Heavenly Marry Me Chicken Gnocchi Soup for Cozy Nights

Marry Me Chicken Gnocchi Soup is what I crave when the weather nudges me to stay home, pull on cozy socks, and lean into the calm of a quiet evening. Maybe you had a long day or you just want dinner to hug you back. This soup does that. It’s creamy without being heavy, tender with bites of chicken, and packed with soft little gnocchi that turn the broth into pure comfort. If you’ve ever wished a bowl of soup could feel like a love note, this is it. Let me show you how to make it your new weeknight favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are soups that fill you up, and then there are soups that make you feel taken care of. This one is the second kind. It tastes like a creamy Tuscan-style chicken dish met a pillowy gnocchi soup and they became best friends. The broth is silky and full of flavor, with a gentle heat and a touch of sweetness from sun-dried tomatoes. The gnocchi turn soft and tender, like tiny clouds. And the best part is how fast it comes together on a weeknight.

I love that the base is simple and forgiving. If you cut the chicken small, it cooks quickly and stays juicy. If you want extra greens, you can toss in spinach at the end. If you want more rich flavor, a sprinkle of Parmesan goes a long way. It’s the kind of recipe that invites you to taste as you go and make it yours. When friends ask for a dinner that feels special with minimal fuss, I send them this.

On nights when I really need comfort, I call it my Heavenly Marry Me Chicken Gnocchi Soup for Cozy Nights. It’s a mouthful to say, but the name nails the feeling. One spoonful in, and suddenly the evening slows down, shoulders drop, and life feels kinder.

“I made this after a rough Monday and my husband asked if we could have it every week. It’s like a warm blanket in a bowl, and the leftovers taste even better.”

Steps for Making Marry Me Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Ingredients

1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced small
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon paprika
1 to 2 pinches red pepper flakes, to taste
1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, sliced
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
1 pound potato gnocchi (shelf-stable or fresh)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
2 cups baby spinach, roughly chopped
Salt and black pepper
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Step-by-Step

Warm the pot: Set a large pot over medium heat. Add olive oil, then the onion with a pinch of salt. Cook until soft and lightly golden. Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant.
Season and sear the chicken: Add diced chicken, Italian seasoning, paprika, and red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until the chicken turns opaque on the outside.
Build flavor: Stir in sun-dried tomatoes. Let them sizzle for a minute to wake up their flavor.
Add broth and simmer: Pour in chicken broth. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook until the chicken is cooked through and the broth tastes rich.
Make it creamy: Lower the heat and add the cream. Stir and let it warm up without boiling hard.
Cook the gnocchi: Add gnocchi to the pot. Gently simmer until they float and turn tender. This happens fast, so keep an eye on them.
Finish with cheese and greens: Stir in Parmesan until it melts. Add spinach and let it wilt. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
Serve: Ladle into bowls, top with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs. Breathe in the steam and get cozy.

Optional Add-Ins

For extra comfort, you can stir in crispy bacon bits at the end. For brightness, squeeze in a little lemon juice. For more veggies, add diced carrots with the onion or toss in peas when you add the spinach. No stress, just what you like.

If you want a simple showstopper name for your dinner menu, call it Heavenly Marry Me Chicken Gnocchi Soup for Cozy Nights. That title turns any Tuesday into something a little special.

Tips for Success

Cut chicken small and even. Small pieces cook quickly and stay tender. Aim for bite-size so each spoonful gets a little bit of everything.

Control the heat. Keep the pot at a gentle simmer once the cream is in. Boiling too hard can make the soup lose its silky texture.

Season in layers. Add a pinch of salt with the onions, then again after the chicken goes in, and once more when you add broth. Small pinches add up to balanced flavor.

Use the sun-dried tomato oil. If your jar has flavorful oil, use a spoonful in place of olive oil. It boosts the base in the best way.

Adjust thickness your way. If the soup is thicker than you like, splash in more broth. If you want it richer, add a touch more cream or another sprinkle of Parmesan.

Fresh vs shelf-stable gnocchi. Both work. Fresh cooks a touch faster. Shelf-stable is great for the pantry and holds its shape well.

Make it weeknight easy. Buy pre-chopped onions, peeled garlic, and even rotisserie chicken. Shred the chicken and add it when you add the cream. Dinner gets on the table faster with the same cozy payoff.

Once you make it a couple of times, the flow becomes second nature. You will find yourself making Heavenly Marry Me Chicken Gnocchi Soup for Cozy Nights without even checking the recipe.

Serving Suggestions

Crusty bread or garlic toast: Perfect for scooping up every last drop.
Simple salad: A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the creaminess.
Veg on the side: Roast broccoli or asparagus while the soup simmers.
Extra cheese: A small bowl of grated Parmesan on the table is never a bad idea.
Herb finish: A few leaves of basil or parsley make the bowls look and taste fresh.
Cozy drinks: A glass of chilled white wine, sparkling water with lemon, or hot tea.
Date night touch: Light a candle, call it Heavenly Marry Me Chicken Gnocchi Soup for Cozy Nights, and dinner feels instantly special.

Make-Ahead, Storage, & Reheating

Plan Ahead

You can chop the onion and garlic in the morning and keep them in the fridge. Dice the chicken and stash it in a sealed container. Dinner will come together fast later.

If hosting, cook the soup through the step where you add cream, then pause. When guests arrive, rewarm gently, add gnocchi and finish with cheese and spinach right before serving. The texture stays perfect that way.

Storage

Cool leftovers and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Because gnocchi keep soaking up liquid, you may need to add a splash of broth or water before reheating. The flavor deepens overnight and makes for a great lunch.

Reheating

Reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring now and then, until warmed through. Add a splash of broth or water if it feels too thick. You can also microwave in short bursts, stirring between rounds so it heats evenly.

If you plan to freeze, skip the gnocchi and spinach. Freeze the creamy chicken base up to 2 months. Thaw overnight, reheat gently, then add fresh gnocchi and spinach and simmer until tender and wilted.

Common Questions

Can I use rotisserie chicken? Yes. Shred about 3 cups and add it when you add the cream so it stays tender.

What if I only have half-and-half? Use it. The soup will be a little lighter but still creamy and comforting.

How spicy is this? The red pepper flakes add gentle warmth. Start with a small pinch and add more at the end if you like.

Can I make it gluten free? Use gluten free gnocchi and confirm your broth is certified gluten free. The rest is naturally friendly.

What vegetables can I add? Carrots, mushrooms, or kale are great. Add sturdier veggies earlier, and quick-cooking greens right at the end.

A Cozy Little Sendoff

There is something magical about a pot of soup that tastes like it took all day but came together in under an hour. This one brings creamy comfort, tender chicken, and pillowy gnocchi to the table with almost no stress. Keep it simple, season as you go, and let the aroma pull everyone into the kitchen. When you want warmth and calm in one bowl, you can count on this recipe. I hope you make it soon and feel how special a weeknight can be.