Creamy Marry Me Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe at Home

This marry me chicken gnocchi soup has become my most-requested comfort dish. The creamy broth, tender shredded chicken, and pillowy gnocchi come together in one pot. Sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil make every spoonful taste like a restaurant-quality meal.

Why This Marry Me Chicken Gnocchi Soup Works

The name says it all. This creamy soup pulls from the classic marry me chicken flavor profile. Sun-dried tomatoes add a concentrated savory punch that no fresh tomato can match.

Gnocchi soaks up the broth without turning mushy if you add it at the right moment. The starch it releases naturally thickens the soup. No cornstarch slurry needed.

I use Parmesan and a splash of heavy cream at the end. That finish gives the broth a rich, velvety texture. It coats every piece of chicken and every gnocchi perfectly.

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon oil from the sun-dried tomato jar
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, julienne-cut, packed in oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 5 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 16 oz shelf-stable gnocchi
• 2 cups fresh baby spinach
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil, for serving

What You Need for Marry Me Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Boneless skinless chicken breasts — these shred cleanly after simmering in the broth. Chicken thighs work too and add a slightly richer flavor.

Sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil — the oil from the jar is where much of the flavor lives. I use it as my cooking fat for extra depth. Dry-packed sun-dried tomatoes work but need to soak in warm water first.

Shelf-stable gnocchi — the kind in the pasta aisle. It cooks directly in the soup in about 3 minutes. Fresh gnocchi from the refrigerated section also works but cooks even faster.

Heavy cream — adds richness without making the soup feel overly thick. Half-and-half works for a lighter version. Coconut cream is a good dairy-free swap.

Parmesan cheese — stir it in at the very end off heat. It melts smoothly and binds the broth together. Pre-grated Parmesan works, but freshly grated melts better.

Baby spinach — it wilts in about one minute. It adds color, nutrients, and a slight earthiness that balances the richness.

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Gnocchi Soup

1. Melt butter and sun-dried tomato oil together in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
3. Add garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Stir in Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
5. Add whole chicken breasts and chicken broth. Bring to a boil.
6. Reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer for 20 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
7. Remove chicken and shred with two forks. Return shredded chicken to the pot.
8. Stir in heavy cream. Bring the soup back to a gentle simmer.
9. Add gnocchi. Cook for 3 minutes until gnocchi float to the surface.
10. Stir in spinach and Parmesan. Cook for 1 minute until spinach wilts.
11. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve topped with fresh basil.

Marry Me Chicken Gnocchi Soup Variations

Spicy Marry Me Chicken Soup

Double the red pepper flakes and add 1 teaspoon of calabrian chili paste with the sun-dried tomatoes. The heat builds slowly and pairs well with the creamy broth. Top with a drizzle of chili oil for extra kick.

Creamy Dairy-Free Version

Swap heavy cream for full-fat coconut cream and skip the Parmesan. Add 2 tablespoons of nutritional yeast for a savory finish. The coconut adds a subtle sweetness that actually complements the sun-dried tomatoes well.

Tuscan Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Add 1 can of white cannellini beans along with the broth. Use fresh cherry tomatoes instead of sun-dried for a brighter, lighter flavor. This version works well in summer when you want something warm but not heavy.

Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Sauté the aromatics first, then transfer everything except gnocchi, cream, spinach, and Parmesan to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours. Shred chicken in the pot, stir in gnocchi, cream, spinach, and Parmesan. Cook uncovered on high for 10 more minutes.

Tips for the Best Marry Me Chicken Gnocchi Soup

• I always use the oil from the sun-dried tomato jar as my cooking fat. It carries all the concentrated tomato flavor.
• Add the gnocchi last and only cook it for 3 minutes. Overcooked gnocchi falls apart and makes the soup starchy.
• Let the soup rest for 5 minutes before serving. The broth thickens slightly as it cools.
• If the soup is too thick the next day, add a splash of broth when reheating.
• Shred the chicken in the pot by using two forks. The broth keeps it moist while you pull it apart.
• Taste before adding any extra salt. Parmesan and chicken broth both carry sodium.

Make Ahead & Storage

This marry me chicken gnocchi soup keeps in the fridge for up to 4 days in a sealed container. Store it without the gnocchi if you plan to make it ahead. Add fresh gnocchi when reheating to keep the texture right.

To freeze, let the soup cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag without the gnocchi. It freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and add fresh gnocchi while reheating on the stovetop over medium heat.

Common Questions

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken breasts?

Yes. Skip steps 5 and 6. Add the broth and simmer the vegetables for 10 minutes, then stir in 3 cups of shredded rotisserie chicken. Continue from step 8. This cuts total cook time to about 25 minutes.

What kind of gnocchi works best in this soup?

Shelf-stable gnocchi from the pasta aisle holds up best. It cooks in 3 minutes right in the broth. Fresh refrigerated gnocchi works too but cooks even faster — check it at 2 minutes.

Why does my soup look thin after cooking?

Let it sit for 5 minutes off heat. The Parmesan and gnocchi starch continue to thicken the broth as it rests. If it is still too thin, stir in 1 extra tablespoon of Parmesan.

Can I make this soup gluten-free?

Use gluten-free gnocchi, which is widely available at most grocery stores. Check that your chicken broth is also gluten-free. Everything else in this recipe is naturally gluten-free.

How do I keep gnocchi from getting mushy?

Add gnocchi as the very last step and cook for exactly 3 minutes. Do not overcook. If storing leftovers, remove gnocchi from the soup and store separately.

This marry me chicken gnocchi soup is my go-to for any night I want something creamy and satisfying without a lot of effort. Save this recipe for your next cozy weeknight dinner.