If you’re craving a heartwarming bowl that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, then this Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup with Garlic Recipe is exactly what you need. Loaded with tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and fragrant garlic, all swimming in a luscious creamy broth, this soup is the ultimate comfort food that’s simple to make yet rich in flavors. It’s perfect for family dinners or when you want to impress friends with a cozy homemade dish that feels gourmet but comes together in no time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, fresh ingredients are the secret to this soup’s irresistible taste. Each component plays a special role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color that make every spoonful memorable.
- Olive oil: For that smooth sauté base that brings out the best in chicken and aromatics.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Tender protein that soaks up all the lovely flavors in the broth.
- Medium onion: Adds a mellow sweetness and depth when sautéed to perfection.
- Garlic cloves: The star flavor booster, infusing the soup with that signature savory punch.
- Chicken broth: Creates the comforting, savory liquid foundation that carries all the ingredients.
- Heavy cream: Gives the soup its signature creamy texture and rich mouthfeel.
- Gnocchi: Soft, pillow-like dumplings that add delightful chewiness and body.
- Spinach: Adds a fresh green pop and a subtle earthiness to balance the creaminess.
- Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that rounds out the soup’s flavor profile beautifully.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to brighten and enhance every element without overpowering.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup with Garlic Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat and add the diced chicken breasts. Cook until they’re beautifully browned on all sides, which locks in juiciness and adds a lovely caramelized flavor. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside to keep warm.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
Using the same pot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens and becomes fragrant. This step creates the aromatic base that gives the soup its inviting, savory depth.
Step 3: Add the Broth and Gnocchi
Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Stir in the gnocchi and let them cook according to the package instructions, usually around 3 minutes, until they float and become tender. The gnocchi soak up the broth, adding a satisfying chewiness to every bite.
Step 4: Return the Chicken and Add Cream
Bring the browned chicken back into the pot along with the heavy cream, chopped spinach, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let everything simmer for about 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to marry, the soup to thicken slightly, and the spinach to wilt, adding vitality and color.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Give the soup a final taste and adjust seasoning as desired. Ladle it into bowls and serve immediately, enjoying the comforting blend of creamy broth, tender chicken, and garlicky goodness.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup with Garlic Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes is a simple way to elevate and personalize your Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup with Garlic Recipe. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese or a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley not only adds vibrant color but also a burst of fresh flavor that balances the richness of the soup perfectly.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or garlic toast, perfect for dunking into the creamy soup and savoring every last drop. A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the richness and keeps the meal balanced and fresh.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls or ramekins topped with an herby drizzle of olive oil. You can also garnish with crispy bacon bits or sautéed mushrooms to add textural contrast and deepen the flavor profile.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup with Garlic Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days. Keep in mind that the gnocchi can absorb some broth over time, so the soup might thicken after resting.
Freezing
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze this soup for up to 2 months. To preserve the creaminess, freeze the soup without the cream first and add it fresh when reheating. This keeps the texture smooth and prevents any separation.
Reheating
Reheat gently over low to medium heat on the stove, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore its creamy consistency before serving. Avoid microwaving as it may cause uneven heating.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that cuts down cooking time. Just shred and add it in Step 4 when adding the cream and spinach to warm through.
Is gnocchi the only pasta option I can use in this soup?
While gnocchi gives this soup its signature texture, you could substitute small pasta shapes like mini shells or orzo if gnocchi isn’t available. Keep cooking times in mind to avoid overcooking.
Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Yes! Replace the heavy cream with coconut milk or a cashew cream for a dairy-free version. The soup will still be creamy without sacrificing flavor, though the garlic and seasoning become even more important to enhance the taste.
Is this soup suitable for freezing with gnocchi?
It’s best to freeze the soup without cooking the gnocchi beforehand, as gnocchi can become mushy after freezing and reheating. Add fresh gnocchi when you’re ready to eat for the best texture.
Can I add other vegetables to the Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup with Garlic Recipe?
Definitely! Mushrooms, carrots, or celery make great additions. Sauté them with the onion and garlic in Step 2 to deepen the flavor and add more nutrition and color to your soup.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup with Garlic Recipe is truly one of those dishes that feels like a little celebration in a bowl. It delivers comfort and flavor in every spoonful, and with its straightforward steps and everyday ingredients, it’s a joy to make anytime you want something nourishing and delicious. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite go-to soup.
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Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup with Garlic Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This creamy chicken gnocchi soup is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for a cozy meal. Tender diced chicken, pillowy gnocchi, fresh spinach, and a flavorful blend of garlic and Italian seasoning come together in a rich, creamy broth. Ready in just 30 minutes, this soup is ideal for busy weeknights and serves 4.
Ingredients
Soup Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 package (16 oz) gnocchi
- 1 cup spinach, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced chicken and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from the pot and set aside.
- Sauté the Onion and Garlic: In the same pot, add chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes soft and fragrant but not browned.
- Add the Broth and Gnocchi: Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, stir in the gnocchi and cook according to package instructions, usually about 3 minutes, until the gnocchi float to the top.
- Return the Chicken and Add Cream: Add the cooked chicken back into the pot along with the heavy cream, chopped spinach, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the soup to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld.
- Serve: Taste the soup and adjust seasonings if needed. Serve hot, garnished with extra spinach or Parmesan if desired. Enjoy your creamy chicken gnocchi soup!
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- You can swap fresh spinach with kale or Swiss chard for variation.
- The soup thickens as it cools, so reheat gently with a splash of broth.
- For added flavor, garnish with freshly grated Parmesan or chopped fresh herbs such as parsley or basil.
- Make sure not to overcook the gnocchi, as it can become mushy.
