Instant Pot Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

If you’ve ever craved a hearty, soul-warming soup on a chilly weeknight but didn’t want to spend hours over the stove, you’re in for a treat with Instant Pot Chicken Gnocchi Soup. It’s the perfect blend of tender chicken, pillowy potato gnocchi, and a velvety, herby broth—all ready in a fraction of the usual time thanks to the Instant Pot. Each spoonful is both comforting and fresh, dotted with vibrant veggies and highlighted by a touch of cream. Whether you’re serving up a casual family dinner or hosting friends, this soup delivers cozy flavors and an easy wow factor that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is built on simple, wholesome ingredients you probably already have on hand. Each one plays a special part: from the aromatic vegetables that lay the foundation for flavor to the gnocchi that gives the soup its signature heartiness. Here’s what you’ll need to whip up your own pot of Instant Pot Chicken Gnocchi Soup:

• Chicken Breast: Use boneless, skinless breasts for lean protein that turns juicy and tender under high pressure.
• Potato Gnocchi: These soft dumplings thicken the soup and provide irresistible bites in every spoonful.
• Carrots: Their natural sweetness enhances the soup’s complexity and adds a lovely pop of color.
• Celery: Essential for building that classic soup flavor base and adding crunch.
• Yellow Onion: Sautéed to release savory depth that infuses the entire broth.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic makes the flavors come alive—don’t skimp!
• Chicken Broth: Choose low-sodium to control the final seasoning while keeping things rich and comforting.
• Spinach: Stirred in at the end, baby spinach gives a bright green finish and sneaks in extra nutrients.
• Heavy Cream: A splash brings silkiness and that signature creamy texture to the soup.
• Olive Oil: For sautéing the aromatics, imparting subtle flavor right from the start.
• Dried Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs ties together all the savory elements.
• Salt and Pepper: For seasoning and bringing out all the flavors in harmony.

How to Make Instant Pot Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by setting your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” function. Add a splash of olive oil, then toss in your finely chopped onion, celery, and carrots. Stir and cook for about 3–4 minutes until the vegetables are soft and fragrant, building a flavorful foundation for your Instant Pot Chicken Gnocchi Soup. Finish this step by adding the garlic, and sauté just until aromatic—about 30 seconds is perfect.

Step 2: Add Chicken and Seasonings

Next, nestle the chicken breasts right into the bed of aromatics. Sprinkle generously with Italian seasoning, a good pinch of salt, and black pepper. This is where the magic starts—those classic savory notes infuse right from the get-go. Pour in the chicken broth, making sure the chicken is mostly submerged, and give everything a gentle stir.

Step 3: Pressure Cook to Perfection

Time to seal the lid and set the Instant Pot to “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” on high for just 10 minutes. It’s wild how quickly the pressure cooking transforms the chicken into fork-tender perfection, letting all the veggie flavors mingle deeply into the broth. Once the time’s up, let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes before carefully venting any remaining steam.

Step 4: Shred Chicken and Add Gnocchi

Open the lid and transfer the cooked chicken breasts to a plate. Use two forks to shred them finely—they’ll fall apart beautifully thanks to the pressure cooking. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and pour in the gnocchi. Switch the Instant Pot to “Sauté” and simmer for about 3 minutes, until the gnocchi are cooked through and float to the top.

Step 5: Stir in Cream and Spinach

Turn off the Instant Pot or set it to “Keep Warm,” then gently stir in the heavy cream and fresh spinach. The spinach will wilt almost instantly, adding gorgeous color and a burst of freshness. Taste your Instant Pot Chicken Gnocchi Soup, adjusting salt and pepper as needed. Ladle it up and get ready to be wowed by just how creamy, savory, and plush this soup turns out!

How to Serve Instant Pot Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Garnishes

This soup loves a final flourish. Top each bowl with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan, a scattering of cracked black pepper, and a handful of freshly chopped parsley or basil for vibrant color and a punch of garden-bright flavor. If you’re feeling extra cozy, a few chili flakes add gentle heat.

Side Dishes

Pair your Instant Pot Chicken Gnocchi Soup with warm, crusty bread for dipping, or try it with a simple green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette to cut the creaminess. Soft dinner rolls also work beautifully—everyone will want something to soak up the silky broth!

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving for guests, ladle the soup into rustic bread bowls for a playful twist or set out a “toppings bar” with grated cheeses, fresh herbs, and even crispy bacon bits so everyone can build their perfect bowl. For a fun weeknight dinner, serve in colorful mugs or mini cocottes for a bistro feel right at home.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Instant Pot Chicken Gnocchi Soup will keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors mingle and deepen overnight, making your reheated bowl taste even better the next day.

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze your soup, allow it to cool completely first. Ladle into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little space for expansion. The gnocchi may soften slightly after thawing, but the taste remains spot-on. For best texture, freeze before adding the cream and spinach, then stir those in fresh when reheating later.

Reheating

For a gentle reheat, pour your soup into a pot over medium heat, stirring frequently until hot and simmering—don’t let it boil, or the cream may separate. The microwave also works for single portions; just use a lower power setting and stir every 30 seconds for even warming.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Shredded rotisserie chicken is a smart, time-saving swap. Add it after pressure cooking, just before the gnocchi, since it’s already cooked—this way it stays juicy and doesn’t dry out.

Is it possible to make Instant Pot Chicken Gnocchi Soup dairy-free?

You bet—just substitute your favorite plant-based cream (like cashew or coconut) for the heavy cream. The soup will still be velvety and delicious, with a slightly different flavor profile.

What kind of gnocchi should I use?

Shelf-stable potato gnocchi, usually found in the pasta aisle, work great for both convenience and texture. Homemade or refrigerated gnocchi also shine if you want a truly special twist!

How can I make the soup thicker?

If you love a really hearty texture, mash a few gnocchi against the side of the pot before serving or whisk together a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold broth and stir it in while simmering for an extra-thick, creamy result.

Can I double this recipe in my Instant Pot?

If your Instant Pot is 8 quarts or larger, yes! Just be mindful not to exceed the fill line—leave room for the gnocchi to expand as they cook. Cooking times stay the same; make sure ingredients are well-stirred for even cooking.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am to bring the instant comfort of Instant Pot Chicken Gnocchi Soup into your kitchen. This is the recipe I reach for when I want maximum coziness and flavor with minimal fuss—so grab your favorite bowl and dig in! I can’t wait for you and your loved ones to enjoy every creamy, herby bite.

Print