Trader Joes Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

This creamy, comforting Trader Joes Chicken Gnocchi Soup is made with the famous mirepoix mix, pillowy potato gnocchi, and tender rotisserie chicken, ready in just 25 minutes. The rich broth thickens beautifully as the gnocchi simmers, creating a luxurious texture that rivals any restaurant version. I love how this semi-homemade recipe tastes like it took hours but uses smart shortcuts to get dinner on the table fast.

Restaurant-Quality At Home

I used to drive to Olive Garden specifically for their famous soup, but once I realized I could recreate it with a few staples from Trader Joe’s, I never looked back. Using the pre-chopped mirepoix and rotisserie chicken saves massive amounts of prep time without sacrificing that slow-simmered flavor we all crave.

The first time I made this, I made the mistake of boiling the gnocchi separately, which made them too soft and didn’t allow the starch to thicken the soup. The secret is definitely cooking the gnocchi directly in the broth; it releases just enough starch to create that velvety consistency without needing a heavy roux.

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Trader Joes Chicken Gnocchi Soup Ingredients

• 1 container Trader Joe’s Mirepoix (onion, carrot, celery mix)
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon Dried thyme
• 4 cups Trader Joe’s Organic Chicken Broth
• 1 package (16 oz) Trader Joe’s Shelf-Stable Potato Gnocchi
• 2 cups Cooked chicken, shredded (TJ’s Rotisserie Chicken or Roasted Chicken Breast)
• 1 cup Heavy cream
• 2 cups Fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper

How To Make Trader Joes Chicken Gnocchi Soup

1. Sauté the Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the container of mirepoix and cook for 5-7 minutes until the onions are translucent and the carrots are slightly tender. Stir in the minced garlic and thyme, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
2. Simmer the Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
3. Cook Gnocchi and Chicken: Add the shredded chicken and the package of gnocchi directly into the pot. Simmer for 3-4 minutes, or until the gnocchi floats to the surface and is tender.
4. Finish with Cream: Stir in the heavy cream and fresh spinach. Cook for just 1-2 minutes until the spinach is wilted and the soup is hot and creamy. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

Recipe Tips

• Don’t Overcook the Gnocchi: Potato gnocchi cooks very quickly. Once they float, they are done. If you leave them boiling too long, they can become gummy and break apart in the soup.
• Thicken if Desired: If you prefer a thicker, chowder-like consistency, you can mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with a splash of cold water and stir it in when you add the cream.
• Use the Right Chicken: Trader Joe’s sells “Just Chicken” strips which are great, but grabbing a whole rotisserie chicken gives you better flavor and texture for a fraction of the price.
• Cauliflower Option: You can swap the potato gnocchi for TJ’s Cauliflower Gnocchi for a lighter version, but add them frozen and don’t stir too vigorously as they are more delicate.

What To Serve With Chicken Gnocchi Soup

This rich soup pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad tossed in a sharp vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess. A warm baguette or garlic breadsticks are also essential for dipping into the savory broth and scooping up the last bits of veggies.

How To Store

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth if it has thickened too much in the fridge. Freezing is not recommended as the cream may separate and the gnocchi can become mushy upon thawing.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen gnocchi instead of shelf-stable? Yes, you can use frozen gnocchi. You don’t need to thaw them first; just add them directly to the simmering broth and cook for an extra minute or two until they float.
• Is this soup gluten-free? The standard recipe uses wheat flour in the gnocchi. To make it gluten-free, use a certified gluten-free gnocchi brand or Trader Joe’s Cauliflower Gnocchi (check the label to ensure it meets your dietary needs).
• Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream? Yes, half-and-half works well for a lighter soup, though it won’t be quite as rich. You might need to use a cornstarch slurry to help thicken the broth if you make this swap.

Nutrition

• Calories: 380
• Total Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Cholesterol: 85mg
• Sodium: 920mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 32g
• Protein: 22g