If you’re craving a soup that feels like a warm, comforting hug in a bowl, this Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. It brings together tender chunks of chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a silky garlic-infused cream base that’s bursting with fresh herbs and spinach. Every spoonful delivers rich flavors and satisfying textures, making it a perfect meal for any day you want to treat yourself to something cozy yet special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple and easy to find, yet each one plays a crucial role in building the rich, layered flavor and creamy texture that makes this soup so irresistible.
- Olive oil: Used for sautéing to add a subtle fruitiness and keep everything from sticking.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breast (or thighs): Provides succulent, tender bites of protein throughout the soup.
- Medium onion: Adds a naturally sweet depth when softened and caramelized with garlic.
- Garlic cloves: The star flavor that infuses the soup with its signature warmth and aroma.
- Dried thyme and rosemary: These herbs bring earthy, fragrant notes that complement the chicken and cream perfectly.
- Chicken broth: Creates the flavorful liquid base needed to meld all ingredients seamlessly.
- Heavy cream (or half-and-half): Gives the soup its luxuriously creamy texture and richness without overwhelming the other flavors.
- Gnocchi: Soft, pillowy dumplings that soak up the soup’s savory goodness and add delightful texture.
- Baby spinach (or kale): Adds vibrant color and fresh, slightly earthy contrast to the creamy soup.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance every component.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the soup, adding a subtle nutty sweetness and depth.
- Lemon juice (optional): A splash brightens the whole bowl, lifting the creamy flavors with gentle acidity.
- Extra Parmesan and fresh parsley: For garnish, delivering an inviting visual and burst of fresh flavor.
- Crusty bread: Ideal for dipping, soaking up every last drop of this hearty soup.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Start by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Season your diced chicken with salt and pepper before adding it to the pan. Cook until the chicken is nicely browned and cooked through, which usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. The seared edges add wonderful flavor, and removing it before building the soup base prevents overcooking.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same pot, add the remaining olive oil, then toss in the chopped onion. Let it soften until it’s translucent and sweet, about 3 to 4 minutes. Next comes the garlic, thyme, and rosemary—these will fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma as they cook gently for another 1 to 2 minutes, awakening the base flavors.
Step 3: Make the Soup Base
Pour in the chicken broth, stirring everything to combine all those fragrant bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. Bring the soup to a simmer and let it gently bubble for around 10 minutes. This resting time lets the flavors deepen and develop, setting a solid foundation for your soup.
Step 4: Cook the Gnocchi
Add your gnocchi directly into the simmering broth. They’ll begin to soften and float to the surface after about 3 or 4 minutes—this is your signal that they’re perfectly cooked. Cooking them in the broth ensures each bite soaks up the savory goodness.
Step 5: Add the Cream
Once the gnocchi float, stir in the heavy cream. Let the soup simmer gently for an additional 5 to 7 minutes; this allows the cream to thicken the broth and the gnocchi to absorb even more flavor, making the soup irresistibly velvety.
Step 6: Add Spinach and Chicken
Return the cooked chicken to the pot along with your baby spinach or kale. Stir just until the greens wilt and the chicken warms through again. This final touch adds freshness and color, balancing the richness of the cream.
Step 7: Finish with Cheese and Seasoning
Sprinkle in grated Parmesan cheese and, if you like, a splash of lemon juice to brighten the flavor profile. Adjust salt and pepper according to your taste. The cheese melts into the creamy broth, adding a nutty depth while the lemon lifts the entire bowl with a subtle zing.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Garnishes
For a show-stopping presentation and a burst of fresh flavor, top your soup with extra grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley. These garnishes not only make the soup more visually appealing but also add layers of taste and aroma that invite you to dig right in.
Side Dishes
Serve this hearty soup with a side of crusty bread or garlic bread—it’s perfect for sopping up the luscious broth. A simple green salad or roasted vegetables can also be excellent companions, adding some crunch and balance to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For entertaining, serve the soup in small clear bowls or mugs so guests can admire the colors and textures. You can also offer a Parmesan crisp on top or swirl in some pesto for an extra touch of elegance and flavor contrast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more overnight, making leftovers delicious—just be mindful the gnocchi can soften over time.
Freezing
Freezing Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe is possible but with some caveats. Because cream and gnocchi can change texture when frozen, it’s best to freeze the soup before adding the cream and gnocchi. Freeze the base broth and cooked chicken separately, then add cream and fresh gnocchi when reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your soup gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. If reheated from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge first. After warming, add fresh gnocchi and cream if you removed them prior, then heat through until piping hot.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought gnocchi for this soup?
Absolutely! Store-bought gnocchi works wonderfully and saves you time without sacrificing the delicious texture and flavor that gnocchi brings to this soup. Just cook it directly in the broth as per the recipe.
Is there a lighter version of this Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe?
Yes! To lighten the soup, substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or even whole milk. Keep in mind the soup will be less rich but still comforting and flavorful.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Definitely. Chicken thighs add a bit more richness and stay tender, making them a fantastic swap if you prefer a slightly deeper flavor and juicier texture in your chicken pieces.
How do I make sure the gnocchi doesn’t get mushy?
The best way is to add the gnocchi near the end of cooking and only cook them until they float to the surface, which means they’re done. Avoid overcooking by removing the soup from the heat soon after that.
Can I prepare this soup ahead of time for a gathering?
Yes! You can prepare most of the soup base and chicken in advance. Before your event, finish by adding the gnocchi, cream, and greens. This keeps everything fresh and delicious for your guests.
Final Thoughts
If you want a bowl of soul-soothing comfort food that feels special without fuss, this Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe is a must-try. From the tender chicken to the soft gnocchi and luscious garlic cream broth, it’s a dish that invites you to cozy up and savor every bite. Trust me, once you make this soup, it’ll become one of your go-to favorites for chilly nights and anytime you need a little delicious magic.
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Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This creamy garlic chicken gnocchi soup is a comforting, hearty dish featuring tender chicken, fluffy gnocchi, and a rich, flavorful broth enriched with cream, garlic, and fresh herbs. Perfect for a cozy meal, it combines savory flavors with nutritious spinach and Parmesan cheese for a delightful one-pot dinner.
Ingredients
Protein and Produce
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast (or thighs), diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups baby spinach (or kale, if preferred)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Herbs and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme)
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary (or 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for a bright finish)
Liquids and Dairy
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Extra Parmesan cheese (for serving)
Carbohydrates
- 1 package (16 oz) gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
Accompaniments
- Crusty bread (for serving)
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pot, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Then add the minced garlic, thyme, and rosemary, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Make the Soup Base: Pour in the chicken broth, stirring to combine with the onions and garlic. Bring the soup to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Cook the Gnocchi: Add the gnocchi to the pot and stir gently. Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the gnocchi start to float to the top.
- Add Cream and Thicken: Once gnocchi are floating, add the heavy cream and stir well. Let the soup simmer for another 5-7 minutes, allowing it to thicken and the gnocchi to absorb some flavors.
- Add Spinach and Chicken: Return the cooked chicken to the pot along with the spinach (or kale). Stir until the spinach wilts and the chicken is heated through.
- Finish the Soup: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and lemon juice (if using). Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, topping with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot with crusty bread for dipping.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half.
- Gnocchi can be store-bought or homemade based on your preference.
- You can swap spinach with kale for a different leafy green option.
- Lemon juice is optional but adds a nice brightness to the soup.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat gently on the stovetop.
