About Caprese Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Caprese Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a delightful fusion of Italian and modern comfort cuisine. It combines the classic Italian caprese flavors—fresh tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella—with tender chicken and soft, pillowy gnocchi, a traditional Italian dumpling.
This blend of Mediterranean ingredients with a creamy, rich broth brings together the best of Italian simplicity and hearty, comforting soups, making it a perfect dish for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
The fresh, vibrant elements of Italian cuisine shine through in every warm, satisfying bite.
What is Gnocchi?
Gnocchi (pronounced “nyo-kee”) is a type of Italian dumpling, usually made from potatoes, flour, and eggs.
These small, soft pillows are traditionally boiled and served with sauce but work wonderfully in soups too, adding a unique, tender texture.
If you’ve never had gnocchi before, this soup is a great way to introduce it to your meals—it’s a comforting alternative to pasta with a more delicate bite.
Why I Love This Recipe
This recipe has quickly become a family favorite in my household. It’s the perfect mix of comfort and freshness, with the creamy broth wrapping around the gnocchi, chicken, and tomatoes.
I also love how easy it is to customize. Some days I add a bit of pesto for extra basil flavor, while on others I sneak in some extra veggies like spinach or mushrooms.
One of my biggest tips when making this soup is to use good-quality mozzarella. Fresh mozzarella pearls melt perfectly and create those delightful gooey cheese pulls that make every bite extra special.
Don’t skimp on the fresh basil either—it really brings the caprese flavor to life. This is one of those soups that looks and tastes like it took hours to make, but really comes together in under 30 minutes.
Caprese Chicken Gnocchi Soup Ingredients
Here’s everything you need to make this creamy, flavor-packed soup:
Chicken Breasts -Chicken adds protein and makes the soup filling. I usually use boneless, skinless chicken breasts, but you could also use chicken thighs for a richer flavor.
Gnocchi-Store-bought gnocchi works well here, though homemade gnocchi would take it up a notch! They absorb the flavors of the broth beautifully and provide a lovely, pillowy texture.
Fresh Basil-Basil gives the soup a fresh, herbaceous flavor. I recommend using fresh basil for that classic caprese taste, but dried basil will work in a pinch.
Cherry Tomatoes/ Roma tomatoes-Sweet cherry tomatoes burst with flavor and color in this soup, pairing perfectly with the creaminess of the broth.
Garlic -Garlic enhances the savory base and gives the soup a cozy, home-cooked feel.
Mozzarella Pearls-The mozzarella gets soft and gooey in the hot soup, giving you those delightful cheesy bites that make the caprese combination so irresistible.
Chicken Broth-This serves as the base of the soup, creating a savory backdrop for the other ingredients. I prefer using low-sodium broth so I can control the saltiness.
Heavy Cream – Cream makes the soup rich and comforting. If you’re looking to cut calories, you could swap it with half-and-half, but it won’t be as thick.
Olive Oil -Used for sautéing the garlic and tomatoes, adding a slight richness to the soup.
Salt and Pepper – Essential for balancing the flavors in the soup.
Balsamic Vinegar: This rich, tangy vinegar adds a wonderful depth of flavor to the soup, enhancing the freshness of the tomatoes and basil while providing a touch of sweetness.
Sugar: A small amount of sugar can be added to balance the acidity of the tomatoes, rounding out the flavors and creating a harmonious taste in the soup.
How to Make Caprese Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Cook the Chicken:
1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into julienne strips. Heat oil in a pan and sauté the chopped garlic until fragrant.
Add the chicken, along with salt and and pepper cook until the chicken is done. Remove from the pan.
Sauté the Garlic and Tomatoes:
Add more olive oil to the same pan, then add 1 teaspoon of chopped garlic along with the chopped  shallots, cherry tomatoes,dried basil,chili flakes or mixed italian herbs. Sauté over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, until the garlic is fragrant and the tomatoes begin to soften.
Add tomato paste,stir to combine.
Cover and cook for an additional 5 minutes, then mash the tomatoes with a spatula.
Add the Vegetable Broth,Gnocchi & Cooked Chicken:
Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Cook for about 5 minutes to let the flavors of the garlic and tomatoes infuse into the broth.
Next, add the gnocchi and the cooked chicken, along with 1 teaspoon of salt, balsamic vinegar, and granulated sugar.
Simmer for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until the gnocchi are tender and start to float to the top.
If using shredded chicken, add it after the gnocchi have cooked.
Finish with Basil and Mozzarella & Heavy Cream:
Slowly stir in the heavy cream over very low heat and simmer for just one minute. Right before serving, add the fresh basil. Ladle the soup into bowls and top with mozzarella pearls, allowing the cheese to melt slightly into the hot soup.
