If you’re craving a bowl of comfort that feels like a warm hug, the Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. This luscious, hearty soup combines tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a garlic-infused creamy broth that’ll have you swooning from the very first spoonful. It’s the perfect dish to cozy up with on any night, effortlessly marrying simple ingredients to create a flavor-packed, satisfying experience. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned pro, this soup promises to become a beloved staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These straightforward ingredients come together beautifully to build layers of flavor, texture, and color that bring this soup to life. Each component plays an essential role—from the garlic’s aromatic punch to the gnocchi’s tender bite.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a subtle fruitiness and helps cook the chicken evenly without sticking.
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter: Provides richness and a silky mouthfeel to the base of the soup.
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced: The hearty protein that makes this soup filling and nourishing.
- 1 small onion, diced: Offers a natural sweetness and depth, softening beautifully as it cooks.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the broth with its signature aromatic, robust flavor.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the soup into a luxuriously creamy texture.
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth: The savory foundation that carries all the flavors together.
- 1 cup whole milk: Adds creaminess without overpowering the delicate flavors.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Elevates the soup to silky richness and indulgence.
- 1 pound potato gnocchi: Soft dumplings that soak up the broth and create delightful bites.
- 1 cup shredded carrots: Brings a subtle sweetness and vibrant color contrast.
- 1 cup chopped fresh spinach: Adds freshness, nutrition, and a lovely pop of green.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme: Contributes an earthy, herbal note to balance the richness.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil: Introduces a sweet, slightly peppery undertone.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Gives just the right amount of gentle heat.
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Delivers salty, nutty depth and finishes the soup beautifully.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Start by heating the olive oil and butter together over medium heat in a large pot. Add the diced chicken and let it cook for about 5 to 6 minutes until it’s lightly browned and cooked all the way through. This step ensures that the chicken stays juicy and adds that irresistible meaty flavor to the soup. Once done, remove the chicken and set it aside for later.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same pot, toss in the diced onion and sauté for about 3 to 4 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent. Then stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until you can smell its wonderful fragrance filling the kitchen. These aromatics are the heart of your soup, bringing that cozy, home-cooked essence into every bite.
Step 3: Build the Roux and Add Liquids
Sprinkle the all-purpose flour evenly over the softened onions and garlic, stirring constantly for 1 to 2 minutes. This roux will thicken your soup beautifully, creating the creamy texture we all crave. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth bit by bit to avoid lumps, then pour in the whole milk and heavy cream. Bring everything to a gentle simmer, which will meld the flavors perfectly and start to thicken your soup base.
Step 4: Add Gnocchi and Vegetables
Now for the fun part — add the potato gnocchi, shredded carrots, thyme, basil, salt, and pepper to the pot. Let it simmer for about 3 to 5 minutes until the gnocchi float to the surface and become tender. This is when the soup really starts to come alive with texture and bright pops of flavor.
Step 5: Finish with Chicken, Spinach, and Parmesan
Return the cooked chicken back to the pot along with the chopped fresh spinach and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Cook everything together for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the spinach wilts and the soup thickens just right. Give it a taste and adjust any seasoning if needed — this finishing touch ties the whole dish together in an unforgettable way.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Garnishes
To make this soup pop even more at the table, sprinkle extra Parmesan or a handful of fresh chopped parsley or basil on top. A crack of fresh black pepper or a drizzle of good-quality olive oil adds an enticing finishing flourish that will wow your guests or family.
Side Dishes
This creamy soup pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to balance the richness. Or, serve it alongside crusty garlic bread or warm focaccia to soak up every last drop of the delicious broth.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to take presentation up a notch, serve the soup in rustic bowls with a small cheese board on the side featuring Parmesan shards and olives. Or try hollowing out small bread bowls to ladle in the soup for a stunning and fun edible vessel everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
The Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe stores wonderfully in the fridge. Transfer leftovers into an airtight container and keep for up to 3 days. This makes it an ideal recipe for meal prepping or saving time on busy nights.
Freezing
While the soup tastes amazing fresh, freezing gnocchi soups can sometimes change the texture of the dumplings, causing them to become a bit mushy. If you want to freeze, it’s best to store the broth and cooked chicken separately from the gnocchi and vegetables, then combine and warm gently before serving.
Reheating
When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat to prevent curdling or overcooking. Add a splash of extra chicken broth or milk to restore the creamy consistency since the gnocchi absorb liquid as they sit.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken for this soup?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that delivers plenty of flavor and saves cooking time. Just shred it and add it during the final step of the soup.
Is there a way to make this soup lighter?
Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or even use just whole milk to reduce the fat while still keeping the soup creamy and satisfying.
Can I substitute fresh spinach with frozen?
You can use frozen spinach if needed, but be sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly before adding to avoid excess water diluting the soup flavor.
How do I know when the gnocchi is done?
The gnocchi are perfectly cooked when they float to the surface and have a tender, pillowy texture that yields easily to a fork.
Can I prepare any parts of this soup ahead of time?
You can dice the chicken and chop the vegetables in advance to speed up the cooking process. Making the broth and roux part can also be done ahead, letting you assemble and finish the soup quickly.
Final Thoughts
The Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe is a true celebration of cozy, comforting flavors and effortless cooking. It’s one of those dishes you’ll want to make again and again, whether for family dinners or impressing friends. So grab your pot and dive in — this soup is waiting to become your new favorite comfort meal!
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Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Nut-Free
Description
This creamy garlic chicken gnocchi soup is a comforting and hearty meal perfect for any day. It features tender chicken, pillowy potato gnocchi, and fresh vegetables simmered in a rich, flavorful broth made creamy with milk and heavy cream. With fragrant herbs and Parmesan cheese, this soup delivers a delicious Italian-American twist that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Protein and Dairy
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Vegetables
- 1 small onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup chopped fresh spinach
Pantry Staples
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 pound potato gnocchi
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Sauté the Chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and cook for 5 to 6 minutes until lightly browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, add the diced onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Make the Roux and Add Liquids: Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed onions and garlic. Stir continuously for 1 to 2 minutes to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth until the mixture is smooth. Then add the milk and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer.
- Add Gnocchi and Vegetables: Stir in the potato gnocchi, shredded carrots, dried thyme, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 3 to 5 minutes, until the gnocchi float to the top and are tender.
- Finish the Soup: Return the cooked chicken to the pot. Add the chopped fresh spinach and the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the spinach is wilted and the soup has thickened slightly.
- Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. Serve the soup warm for a comforting meal.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time on preparation.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- When reheating, add extra broth or water as the gnocchi will absorb liquid and thicken the soup.
