I discovered a luscious one‑pot Tuscan‑style chicken gnocchi soup inspired by the viral “Marry Me” flavor profile. It’s rich and creamy, with sun‑dried tomatoes, tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and leafy greens simmered in a savory broth.
Why I’ll Love This Recipe
I love how this soup layers flavors—from garlic, celery, and sun‑dried tomatoes, to herbs like Italian seasoning and basil. The heavy cream, Parmesan, and gnocchi create a velvety broth that’s comforting and satisfying. It feels elevated yet simple enough for busy evenings.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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chicken breasts (seasoned with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning)
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olive oil (and a bit of oil from sun‑dried tomato jar)
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onion, celery (and sometimes carrot) diced
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garlic cloves, minced
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julienned sun‑dried tomatoes in oil
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tomato paste
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optional splash of dry white wine
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low‑sodium chicken broth (about 6 cups)
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Parmesan rind (optional) for deeper flavor
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heavy cream or half‑and‑half
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potato gnocchi (store‑bought or homemade)
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fresh spinach or kale (plus optional basil leaves)
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freshly grated Parmesan cheese
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Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes (optional heat)
Directions
I start by searing the seasoned chicken in olive oil until golden, then I remove it. In the same pot I sauté onion, celery (and carrot if using) with seasonings until softened. I stir in garlic, sun‑dried tomatoes, and tomato paste, optionally deglazing with white wine. Then I pour in chicken broth, add the Parmesan rind, return the chicken, and simmer 10–12 minutes. Once the chicken is cooked through, I remove and shred it. Next I stir in cream, gnocchi, shredded chicken, then simmer until gnocchi floats and is tender. Finally, I stir in greens and Parmesan until wilted and melted. I adjust salt and pepper and serve hot.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields about 4 – 6 servings, depending on portion size. Total preparation is around 40 minutes: Prep 10 minutes, cook 30 minutes.
Variations
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Use rotisserie chicken for convenience
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Omit sun‑dried tomatoes or replace with chopped fresh tomatoes for a brighter flavor
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Swap heavy cream for half‑and‑half or coconut milk for lighter or dairy‑free versions
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Replace gnocchi with small pasta or rice if preferred
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Add fresh basil for extra herb flavor
storage/reheating
I refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Gnocchi tends to thicken the broth over time, so when reheating on low heat, I add a splash of broth or cream to loosen the texture. Freezing isn’t recommended—gnocchi can become mushy and the creamy broth may separate.
FAQs
How do I know when the gnocchi is cooked?
I look for the gnocchi to float to the top—that’s when they’re tender and done.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, shredded dark meat works beautifully and stays juicy.
What’s the purpose of the Parmesan rind?
I leave it in during simmering to impart deep, salty umami; I discard it before serving.
Can I make this soup vegetarian or vegan?
Absolutely—omit the chicken, use vegetable broth, substitute cream with coconut milk, and skip the cheese to keep it plant‑based.
How spicy is the soup?
It’s mildly spiced—if I add red pepper flakes, it brings a gentle warmth, but I can leave them out for a milder version.
Conclusion
I absolutely love this Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Gnocchi Soup—its creamy, savory broth infused with sun‑dried tomatoes, herbs, and tender chicken warms me from the inside out. It’s hearty enough to be a full meal on its own, yet comforting enough to feel like a treat. Whether for a cozy dinner or a make‑ahead meal, I’ll keep returning to this recipe again and again.
Print
Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Gnocchi Soup
A creamy, Tuscan-inspired chicken gnocchi soup with sun-dried tomatoes, tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, leafy greens, and Parmesan in a rich, savory broth.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings
Ingredients
1–1.5 lbs chicken breasts, seasoned with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning
2 tablespoons olive oil (plus 1 tablespoon oil from sun-dried tomato jar)
1 medium onion, diced
2 celery stalks, diced (optional 1 carrot, diced)
3–4 garlic cloves, minced
½ cup julienned sun-dried tomatoes in oil
1 tablespoon tomato paste
Optional: splash of dry white wine
6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
Optional: Parmesan rind for deeper flavor
1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
16 oz potato gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
3 cups fresh spinach or kale
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Optional: red pepper flakes for heat
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning.
- Heat olive oil and sun-dried tomato oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sear chicken on both sides until golden, then remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, sauté onion, celery, and carrot (if using) until softened, about 5–7 minutes.
- Add garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and tomato paste, stirring for 1–2 minutes. Deglaze with white wine if using.
- Pour in chicken broth and add Parmesan rind (if using). Return chicken to the pot and simmer for 10–12 minutes until cooked through.
- Remove chicken, shred, and set aside. Stir in heavy cream, gnocchi, and shredded chicken. Simmer until gnocchi floats and is tender, about 3–4 minutes.
- Stir in spinach or kale and Parmesan cheese until wilted and melted. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
- Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for a faster prep.
- Omit sun-dried tomatoes or replace with chopped fresh tomatoes for a lighter flavor.
- Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or coconut milk for a lighter or dairy-free version.
- Replace gnocchi with small pasta or rice if preferred.
- Fresh basil can be added for extra flavor.
- When reheating, add a splash of broth or cream to loosen the texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 105mg