If you’re craving something irresistibly cozy and packed with flavor, this Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender shredded chicken mingling with pillowy potato gnocchi in a luscious, garlicky broth that’s perfectly creamy without being too heavy. Every bite is a hug in a bowl, filled with fresh spinach and a hint of Parmesan that elevates the whole experience. It’s a simple yet impressive soup that turns humble ingredients into something truly special, inviting you to savor warmth and comfort with every spoonful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this soup is wonderfully straightforward because it relies on a handful of essential ingredients, each playing a key role in building depth, texture, and vibrant flavor. From aromatic vegetables to creamy dairy and fresh greens, every component contributes to the heartiness and soul of the dish.
- Olive oil: For a gentle, fruity base to sauté your vegetables without overpowering other flavors.
- Unsalted butter: Adds a rich, velvety texture that enhances the soup’s creaminess.
- Yellow onion: Provides sweetness and a mild bite when diced and softened.
- Garlic cloves: Brings a fragrant, savory punch that defines the garlic in the soup’s name.
- Carrots: Introduce subtle sweetness and a pop of color while adding body to the broth.
- Celery stalks: Offer a crisp, herbal freshness to balance the creamy base.
- Italian seasoning: A classic herb blend that infuses warmth and complexity.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasoning for bringing all flavors to life.
- All-purpose flour: Serves as a thickening agent to create that perfect creamy consistency.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: The flavorful liquid foundation that carries every ingredient.
- Half-and-half or heavy cream: Elevates creaminess without heaviness, yielding a silky finish.
- Cooked shredded chicken: The protein star that makes the soup filling and satisfying.
- Potato gnocchi: Soft dumplings that soak up the broth’s richness, adding delightful chewiness.
- Fresh spinach: Adds a burst of vibrant color and gentle earthiness as it wilts.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: A savory, nutty topping that melts seamlessly into the soup.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Begin by warming olive oil and unsalted butter in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the diced yellow onion, carrots, and celery, sautéing them gently until they soften and release their sweetness, about five minutes. This foundational step builds the aromatic base for your soup and ensures every bite starts with depth.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Seasonings
Next, stir in the minced garlic along with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook for just a minute until the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned—this brings out the wonderful garlicky essence that’s central to this Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe.
Step 3: Create the Roux
Sprinkle the all-purpose flour evenly over the softened vegetables, stirring constantly to coat them well. This step is crucial as the flour will thicken the soup, giving it that irresistible creamy texture without needing heavy cream alone.
Step 4: Add Chicken Broth and Simmer
Slowly pour in the low-sodium chicken broth while whisking to combine everything smoothly. Scrape up any tasty browned bits stuck to the pot’s bottom—that’s where flavor lives! Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, letting it cook for five to seven minutes until it slightly thickens.
Step 5: Stir in Cream and Chicken
Pour in the half-and-half or heavy cream and add your cooked, shredded chicken. Stir to blend fully, warming the chicken through and enriching the broth into a silky, creamy base that’s pure comfort in a bowl.
Step 6: Cook the Gnocchi
Add the potato gnocchi directly into the pot and cook for four to five minutes until they float to the surface, indicating they’re tender and ready. Gnocchi bring a delightful cushy texture that makes this soup extra special.
Step 7: Finish with Spinach and Parmesan
Lastly, stir in the fresh spinach and grated Parmesan cheese, cooking just until the spinach wilts and the cheese melts into the broth. Give the soup a final taste and adjust seasoning if you like a bit more salt or pepper.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Garnishes
To make your serving truly shine, sprinkle some extra grated Parmesan on top along with a crack of fresh black pepper. If you love herbs, a few chopped fresh parsley or basil leaves add a lovely fresh note and colorful contrast.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs beautifully with warm, crusty bread or garlic knots, perfect for dipping into every last bit of that luscious broth. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette can also balance the richness nicely for a complete meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special touch, serve the soup in individual bowls lined with pretzel bread bowls or ramekins with toasted gnocchi on top as a crispy garnish. Another fun idea is to drizzle a little chili oil over the top for a subtle kick, giving the Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe an exciting twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftover soup to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to three days, making it a perfect make-ahead meal for busy evenings.
Freezing
You can freeze this soup, but since gnocchi can change texture after freezing, it’s best to freeze the soup without gnocchi—or add fresh gnocchi when reheating. Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to two months.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. If the soup is too thick, whisk in a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up. Add fresh gnocchi during reheating if you froze the soup separately.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that saves time and adds rich flavor. Just shred and add it during the step when the chicken is incorporated.
Is it possible to make this soup dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute half-and-half or heavy cream with coconut milk or another dairy-free cream alternative and skip the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free substitute for a creamy, comforting version.
Can I prepare the soup without gnocchi?
Sure! While gnocchi adds wonderful texture, you could swap it for small pasta shapes or even omit it entirely for a lighter soup focused on chicken and veggies.
How spicy is this soup?
By default, this soup is mild and creamy, perfect for all ages. If you want a bit of heat, you can easily add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper while cooking.
Can I make this ahead of time and reheat? Does it change the texture?
This soup reheats well, though the gnocchi might soften further. To maintain the best texture, consider storing gnocchi separately and adding fresh cooked gnocchi when reheating.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited as I am to dive into this Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe. It’s a cozy, flavorful dish that’s simple enough for any weeknight yet special enough to impress your favorite people. Give it a try, and you’ll discover why this soup quickly becomes a beloved go-to comfort meal in your kitchen.
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Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Kid-Friendly
Description
This Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a comforting and hearty one-pot meal perfect for chilly days. Packed with tender shredded chicken, soft potato gnocchi, fresh spinach, and a rich, creamy broth infused with garlic and Italian seasonings, it’s an easy stovetop recipe that combines warmth and flavor in every spoonful.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup half-and-half or heavy cream
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 (16-ounce) package potato gnocchi
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, sautéing for about 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add Aromatics and Seasoning: Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another minute until the garlic’s aroma is released.
- Create Roux: Sprinkle the flour evenly over the vegetables and stir well to coat, cooking briefly to remove the raw flour taste.
- Add Broth and Thicken: Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, scraping any bits from the bottom of the pot. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until the soup slightly thickens.
- Add Cream and Chicken: Stir in the half-and-half or heavy cream along with the cooked shredded chicken, combining thoroughly to warm the chicken through.
- Cook Gnocchi: Add the potato gnocchi to the soup and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes or until the gnocchi float to the surface and are tender.
- Finish with Spinach and Cheese: Stir in the fresh spinach and grated Parmesan cheese. Cook just until the spinach wilts and the cheese melts into the creamy broth.
- Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve warm, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- For a shortcut, substitute cooked shredded chicken with rotisserie chicken.
- To make this recipe dairy-free, use coconut milk instead of cream and omit the Parmesan cheese.
- Add red pepper flakes if you prefer a touch of heat in your soup.
