 3-4 minutes or just until they start to become tender. Add the garlic and press CANCEL. Continue to stir for 1-2 minutes so the garlic doesn’t brown and become bitter.

3. Add 1 cup of the chicken broth to the pan and scrape the bottom to remove any brown bits. Once the bottom of the pot is cleaned off, add the shredded carrots, the remaining chicken broth, diced chicken, salt, pepper and thyme to the pot.

4. Lock the lid in place and move the valve to the SEALING position (if needed). Press Pressure Cook/Manual and cook the Chicken Gnocchi Soup on HIGH pressure for 5 minutes.

PLEASE NOTE: Just like with all pressure cooker recipes, additional time is required for the pot to come to pressure and before the actual cook time begins. With my Instant Pot 6 quart Duo, it took 13 minutes to come to pressure for this recipe. As a general guideline, the more liquid you have, the longer the pot takes to come to pressure.

5. Once the cook time expires, allow for 5 minutes of Natural Pressure Release before slowly moving the valve to the VENTING position to release the remaining pressure.

6. Remove the lid and immediately turn the pot on the SAUTE mode. Add the gnocchi and chopped spinach to the pot. Then mix 1 1⁄2 teaspoons of cornstarch with 1⁄2 cup of half and half and whisk until smooth. Add this slurry to the hot liquid. Continue to stir the pot as it comes to a boil.

7. Once the majority of the gnocchi floats to the top of the liquid, press CANCEL. Once the mixture is no longer boiling, add the remaining 1 1⁄2 cups of half and half.

8. Let the Olive Garden Chicken and Gnocchi soup thicken for 5-10 minutes, stirring frequently, then serve.

Stove Top Cooking Instructions

*If you are making this on the stove, you need to use precooked diced or shredded chicken.

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Then add the celery, onions, garlic, and carrots and saute for 2-3 minutes or until the onions are translucent. 

2. Add the cooked chicken, chicken broth, salt, pepper, and thyme, and bring the mixture to a boil.

3. Then gently stir in the gnocchi. Boil for 3-4 minutes longer before reducing heat to a simmer.

4. Add 1 1⁄2 teaspoons of cornstarch to 1⁄2 cup of half and half and whisk until smooth. Add it to the pot and continue to cook for 10 minutes. 

5. Remove the pot from the heat and pour in the remaining 1 1⁄2 cups of half and half and add the chopped spinach. Place the pot back on the burner and let it cook for another 1-2 minutes until spinach is tender.

Add additional salt and pepper if needed and serve warm.

What To Serve with Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Crusty Bread or Garlic Bread: Serve the soup with slices of crusty bread or garlic bread. It’s perfect for dipping into the broth or soaking up the remaining liquid in the bottom of the bowl.

Salad: A light salad with fresh greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a vinaigrette dressing can balance the richness of the soup.

Vegetable Sides: Roasted vegetables or steamed vegetables like asparagus, green beans, or broccoli can be a great addition to your meal.

Grilled Cheese Sandwiches: Although this may seem simple, serve the soup with classic grilled cheese sandwiches for a comforting and satisfying meal.

Enjoy! Mary

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