When comfort food calls, nothing answers quite like a warm, creamy bowl of Classic Chicken and Dumplings with Gnocchi. This cozy twist on the traditional dish blends tender shredded chicken with pillowy soft gnocchi, nestled in a thick, savory broth filled with vegetables. The result? A hearty, soul-soothing meal that feels like a hug in a bowl.

What sets this recipe apart is the use of gnocchi instead of traditional dumplings. These Italian potato pillows soak up the flavors of the chicken and broth beautifully while adding a satisfying texture. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking to meal prep for the week, this dish delivers warmth, nostalgia, and plenty of leftovers.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into cooking, it’s key to have the right tools ready for a smooth kitchen experience. Here’s what you’ll need:

Large Dutch Oven or Heavy-Bottomed Pot: Crucial for even heat distribution while simmering the chicken and broth to a rich, creamy consistency.
Sharp Knife and Cutting Board: To slice up the vegetables quickly and safely.
Tongs or Slotted Spoon: Useful for removing chicken for shredding without losing any broth.

Mixing Spoon or Spatula: Wooden or silicone tools are great for stirring without scratching your cookware.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precision is key for balancing broth, seasoning, and cream.
Ladle: For serving big, generous scoops of the finished dish.

Ingredients for the Classic Chicken And Dumplings With Gnocchi

Chicken Breasts or Thighs: The heart of the recipe. Tender, juicy, and full of flavor when shredded into the broth.
Potato Gnocchi: A fluffy, comforting substitute for traditional dumplings.
Carrots: Sliced and slightly sweet, they add vibrant color and earthy taste.

Celery: Brings a mild bitterness that balances the creaminess of the soup.
Frozen Peas: Tossed in at the end for a pop of color and freshness.
Yellow Onion: Essential for building the savory base of the broth.

Minced Garlic: For extra depth and aromatic flavor.
Chicken Broth: The flavorful liquid that brings all ingredients together.
Heavy Cream: Makes the broth rich and luxurious.

Olive Oil and Butter: Used for sautéing vegetables and adding richness.
All-Purpose Flour: Helps thicken the soup to that perfect creamy texture.
Fresh Thyme and Bay Leaf: Adds warm, herby notes.

Salt and Pepper: To season everything to perfection.

How To Make the Classic Chicken And Dumplings With Gnocchi

Step 1: Build the Flavor Base

Heat olive oil and butter in a Dutch oven. Sauté onion, garlic, carrots, and celery until soft and fragrant.

Step 2: Add Chicken and Broth

Nestle chicken into the pot, pour in chicken broth, and toss in thyme and bay leaf. Simmer until chicken is cooked through.

Step 3: Shred the Chicken

Remove chicken and shred it using forks or tongs. Discard bay leaf, then return shredded chicken to the pot.

Step 4: Thicken the Soup

Sprinkle in flour and stir well. Slowly add heavy cream, mixing until the soup thickens into a smooth consistency.

Step 5: Add Gnocchi and Peas

Drop in the gnocchi and cook until tender. Stir in frozen peas just before serving to keep them vibrant.

Step 6: Final Taste and Serve

Season with salt and pepper to your liking. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

How to Serve and Store This Cozy Dish

Serve piping hot with crusty bread or a simple green salad. It’s perfect for chilly evenings or family dinners. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream to revive the creamy texture.

Freezing? Yes, you can! Just hold off on adding gnocchi until you’re ready to reheat, as they can get mushy when frozen.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make this gluten-free?

Use gluten-free gnocchi and substitute the flour with a gluten-free thickener like cornstarch or a 1:1 GF blend.

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely. Skip the cooking step and stir in shredded rotisserie chicken when thickening the soup.

What other veggies can I add?

Mushrooms, green beans, or spinach are great options. Add them with the gnocchi to avoid overcooking.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes. Cook the veggies, broth, and chicken on low for 6-7 hours. Shred chicken, stir in cream, gnocchi, and peas in the last 30 minutes.

Is it possible to use milk instead of cream?

You can, but it won’t be as rich. Whole milk works best as a lighter option.

Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?

If you loved this comforting gnocchi version, try these next:

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole for a cheesy, baked classic.
Sweet Garlic Chicken in the Crockpot for a slow-cooked dinner winner.
Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet when you’re craving bold flavor in one pan.

Smothered Chicken and Rice for pure southern comfort.
Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rotini for a one-pot creamy pasta delight.

Save This Recipe for Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest comfort food board so you can come back to it any time: Life With Olivia on Pinterest

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you stick with gnocchi or use classic dumplings? Try any extras like mushrooms or hot sauce?

I love hearing your takes on these recipes. Share your tips or questions—we’re cooking through this together!

Classic Chicken And Dumplings With Gnocchi

Author: Olivia McKenney

Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings

Print Recipe

Description

This cozy Classic Chicken and Dumplings with Gnocchi brings comforting warmth to your table. Shredded chicken, soft gnocchi, and hearty vegetables come together in a creamy, flavorful broth. It’s a family-friendly dish perfect for weeknights or lazy Sundays.

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil and butter in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Sauté onion, garlic, carrots, and celery for about 5-6 minutes until softened.

2. Add the chicken, broth, thyme, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes until chicken is cooked through.

3. Remove chicken from the pot. Shred it using forks, then return it to the pot. Discard bay leaf.

4. Sprinkle in flour and stir well to combine. Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring until the soup begins to thicken.

5. Add gnocchi and cook for 3-4 minutes or until they float and are tender. Stir in frozen peas and heat through.

6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot and garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with whole milk, but expect a thinner texture.

If freezing, leave out the gnocchi until reheating to prevent mushiness.

Fresh thyme can be replaced with ½ teaspoon dried thyme if needed.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Main Course

Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American Comfort Food

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 ½ cups

Calories: 390
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 780mg

Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g

Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 3g

Protein: 23g
Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: chicken and dumplings, gnocchi soup, comfort food, creamy chicken soup