Taste Variations of Caprese Chicken Gnocchi Soup
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or chopped fresh chili to give the soup a bit of heat.
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken and add more vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms. You could also add white beans for protein.
- Pesto Variation: Stir in a spoonful of basil pesto for an extra hit of basil flavor and a richer, herby taste.
- Broth-Based: If you want a lighter soup, reduce or omit the cream, making it more like a brothy gnocchi soup. It’s still delicious and a bit lighter for summer months.
How to Store and Reheat Caprese Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Storing: Once the soup has cooled down, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: You can reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave. The gnocchi may absorb some of the broth as it sits, so feel free to add a splash of water or broth when reheating to bring it back to the right consistency.
Freezing: Gnocchi doesn’t freeze well in soup as it can become mushy when thawed. If you want to freeze the soup, I suggest making the soup without the gnocchi, freezing it, and then adding fresh gnocchi when you reheat it.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of mozzarella?
Yes! If you don’t have mozzarella, provolone or even grated parmesan would work well. Mozzarella gives that signature caprese taste, but other melty cheeses can be delicious too.
What kind of tomatoes should I use?
Roma tomatoes are a traditional choice for soups and sauces with an Italian flair, but beefsteak tomatoes would also be a great option. If fresh tomatoes are out of season, you can substitute with a can of whole peeled or crushed tomatoes for convenience.
Can I make this soup gluten-free?
Absolutely. Simply swap out regular gnocchi for gluten-free gnocchi, which is widely available at most grocery stores.
Can I use homemade gnocchi?
Yes, you can definitely use homemade gnocchi! It will add a fresh and authentic touch to the soup.
How do I make this soup dairy-free?
To make this soup dairy-free, you can substitute the cream with a plant-based milk like coconut milk, almond milk, or oat milk. For the mozzarella, use a dairy-free alternative like a vegan mozzarella-style cheese.
Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
Yes, if you don’t have cherry tomatoes on hand, you can use canned diced tomatoes. I recommend using fire-roasted tomatoes for a little extra flavor.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the soup ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just note that the gnocchi may absorb some of the broth, so you might need to add more liquid when reheating.
Can I use different toppings?
Absolutely! You can switch up the toppings based on your preference. Try adding freshly grated Parmesan, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for heat, or even toasted pine nuts for added texture.
You could also swap croutons for garlic bread on the side or drizzle with pesto for an extra burst of flavor.
Easy Creamy Caprese Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Description
This Caprese Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a fusion of Italian caprese flavors with a hearty, creamy base. With chicken for protein, gnocchi for texture, and basil, tomatoes, and mozzarella for those classic caprese elements, this soup is both cozy and vibrant.
FOR CHICKEN:
FOR SOUP:
FOR GNOCCHI:
FOR TOPPINGS:
Instructions
-
Cook Chicken:
-
Sauté Garlic and Tomatoes:
- Add more olive oil to the same pan, then add 1 teaspoon of chopped garlic along with the chopped shallots,cherry tomatoes,dried basil,chili flakes or mixed italian herbs.
- Sauté over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, until the garlic is fragrant and the tomatoes begin to soften.
- Add tomato paste,stir to combine.
- Cover and cook for an additional 5 minutes, then mash the tomatoes with a spatula.
-
Add the Vegetable Broth,Gnocchi & Cooked Chicken:Prepare Soup:
-
Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer.
-
Cook for about 5 minutes to let the flavors of the garlic and tomatoes infuse into the broth.
Next, add the gnocchi and the cooked chicken, along with 1 teaspoon of salt, balsamic vinegar, and granulated sugar.
Simmer for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until the gnocchi are tender and start to float to the top.
If using shredded chicken, add it after the gnocchi have cooked.
-
-
Finish with Basil and Mozzarella & Heavy Cream:
- Slowly stir in the heavy cream over very low heat and simmer for just one minute.
- Right before serving, add the fresh basil.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and top with mozzarella pearls, allowing the cheese to melt slightly into the hot soup.
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 400kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 25g39%
- Sodium 800mg34%
- Total Carbohydrate 30g10%
- Dietary Fiber 3g12%
- Sugars 5g
- Protein 25g50%
- Calcium 10 mg
- Iron 8 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- Reheating: When reheating, you might need to add extra broth or water, as the gnocchi can absorb liquid.
- Customizable: You can easily make this soup vegetarian by omitting the chicken and adding more veggies.
- Storage: Store the soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, but note that gnocchi can become softer when reheated.
While this recipe takes some cues from Delish.com, I’ve given it a creative spin to suit my style.
