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If you are craving a dish that wraps you up in warmth and comfort, the Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup with Garlic Recipe is your new best friend. This soup pairs tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and fresh spinach in a luxuriously creamy broth bursting with garlic and Italian herbs. Every spoonful feels like a gentle hug, perfect for chilly evenings or any time you want something hearty but oh-so-satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on a few simple yet crucial ingredients that come together to create a symphony of flavors and textures. Each one plays a vital role, whether it’s adding richness, freshness, or that cozy, homestyle feel.
- Olive oil: Adds a light, fruity base fat for cooking the chicken and aromatics without overpowering the soup.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Provides tender, lean protein that soaks up all the flavors beautifully.
- Onion: Gives a subtle sweetness and depth, forming a flavorful foundation.
- Garlic: The star of the show for bold, aromatic warmth that elevates the entire soup.
- Chicken broth: Builds a savory and comforting liquid base for the soup.
- Heavy cream: Brings luscious creaminess that makes the broth wonderfully silky.
- Gnocchi: Soft, pillowy little potato dumplings that add satisfying texture and heft.
- Spinach: Adds a burst of freshness, vibrant color, and subtle earthiness.
- Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that infuses classic herbal notes.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and brighten all the flavors.
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 and cook it just until browned on all sides. This golden crust locks in juices and adds flavor depth. Once browned, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside—don’t worry, it will finish cooking in the soup!
Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
In the same pot, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for three to four minutes until the onion turns translucent and the garlic becomes fragrantly aromatic. This step builds the essential savory base that supports the entire soup.
Step 3: Add the Broth and Gnocchi
Pour in the chicken broth, stirring to lift any browned bits from the bottom of the pot—that’s flavor gold. Bring the broth to a rolling boil, then add the gnocchi. Let them cook until tender, which usually takes about three minutes according to most package instructions. The gnocchi will soak up some broth, becoming perfectly soft and pillow-like.
Step 4: Return the Chicken and Add Cream
Next, nestle the browned chicken pieces back into the pot. Stir in the heavy cream for a rich, velvety finish. Toss in the chopped spinach and sprinkle the Italian seasoning along with salt and pepper. Let the soup simmer gently for another five minutes to allow flavors to meld and the soup to thicken slightly.
Step 5: Serve
Give the soup a final taste and adjust seasonings to your liking. Ladle it into bowls and prepare to enjoy the comforting magic of your homemade Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup with Garlic Recipe. Each spoonful is a perfect balance of creamy, savory, and fresh.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup with Garlic Recipe
Garnishes
To keep things simple yet elevate your soup, consider topping it with freshly grated Parmesan or a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or basil. A tiny drizzle of good-quality olive oil can add a lovely sheen and subtle fruitiness, making each bowl feel special.
Side Dishes
This soup is quite rich and hearty, so lighter sides work best. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette, a crusty loaf of artisan bread, or some garlic knots are fantastic companions that help scoop up every last drop.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the soup in rustic bread bowls for a cozy, inviting presentation. Alternatively, layering a little chili flake or freshly cracked black pepper on top gives a subtle kick and gorgeous visual contrast. For a more elegant touch, serve with a small herb bouquet or edible flowers on the side, perfect for impressing guests or just treating yourself.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup with Garlic Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors deepen after resting, making for an even more satisfying meal the next day.
Freezing
If you want to freeze this soup, it’s best to do so before adding the gnocchi and cream. Freeze the broth and chicken mixture separately for up to two months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight, reheat gently, then stir in fresh gnocchi and cream to avoid texture changes.
Reheating
Gently warm your soup over low to medium heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally. Adding a splash of broth or cream as it reheats helps maintain that silky texture. Avoid boiling to prevent the cream from separating.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken instead of cooking fresh chicken?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds extra flavor. Just shred it and add it in the last step of simmering to warm through.
Is it possible to make this soup dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the heavy cream with a coconut cream or a cashew cream alternative, and use a dairy-free broth if needed. The soup will remain creamy and delicious with these swaps.
What type of gnocchi works best?
Potato gnocchi is traditional and works perfectly here due to its soft, pillowy texture. Fresh or refrigerated gnocchi cook best; dried gnocchi can be used but may need adjusted cooking times.
Can I add other vegetables to this soup?
Definitely! Mushrooms, carrots, or celery can be sautéed along with the onions for extra flavor and nutrition. Just be sure to chop them finely for even cooking.
How thick should the soup be?
The soup should have a creamy but slightly thickened broth that coats the back of a spoon. It’s rich without being heavy, striking the perfect balance between soup and stew.
Final Thoughts
Making this Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup with Garlic Recipe is like inviting a warm embrace to your dinner table. Its combination of creamy broth, tender gnocchi, and garlicky goodness never fails to satisfy. Whether it’s a weeknight comfort or a special family meal, this recipe will quickly become one you return to again and again. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
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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 to 4.5 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup with Garlic is a comforting and hearty dish featuring tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and fresh spinach in a rich, garlicky cream broth. Perfect for a cozy meal, it combines savory flavors with a smooth texture that’s sure to satisfy.
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. Remove chicken and set aside to prevent overcooking.
- Sauté the Onion and Garlic: In the same pot, sauté chopped onion and minced garlic for 3 to 4 minutes until softened and fragrant, building the flavor base for the soup.
- Add the Broth and Gnocchi: Pour in chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Stir in the gnocchi and cook according to package instructions, which is about 3 minutes until they float and are tender.
- Return the Chicken and Add Cream: Add the browned chicken back to the pot. Stir in heavy cream, chopped spinach, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer gently for 5 minutes or until the soup thickens slightly and the spinach wilts.
- Serve: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning as desired. Serve hot and enjoy the creamy goodness of this hearty soup.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream or use a low-fat milk.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Use fresh gnocchi if available for a softer texture, but frozen or refrigerated gnocchi work well too.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently to avoid curdling the cream.
