If you’re craving a cozy yet luxurious bowl of comfort food, this Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe is about to become your new go-to. It’s a luscious blend of tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and fresh spinach, all swimming in a garlicky, creamy broth that warms you from the inside out. Every spoonful promises a burst of flavor and texture that’s both satisfying and delightfully rich, making it perfect for chilly nights or anytime you need a heartfelt hug in a bowl.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this soup lies in its simple, quality ingredients that each bring something special to the pot—whether it’s depth, creaminess, or a fresh touch. Gathering these essentials ensures a balanced and vibrant dish without any fuss.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Adds a subtle fruity richness and helps soften the vegetables.
- Butter (2 tablespoons): Brings creaminess and a luxurious mouthfeel to the base of the soup.
- Small onion, diced (1): Provides sweetness and foundational flavor when sautéed.
- Garlic, minced (3 cloves): Infuses the soup with its signature fragrant punch.
- Celery stalk, sliced (1): Adds a crisp, aromatic texture and balances the richness.
- Medium carrot, diced (1): Contributes color, sweetness, and a little bite.
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): Blends classic herbs that elevate the overall flavor profile.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (¼ teaspoon, optional): For a gentle heat that adds depth without overpowering.
- All-purpose flour (¼ cup): Creates a velvety thickening agent for the broth.
- Chicken broth (4 cups): The soul of the soup—rich and savory to tie all ingredients together.
- Cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced (2 cups): Key protein that ensures every bite is hearty and fulfilling.
- Potato gnocchi (1 pound): Soft, pillowy dumplings that give the soup incredible texture and satisfy carb cravings.
- Baby spinach (2 cups): Adds freshness, color, and a gentle earthiness that brightens the soup.
- Half-and-half or heavy cream (1 cup): Envelops the soup in a rich, silky finish.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance every flavor.
- Grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for garnish: Adds the perfect finishing touch with savory sharpness and herbaceous notes.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Begin by heating olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium heat. Once melted and shimmering, toss in the diced onion, celery, and carrot. Cook gently for about 4 to 5 minutes until these veggies soften and release their sweet aromas—this is the flavor foundation that sets your soup apart.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Seasonings
Next, stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and, if you like a bit of kick, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes. Cook together for about 30 seconds just until you can smell the fragrance—this step builds that gorgeous garlicky warmth central to the Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe.
Step 3: Incorporate the Flour
Sprinkle the flour evenly over the vegetables and stir well, coating everything. This important step ensures your soup will thicken into a luscious, creamy consistency rather than staying watery.
Step 4: Slowly Add Chicken Broth
Now comes the magic moment—slowly whisk in chicken broth bit by bit, making sure to avoid lumps. Once combined, raise the heat slightly and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This allows the soup to thicken and the flavors to marry perfectly.
Step 5: Add Chicken and Gnocchi
Stir in your shredded chicken and potato gnocchi next. Let the mixture simmer gently for another 4 to 5 minutes, just until the gnocchi start floating and become tender—this tells you they’re perfectly cooked and ready to delight your taste buds.
Step 6: Finish With Spinach and Cream
Finally, toss in the fresh baby spinach and pour in your cream or half-and-half. Stir gently and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the spinach wilts and the soup is warmed through. Season with salt and black pepper to your liking—this final step rounds out the flavors beautifully.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Garnishes
To really make each bowl shine, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a handful of chopped fresh parsley on top. These garnishes add a fabulous contrast of sharpness and herbaceous brightness, transforming a simple bowl into something truly special.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty Italian bread or warm garlic knots. The bread not only complements the creamy texture but also doubles as a perfect vehicle to mop up every last drop of that velvety broth.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this soup in mini bread bowls for an eye-catching presentation that’s fun and portable. Or, ladle it over a bed of buttery mashed potatoes for an indulgent twist on a comforting meal. For entertaining, garnish individual servings with a drizzle of chili oil or a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts for added texture and flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld beautifully overnight, making your next serving just as delicious, if not better!
Freezing
While the soup is best fresh, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Freeze before adding spinach and cream to preserve their texture, then add fresh spinach and cream when reheating to keep the soup silky and vibrant.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often to prevent scorching. Add a splash of broth or cream as needed to restore that perfect creamy consistency before serving.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken for this soup?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that makes this Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe even easier without sacrificing any flavor. Just shred or dice the cooked chicken, and add it just as the recipe directs.
Is there a way to make the soup dairy-free?
Yes, you can replace the cream with full-fat coconut milk or a dairy-free creamer. Just keep in mind that the flavor and consistency may vary slightly, but it will still be deliciously creamy and comforting.
Can I add other vegetables to this soup?
Definitely! Mushrooms, kale, or peas all make excellent additions and enhance texture and nutrition. Just add heartier vegetables earlier in the cooking process and delicate greens later, just like spinach.
What type of gnocchi works best in this recipe?
Potato gnocchi is traditional and works perfectly because of its soft, pillowy texture which absorbs the soup flavors beautifully. You can find them fresh or frozen in most grocery stores.
How spicy is this soup with red pepper flakes?
The crushed red pepper flakes add just a gentle warmth that balances the creaminess. If you prefer no heat, feel free to omit them altogether without changing the essence of the soup.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a bowl of homemade soup that feels like a warm hug. This Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe is one of those rare dishes—a delightful combination of simple ingredients transformed into a rich and comforting meal that anyone can make. I’m sure it will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation, inviting smiles and satisfied sighs with every spoonful. So go ahead, dig in, and enjoy every creamy, garlicky bite!
Print
Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a comforting, hearty dish that combines tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and fresh spinach in a rich garlic-infused broth. Perfect for cozy nights, this flavorful soup is thickened with a touch of flour and cream to create a velvety texture, topped with Parmesan and fresh parsley for an extra burst of taste.
Ingredients
Sauté Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 stalk celery, sliced
- 1 medium carrot, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Soup & Main Ingredients
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 1 pound potato gnocchi
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 1 cup half-and-half or heavy cream
Seasonings & Garnishes
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Base Vegetables: Heat olive oil and butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add diced onion, sliced celery, and diced carrot. Sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Add Aromatics and Spices: Stir in minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and optional red pepper flakes. Cook for another 30 seconds until the garlic releases its aroma.
- Thicken the Soup Base: Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed vegetables, stirring well to coat them evenly and cook the flour slightly to remove the raw taste.
- Incorporate the Broth: Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, ensuring there are no lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes to allow the soup to thicken gently.
- Add Chicken and Gnocchi: Add the shredded or diced cooked chicken and potato gnocchi to the pot. Simmer for 4 to 5 minutes until the gnocchi float to the top and are tender.
- Finish With Greens and Cream: Stir in baby spinach and the half-and-half or heavy cream. Cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until the spinach wilts and the soup is heated through.
- Season and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper. Serve the soup hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.
Notes
- For a lighter soup, substitute half-and-half or heavy cream with milk or evaporated milk.
- Using rotisserie chicken can save prep time and add extra flavor.
- For extra texture and earthiness, add mushrooms to the sautéed vegetables.
- Swap baby spinach with kale for a heartier green option.
