Instant Pot Chicken Gnocchi Soup

There’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of Instant Pot Chicken Gnocchi Soup to wrap you in warmth after a long day. Creamy, comforting, and brimming with tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and hearty vegetables, this cozy bowl feels like a hug from the inside out. It’s everything you love about the famous Olive Garden classic—but quicker, healthier, and even more satisfying when made fresh at home. Best of all, it’s ready in a fraction of the time, thanks to the magic of your Instant Pot.

Serving Versatility

This Instant Pot Chicken Gnocchi Soup is wonderfully versatile. You can serve it as a hearty main course with crusty bread or a light salad, spoon it over rice or cauliflower rice for an extra-filling meal, or even enjoy it solo for a lighter option. It’s the perfect soup for cozy nights in, meal prep lunches, or impressing guests with an easy yet luxurious dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 medium carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup half-and-half (or heavy cream for richer flavor)
• 1 (16 oz) package potato gnocchi
• 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions:

1. Turn your Instant Pot to Sauté mode. Heat olive oil and butter, then add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened.
2. Add chicken breasts, broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
3. Secure the lid, set the valve to Sealing, and cook on High Pressure for 10 minutes.
4. Once cooking time is done, allow a 5-minute natural release, then quick-release remaining pressure.
5. Remove the chicken, shred it with two forks, and return it to the pot.
6. Switch back to Sauté mode, stir in the half-and-half, gnocchi, and spinach. Let it simmer for 4–5 minutes until gnocchi are tender and the soup slightly thickens.
7. Stir in Parmesan cheese, adjust seasoning if needed, and serve hot.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: Approximately 320 per serving

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick preparation: Ready in just 30 minutes, all in one pot.
• Budget-friendly ingredients: Everyday staples, no fancy ingredients required.
• Big, cozy flavor: Creamy broth meets savory chicken and soft gnocchi.
• Nutritional value: Packed with protein, veggies, and leafy greens.
• Customizability: Easily adaptable with different vegetables, dairy-free options, or added bacon.

Cultural or Cooking Technique Note

The inspiration for this dish comes from the beloved Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup, a staple on their menu known for its rich, velvety texture and homestyle comfort. By using the Instant Pot, we capture that same indulgent flavor while saving time and minimizing cleanup—a modern twist on an Italian-American classic.

Serving Suggestions

1. Pair it with a fresh green salad and garlic breadsticks for a restaurant-style dinner.
2. Serve it over cauliflower rice for a low-carb twist.
3. Add crispy bacon or pancetta on top for extra smoky flavor.
4. Spoon it into a bread bowl for a fun, cozy presentation.

Pro Tips for Success

• Sauté the vegetables first: This builds depth of flavor and enhances the soup’s base.
• Use quality gnocchi: Choose shelf-stable or refrigerated gnocchi made with real potatoes for the best texture.
• Don’t overcook the gnocchi: They’re done when they float to the top and are tender—just a few minutes!
• For extra creaminess: Stir in an extra splash of cream or a bit of cream cheese before serving.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The soup thickens as it sits, so when reheating, stir in a splash of broth or milk to loosen it up. To freeze, cool completely and store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months—though note that the texture of the gnocchi may soften slightly after thawing. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat.

5 Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overcooking the gnocchi – Gnocchi cooks very quickly! If left too long, it can become mushy and break apart. Add it only at the end and simmer for just a few minutes until tender.
2. Skipping the sauté step – Don’t rush past sautéing your onions, garlic, and veggies. This step adds depth and rich flavor that makes the soup taste homemade and layered.
3. Using too much cream too early – Adding cream before pressure cooking can curdle it. Always stir in the cream or half-and-half after releasing pressure.
4. Not seasoning enough – Because broth and cream can mute flavors, taste and adjust with salt, pepper, or a sprinkle of Parmesan before serving.
5. Forgetting to deglaze the pot – After sautéing, add a splash of broth and scrape up any browned bits before sealing the lid. This prevents the Instant Pot’s “burn” warning and boosts flavor.

4 Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this soup with rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Simply skip the pressure-cooking step for the chicken. Add shredded rotisserie chicken after releasing pressure, just before stirring in the cream and gnocchi.

2. Can I use frozen gnocchi instead of shelf-stable?
Absolutely. Just add the frozen gnocchi directly to the hot soup and simmer a few extra minutes until they float and turn soft.

3. How can I make this dairy-free?
Swap the butter for olive oil and use coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk instead of half-and-half. The soup will still be creamy and flavorful.

4. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, this soup reheats beautifully. Store it in the fridge for up to 4 days and add a little broth or milk when reheating to thin it back to the perfect consistency.

Closing Paragraph

This Instant Pot Chicken Gnocchi Soup is the ultimate comfort meal—creamy, wholesome, and effortless. Perfect for chilly evenings or busy weekdays, it’s one of those recipes that feels indulgent yet nourishing at the same time. Try it once, and it’ll earn a spot in your regular rotation. Don’t forget to share your version, rate the recipe, and drop a comment below to tell me how it turned out!

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about homemade soup simmering in the kitchen—it makes any house feel like a home. I hope this Instant Pot Chicken Gnocchi Soup brings the same comfort to your table as it does to mine. Here’s to cozy dinners, warm bowls, and shared moments around the table.