If you are craving a comforting, soul-warming bowl that combines silky textures with fresh aromatics, the Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup with Garlic Recipe is your new best friend. This soup brings together tender shredded chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a luscious garlic-infused creamy broth that is both elegant and unbelievably cozy. Every spoonful feels like a warm hug, making it perfect for chilly evenings or anytime you need a nourishing, satisfying meal. The balance of spices, fresh spinach, and that subtle hint of garlic makes this recipe a keeper that you’ll want to make over and over again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these straightforward, accessible ingredients is all it takes to create a bowl bursting with flavor, texture, and inviting color. Each component plays a crucial role in giving the soup its creamy body, tender bites, and aromatic depth.
- Olive oil or butter: The base fat that sautés the aromatics and enriches the soup’s flavor.
- Yellow onion, diced: Adds a sweet, savory foundation to the broth.
- Garlic, minced: Imparts that beloved pungent warmth essential for this garlic recipe.
- Carrots, diced: Provide gentle sweetness and a pleasing texture contrast.
- Celery stalks, diced: Bring a subtle earthiness and crunch when cooked down.
- Dried thyme: Offers a herby brightness that lifts the soup.
- Dried basil: Adds a hint of sweet, aromatic depth.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): A small kick of heat to balance the creaminess if you like a little spice.
- All-purpose flour: Thickens the broth ensuring that silky creamy texture.
- Chicken broth: Creates the savory liquid base teeming with mouthwatering chicken flavor.
- Whole milk: Adds creaminess without overpowering richness.
- Heavy cream: The secret to ultimate velvety consistency and indulgence.
- Cooked shredded chicken: Protein-packed heartiness that transforms the soup from simple to substantial.
- Potato gnocchi: Soft, tender dumplings that soak up the broth perfectly.
- Baby spinach: Fresh green leaves that lightly wilt, brightening the flavor and adding nutrition.
- Salt and black pepper: To season and enhance all those delicious layers.
- Grated Parmesan (optional): A savory finish that brings a nutty, salty note to every bite.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup with Garlic Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating your olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion, minced garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook these gently for about 5 to 6 minutes until the veggies become tender and the air fills with comforting smells. This step builds the flavor foundation that makes this soup irresistible.
Step 2: Add Herbs and Build the Roux
Next, stir in dried thyme, basil, and if you enjoy a little heat, red pepper flakes. Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and cook for about a minute. Stir constantly to create a roux, which will thicken your soup and give it that perfect creamy texture without clumps.
Step 3: Pour in Liquids and Simmer
Slowly add the chicken broth while stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Follow up with the whole milk and heavy cream. Bring this delicately to a gentle simmer—this is the moment where the soup begins to thicken and transform into a velvety, luscious base for all the delicious add-ins.
Step 4: Add Chicken and Gnocchi
Fold in the shredded chicken and potato gnocchi, letting everything simmer together for 5 to 7 minutes. You’ll know the gnocchi are ready when they float to the surface and become tender, soaking up the creamy garlic-flavored broth.
Step 5: Stir in Spinach and Season
Finally, add the baby spinach, stirring it in until it wilts beautifully—this brightens the dish visually and adds a fresh note. Season with salt and black pepper to your liking. Now your soup is ready to serve piping hot, optionally topped with freshly grated Parmesan for that extra flavor punch.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup with Garlic Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese is the classic way to top off this soup, melting slightly into each bite. Fresh chopped parsley or a few twists of cracked black pepper also add lovely brightness and contrast. For garlic lovers, a drizzle of roasted garlic oil can be an exquisite finishing touch that intensifies the flavor beautifully.
Side Dishes
This soup shines brightest when paired with crusty bread or warm garlic knots to soak up every last drop. A simple side salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette complements the richness with zingy, crisp freshness. You could also serve it alongside roasted vegetables for a complete, hearty meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the soup in hollowed-out mini bread bowls for a fun, edible presentation. For an elegant twist, ladle it into shallow bowls and top each serving with a small mound of sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions. Garnish with microgreens or edible flowers to impress guests and enjoy a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup with Garlic Recipe has cooled, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making leftovers even more delicious. Just be sure to stir well before reheating, as the gnocchi can settle at the bottom.
Freezing
Freezing this soup is possible, but keep in mind the gnocchi may get slightly softer upon thawing. To preserve texture, consider freezing the broth and chicken mixture separately from the gnocchi or add fresh gnocchi when reheating. Use freezer-safe containers and consume within 2 months for best quality.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and add a splash of broth or milk if it gets too thick. Avoid boiling as the cream could curdle. Microwave reheating works too—just heat in short intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken for this soup?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that adds great flavor while saving cooking time. Just shred it and toss it in during the last few minutes of cooking.
Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Yes, substitute the milk and heavy cream with coconut milk or any plant-based cream alternative. For the best flavor, choose unsweetened and mild varieties.
Is it okay to use frozen gnocchi?
Definitely! Frozen gnocchi works just as well—just add a minute or two to the simmering time to ensure they cook through completely.
Can I add other vegetables to the soup?
For sure! Mushrooms, zucchini, or peas are wonderful additions that complement the soup’s flavor profile while adding extra nutrition and texture.
What can I do if the soup is too thick after refrigerating?
Simply stir in a little chicken broth or milk while reheating to loosen the texture back to the perfect creamy consistency.
Final Thoughts
The Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup with Garlic Recipe is one of those dishes you’ll want in your regular rotation—not just for its incredible flavor but for how effortlessly it comes together from simple ingredients. Each bowl delivers comfort, warmth, and a touch of indulgence that feels like a culinary hug. Cozy up with this soup and savor all the love and care it brings to the table. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become a beloved classic in your kitchen!
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Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup with Garlic Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup with Garlic is a comforting and hearty American-style soup featuring tender shredded chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a flavorful blend of vegetables simmered in a rich garlic-infused creamy broth.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or leftover)
- 1 (16 oz) package potato gnocchi
- 2 cups baby spinach
Seasonings and Garnish
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, diced carrots, and diced celery. Sauté for 5–6 minutes until the vegetables are soft and fragrant.
- Add Herbs and Make Roux: Stir in dried thyme, dried basil, and red pepper flakes if using. Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to form a roux that will thicken the soup.
- Add Liquids and Simmer: Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Then add the whole milk and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to combine and the broth to thicken slightly.
- Add Chicken and Gnocchi: Stir in the shredded cooked chicken and potato gnocchi. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until the gnocchi float to the surface and become tender, indicating they are cooked through.
- Add Spinach and Season: Stir in the baby spinach and cook for another 1–2 minutes until wilted. Season the soup with salt and black pepper to your taste preference.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately for the best experience.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- Add mushrooms or chopped zucchini for extra vegetables and flavor.
- This soup reheats well—add a splash of broth or milk when warming to maintain creaminess.
