This Instant Pot Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a creamy, comforting dinner you can make in about 30 minutes — perfect for busy weeknights, cold evenings, or cozy family meals. Tender shredded chicken, pillowy gnocchi, savory veggies, and a rich, creamy broth come together effortlessly in your Instant Pot for a bowl that tastes like it simmered all day. Serve with crusty bread or a salad for a meal that feels like a hug in a bowl.
For more cozy and comforting recipes like this one, be sure to explore our Instant Pot Chicken Soup Recipes, where you will find even more easy, family-friendly soup ideas perfect for weeknight dinners and chilly days.

Why You Will Love This Soup
- Meal‑Prep Friendly: Leftovers reheat beautifully — great for lunches or batch cooking.
- Super Easy: Uses your Instant Pot to make dinner in about half an hour.
- Creamy & Comforting: Rich broth and soft gnocchi make it a crowd–pleasing favorite.
- Family Friendly: Mild, savory flavor that kids and adults both enjoy.
Ingredients You Will Need
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- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or butter)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 to 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 carrots, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (half and half works if you want it lighter)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 package gnocchi (about 16 ounces)
- 2 cups fresh spinach or kale (optional but I always add it)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: Sauté Your Veggies

Turn your Instant Pot to the sauté setting. Add olive oil (or butter), then onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until everything smells super good and starts to soften. I usually sneak a little taste here because it is impossible to resist.
Step 2: Add Chicken and Seasonings

Put in the chicken breasts. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Pour in the chicken broth. This is when the kitchen starts smelling like heaven.
Step 3: Pressure Cook the Chicken

Seal your Instant Pot and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. (2-3 mins more if yo have hard or thick chicken pieces) Quick release when done. While it cooks I usually check the kids homework or grab a snack for myself.
Step 4: Shred the Chicken

Take out the chicken and shred it with two forks. It is always fun to see how fast it falls apart. Put it back into the pot.
Step 5: Add Cream and Gnocchi

Stir in the heavy cream and gnocchi. Switch to sauté mode and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the gnocchi float to the top. This is the magic moment when the soup gets creamy and dreamy.
Step 6: Add Greens and Cheese
Toss in your spinach or kale and Parmesan. Stir just until the greens are wilted and everything is melty and perfect. My kids do a happy dance at this point and I do too.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Scoop into bowls, sprinkle a little extra Parmesan if you want to feel fancy. Watch everyone eat and try not to get jealous that the gnocchi is so soft and cheesy.
What to Serve With
- Crusty garlic bread — perfect for sipping the creamy broth.
- Simple green salad — balances richness with freshness.
- Breadsticks or crostini — fun dipping options.
- Roasted veggies — adds an extra nutrient boost alongside the soup.
Meal Prep Tips
- Cook the chicken and veggies in advance and store in the fridge. This way, you just add gnocchi and cream when you are ready to eat.
- Chop carrots, celery, and onion ahead of time and keep in airtight containers. It saves so much time during the week.
- Portion out the broth into freezer-safe containers if you want to make multiple batches later. It is like having homemade soup ready in minutes.
- You can cook the soup completely, cool it, and freeze in individual portions. Then just thaw and heat on busy nights.
Storage Tips
Storing this soup properly keeps it tasty and creamy, and avoids wasted food:
- Keep leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. The gnocchi soaks up some broth but it still tastes amazing.
- Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth or cream if it gets too thick.
- Freeze leftover soup in meal-sized portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Avoid freezing soup with gnocchi already added if you want the texture to stay perfect. You can freeze the soup base and add gnocchi fresh when reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen chicken for this soup?
Yes, you can. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time in the Instant Pot. It will still shred easily and taste delicious.
Can I use store-bought gnocchi or homemade gnocchi?
Both work great. Store-bought is super quick and easy, but homemade gnocchi adds a special touch if you have the time.
Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Absolutely. You can swap the heavy cream for coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative. The soup will still be creamy and yummy.
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, but it is best to freeze without the gnocchi. The gnocchi can get mushy when frozen. Freeze the soup base in containers and add fresh gnocchi when reheating.
How long does this soup last in the fridge?
It keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently and stir in a splash of broth or cream if it gets too thick.
Instant Pot Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe Card

Instant Pot Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Ingredients
Method
- Turn your Instant Pot to sauté mode. Add olive oil, then onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until soft and fragrant.
- Add chicken breasts, sprinkle with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Pour in chicken broth.
- Seal the Instant Pot and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. Quick release the pressure once done.
- Remove chicken and shred with two forks. Return shredded chicken to the pot.
- Stir in heavy cream and gnocchi. Switch to sauté mode and cook 3 to 4 minutes until gnocchi float to the top.
- Add spinach or kale and Parmesan. Stir until greens are wilted and everything is creamy and melty.
- Scoop into bowls and enjoy. Add extra Parmesan on top if desired.
Notes
Tips
- Chop veggies ahead of time to save even more time during the week.
- Use tortellini instead of gnocchi for a fun twist.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Reheat gently and add a splash of broth or cream if soup thickens.
- Cook additional 2-3 minutes if your chicken is thick or hard.
Variations
- Dairy-Free: Use coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative.
- Extra Veggies: Add peas, corn, or mushrooms.
- Spicy Version: Add hot sauce or red pepper flakes for a kick.
- Make Ahead: Cook chicken and veggies in advance, then just add broth, cream, and gnocchi when ready to eat.
This Instant Pot Chicken Gnocchi Soup is the perfect combination of comforting, creamy, and easy to make. With tender chicken, soft pillowy gnocchi, and a rich, flavorful broth, it’s the kind of meal that feels cozy and satisfying any time of the year. Best of all, the Instant Pot makes it quick and convenient, so you can enjoy a homemade soup without spending hours in the kitchen.
Serve it with crusty bread, breadsticks, or a simple salad, and you have a complete meal that the whole family will love. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight dinner, meal prep, or a comforting weekend meal, this chicken gnocchi soup is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Check Out More Instant Pot Chicken Soup Recipes!
Rich And Cheesy Chicken Tortellini Soup
Hearty Creamy Chicken Potato Soup
Light And Tasty Chicken Corn Bowl
Instant Pot Chicken and Rice Soup