Looking for a cozy dinner that comes together without fuss after a long day? Picture tender chicken and pillowy gnocchi swimming in a creamy, garlicky tomato broth with bright spinach comfort in a bowl that feels a little fancy but is truly simple.
If you want a quick weeknight showstopper or a meal that wins over picky eaters, this soup delivers. For a different take, you can peek at this version for ideas and inspiration.
Weeknight Winner: Tuscan Marry Me Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in about 30–40 minutes perfect for busy evenings.
- Made with simple pantry and fridge staples.
- Comforting, rich, and creamy but brightened with spinach.
- Kid-friendly and great for leftovers.
Ingredients (For the Soup)
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup gnocchi
- 1 cup spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese for serving, grated
Step-by-Step Instructions of Tuscan Marry Me Chicken Gnocchi Soup
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
- Sear the chicken pieces until golden on both sides, about 4–5 minutes; remove and set aside.
- Sauté the onion, carrots, and celery in the same pot until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the garlic and Italian seasoning; cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- Return the chicken to the pot, bring to a simmer, and cook 10 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
- Stir in the heavy cream, then add the gnocchi and simmer until the gnocchi float and are tender, about 3–4 minutes.
- Fold in the spinach and cook until wilted, 1–2 minutes; season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan.
Tips for Success
- Brown the chicken well it adds extra flavor to the broth.
- Add the gnocchi near the end so it stays pillowy, not mushy.
- Use full-fat cream for the richest texture.
- Taste and adjust salt at the end; Parmesan adds salty depth.
Substitutions & Variations of Tuscan Marry Me Chicken Gnocchi Soup
To Make It Vegan/Gluten-Free:
- Use plant-based chicken or chickpeas for protein.
- Swap heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream.
- Choose gluten-free gnocchi or use cauliflower gnocchi to keep it gluten-free.
Variations:
- Stir in 2–3 tablespoons sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy twist.
- Add red pepper flakes for heat or a splash of white wine with the broth for acidity.
- Swap spinach for kale or add sliced mushrooms for an earthier soup.
- Finish with a spoonful of pesto for an herby lift.
Storage Instructions of Tuscan Marry Me Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Refrigerator:
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently on the stove.
Freezer:
- If freezing, leave out the gnocchi. Freeze the soup (without gnocchi) in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and cook fresh gnocchi when ready to serve.
Make-Ahead:
- Chop vegetables and measure spices a day ahead to save time. You can also cook the chicken and refrigerate it, then finish the soup the next day.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) of Tuscan Marry Me Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes add shredded rotisserie chicken in step 7 and reduce simmer time.
Will the soup thicken as it sits?
A bit. Stir in a splash of broth or cream when reheating if it feels too thick.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes. Sear the chicken and sauté the veggies first, then combine everything in the slow cooker and cook on low for 3–4 hours. Add gnocchi and spinach near the end.
Final Toughts
This Tuscan Marry Me Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a warm, cozy bowl that’s easy enough for weeknights and pretty enough for guests. It blends creamy comfort with bright greens and tender chicken the kind of meal that will make your kitchen smell like heaven on a rainy day. Give this recipe a try, leave a comment, and drop a star rating to let others know how it turned out.
Print
Tuscan Marry Me Chicken Gnocchi Soup
A comforting and creamy soup featuring tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and fresh spinach in a garlicky tomato broth. Perfect for weeknight dinners!
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup gnocchi
- 1 cup spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese for serving, grated
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
- Sear the chicken pieces until golden on both sides, about 4–5 minutes; remove and set aside.
- Sauté the onion, carrots, and celery in the same pot until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the garlic and Italian seasoning; cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- Return the chicken to the pot, bring to a simmer, and cook 10 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
- Stir in the heavy cream, then add the gnocchi and simmer until the gnocchi float and are tender, about 3–4 minutes.
- Fold in the spinach and cook until wilted, 1–2 minutes; season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan.
Notes
Brown the chicken well for extra flavor. Use full-fat cream for a richer texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten-Free Option Available