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.