There’s something truly magical about a bowl of Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup with Garlic — the way tender pillows of gnocchi soak up a velvety, garlicky broth bursting with savory chicken, sweet carrots, and vibrant spinach. This is unashamedly a hug in a bowl, the kind of soothing meal that fills both your kitchen with wonderful aromas and your family’s bellies with smile-inducing comfort. Whether you’re chasing away the chill or simply want a dish that feels like home, this soup will land a permanent spot in your comfort food hall of fame.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best secrets of Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup with Garlic is how everyday pantry staples transform into something extraordinary together. Each ingredient brings its own flavor, texture, and even a dash of color to the mix, resulting in a hearty, soul-satisfying meal anyone can whip up.
- Olive oil: Provides a rich, fruity base for sautéing your aromatics, kicking off the flavor build-up.
- Unsalted butter: Adds a luscious, creamy backbone to the soup — and lets you control the salt perfectly.
- Yellow onion, diced: Gives natural sweetness and body to each spoonful.
- Garlic cloves, minced: The soul of this recipe, bringing depth and unmistakable warmth in every bite.
- Carrots, diced: A burst of color and subtle sweetness that cozies up to the broth.
- Celery stalks, diced: Lends crunch and a touch of earthy freshness.
- Dried thyme: Infuses each mouthful with quintessential herby aroma.
- Dried basil: Balances all the flavors with its gentle sweetness.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): Throw these in for a subtle, peppery heat that won’t overwhelm.
- All-purpose flour: Helps thicken the broth into that dreamy, creamy consistency.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Brings everything together with a savory foundation — and lets you control the salt.
- Whole milk: Adds smoothness and a light creamy taste to the soup.
- Heavy cream: The secret to a soup that’s rich yet never overbearing.
- Cooked shredded chicken: Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut; it soaks up all those flavors effortlessly.
- Potato gnocchi: Soft, tender, and satisfying — these little dumplings are what make this soup so famously craveable.
- Baby spinach: Adds a pop of color and a bit of healthy green to every serving.
- Salt and black pepper: Fine-tune your flavor just the way you love it.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: The finishing touch that brings salty, nutty luxury to the party.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup with Garlic
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating the olive oil and butter together in a large pot over medium heat — you want the butter to melt and both fats to shimmer, signaling they’re ready. Toss in the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté everything for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the veggies are wonderfully softened and your kitchen smells absolutely mouthwatering. This is the flavor foundation for your Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup with Garlic!
Step 2: Bloom the Herbs
Sprinkle in the dried thyme, basil, and if you like a bit of background warmth, those red pepper flakes. Stir them right in with the veggies for a minute, letting the herbs toast just a little and infuse the oil with their flavor. This moment really wakes up every aromatic element in the soup.
Step 3: Create the Creamy Base
Now, sprinkle the flour evenly over your vegetable and herb mix. Stir constantly for 1 to 2 minutes — you want to get rid of any raw flour taste while building a light roux. This step is crucial for that eventual luxurious, thickened spoon-coating broth.
Step 4: Add the Broth and Dairy
Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, keeping things smooth and lump-free. Follow this with the whole milk and the heavy cream, pouring slowly and stirring as you go. Bring it all up to a gentle simmer, watching as the soup takes on that signature creamy appearance.
Step 5: Stir in Chicken and Gnocchi
To your simmering soup base, add the shredded chicken and potato gnocchi gently. Continue to simmer for 7 to 10 minutes, just until the gnocchi float to the top — that’s their way of telling you they’re perfectly cooked! By now, the soup has thickened into a gorgeous creamy consistency packed with chicken and fluffy gnocchi.
Step 6: Finish with Spinach and Seasoning
Lower the heat and stir in the baby spinach. It’ll wilt in under a minute, turning a beautiful deep green. Taste the soup, then season generously with salt and black pepper until everything sings. You’re just a sprinkle of Parmesan away from pure perfection!
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup with Garlic
Garnishes
Finish your Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup with Garlic with a generous shower of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. For an extra-special touch, add a pinch of cracked black pepper or a handful of chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil. A drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil makes everything glossy and even more inviting.
Side Dishes
Pair this soup with a rustic piece of crusty bread to soak up every last silky drop, or serve alongside a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette for balance. Warm garlic knots or homemade focaccia are also perfect partners for this creamy, garlicky bowl.
Creative Ways to Present
Ladle Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup with Garlic into wide, shallow bowls for a restaurant-worthy look. Try serving it in a toasted bread bowl for serious wow-factor at your next gathering. Top each bowl with a swirl of cream or a cluster of microgreens for an eye-catching finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow leftover Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup with Garlic to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll stay delicious for up to 3 days without losing its creamy texture or vibrant flavors — just give it a quick stir before reheating.
Freezing
You can freeze this soup, but keep in mind the gnocchi may get a tad softer after thawing. For best results, freeze the soup without the gnocchi and spinach, adding them fresh when you reheat. Let the soup cool completely, store in a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup with Garlic gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often until warmed through. Add a splash more broth or milk if the soup has thickened in the fridge. If microwaving, use medium power and stop to stir every minute or so to ensure even heating.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a delicious shortcut that adds both flavor and convenience to your Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup with Garlic. Just shred or chop it and stir it in with the gnocchi.
Can I make this soup gluten-free?
You can! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend and use gluten-free potato gnocchi, most grocery stores have several brands to choose from.
What if I want a lighter version?
For a lighter take while still keeping the spirit of Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup with Garlic, use half-and-half or all whole milk in place of the heavy cream, and skip the butter in favor of just olive oil.
How can I add extra veggies?
Chopped mushrooms, petite peas, or diced zucchini blend beautifully into this soup for extra color and nutrition! Just add firmer vegetables with the carrots and celery, then delicate veggies near the end.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Of course! Swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and use your favorite plant-based chicken substitute or extra veggies, then proceed as written — you’ll still get all the creamy, garlicky goodness in every spoonful.
Final Thoughts
If ever there was a soup to win hearts and woo tastebuds, it’s this Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup with Garlic. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special weekend get-together, its comforting richness and garlicky warmth never fails to impress. I can’t wait for you to ladle up a bowlful — you might even find yourself going back for seconds!
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Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup with Garlic Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a comforting bowl of Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup with Garlic, a rich and flavorful dish perfect for chilly days. This soup combines tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and wholesome vegetables in a creamy broth that’s sure to satisfy your cravings.
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 16 oz potato gnocchi
- 2 cups baby spinach
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot, heat olive oil and butter. Sauté onion, garlic, carrots, and celery until softened.
- Add Seasonings: Stir in thyme, basil, and red pepper flakes. Sprinkle in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Prepare Broth: Whisk in chicken broth until smooth, then add milk and cream. Simmer gently.
- Cook Chicken and Gnocchi: Add chicken and gnocchi, cook until gnocchi float, about 7-10 minutes.
- Finish Soup: Stir in spinach until wilted. Season with salt and pepper. Serve with Parmesan on top.
Notes
- Rotisserie chicken works well as a time-saving option.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Add extra broth for a thinner consistency, if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1½ cups
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
