If you’re searching for a comforting, rich, and satisfying bowl to warm your soul, look no further than this Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup with Garlic Recipe. This dish masterfully blends tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a luscious creamy broth infused with the perfect hint of garlic. Every spoonful offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures, making it a go-to for cozy nights or whenever you need a hearty meal that feels like a warm hug.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to nailing the perfect bowl of Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup with Garlic Recipe. Each item plays a vital role here — from building the base flavors to adding lovely textures and vibrant color that together create a beautifully harmonious dish.
- Olive oil: A tablespoon provides a smooth base for sautéing and enriches flavors without overpowering.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Diced for tender chunks that soak up all the creamy goodness.
- Medium onion: Chopped and sautéed to bring subtle sweetness and depth.
- Garlic cloves: Minced finely to infuse the broth with that irresistible aromatic punch.
- Chicken broth: The flavorful liquid foundation that makes the soup hearty and savory.
- Heavy cream: Adds luscious creaminess that transforms the soup into a velvety delight.
- Package of gnocchi (16 oz): Soft, pillowy dumplings that soak up the broth beautifully and make every bite special.
- Chopped spinach: Provides fresh, vibrant green color and a subtle earthiness.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that lifts the entire soup with fragrant notes.
- Salt and pepper: Essential to balance and enhance every element of the dish.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup with Garlic Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced chicken, cooking it until browned on all sides. This step seals in the juices and adds a gorgeous golden color. Once cooked through, remove the chicken and set it aside — this way, you’ll keep the chicken tender and avoid overcooking it later.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
In the same pot, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cooking them together for 3 to 4 minutes allows the onion to soften and the garlic to release its irresistible aroma. This fragrant mix forms the flavorful base for the soup’s broth, creating an inviting depth of flavor.
Step 3: Add the Broth and Gnocchi
Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Once bubbling, stir in the gnocchi and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 3 minutes. The gnocchi absorb the broth’s savory notes while adding a wonderful, pillow-soft texture that pairs perfectly with the rich soup.
Step 4: Return the Chicken and Add Cream
Return the cooked chicken to the pot along with the heavy cream and chopped spinach. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning and season everything with salt and pepper to taste. Let the soup simmer gently for about 5 minutes until it thickens just right and the spinach wilts tenderly. This step melds all flavors together beautifully, turning the dish into a creamy, hearty classic.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Give the soup a final taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Ladle the piping hot Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup with Garlic Recipe into bowls, ready to warm you up from the inside out. This is the moment to indulge in comfort food at its finest.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup with Garlic Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can elevate your soup experience. A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan brings a savory, salty touch that complements the creaminess perfectly. You might also add a few torn basil leaves or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of color and subtle heat.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with a crusty piece of bread or garlic breadsticks, which are perfect for soaking up the luscious broth. A light side salad with lemon vinaigrette can also provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the soup.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your soup in mini bread bowls to turn it into a charming centerpiece at your table. You can also garnish with crispy pancetta bits or toasted pine nuts for unexpected texture and flavor contrasts. Presentation like this makes the meal feel even more special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup with Garlic Recipe stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep in mind that the soup will thicken further as it cools. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just reheat gently on the stove with a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the consistency.
Freezing
This soup can be frozen, but because of the cream and gnocchi, the texture might change slightly upon thawing. Freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. To maintain the best texture, you can freeze the soup without the gnocchi and add fresh gnocchi when reheating.
Reheating
Reheat the soup over low to medium heat on the stove, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even warming. If the soup looks too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore that silky consistency you love about Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup with Garlic Recipe.
FAQs
Can I use other types of gnocchi for this soup?
Absolutely! While potato gnocchi is classic, you can experiment with other varieties like sweet potato or spinach gnocchi to add a new layer of flavor and color to the soup.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
Yes! Simply swap the chicken breasts for hearty mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a delicious vegetarian version that still boasts rich, comforting flavors.
How can I make this soup healthier?
To lighten the soup, try substituting half-and-half or milk for the heavy cream, and use more leafy greens like kale or Swiss chard along with spinach. Using skinless chicken breast keeps the protein lean.
Can I prepare this soup in a slow cooker?
You can! Brown the chicken separately and then combine all ingredients in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4 to 6 hours, adding the cream and spinach near the end to avoid overcooking.
What’s the secret to preventing the gnocchi from getting mushy?
Cook the gnocchi just until tender and add them towards the end of cooking. Avoid overcooking or simmering too long after adding them, as they break down quickly and can lose their delightful texture.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup with Garlic Recipe is a true kitchen gem that combines simplicity with richness in every spoonful. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again when you crave something warming, filling, and bursting with flavor. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give it a try and make it part of your weeknight rotation — trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
Print
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 with Garlic is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for a cozy meal. Tender diced chicken breasts are sautéed to a golden brown, then simmered with soft gnocchi, fresh spinach, garlic, and Italian seasoning in a rich, creamy broth. Ready in just 30 minutes, this soup combines the warm flavors of garlic and herbs with the satisfying texture of potato gnocchi for a delicious weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Main 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. Remove chicken and set aside to keep warm.
- Sauté the Onion and Garlic: In the same pot, add chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until they become soft and fragrant, creating a flavorful base for the soup.
- Add the Broth and Gnocchi: Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Stir in the gnocchi and cook according to the package instructions, about 3 minutes, until they float and are tender.
- Return the Chicken and Add Cream: Add the cooked chicken back into the pot. Stir in the heavy cream, chopped spinach, and Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld.
- Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve the soup hot for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Notes
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version.
- Frozen spinach can be used instead of fresh; just thaw and drain excess water before adding.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of white wine when sautéing onions and garlic.
- Gnocchi can be replaced with small pasta like tortellini if preferred.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
