DREAMY GARLIC CHICKEN GNOCCHI SOUP

Picture this: a chilly evening, a cozy blanket, and a steaming bowl of Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Soup – Dreamy Comfort. This isn’t just any soup; it’s a hug in a bowl, filled with tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a luscious, garlicky broth that will warm you from the inside out. Get ready, because we’re about to embark on a culinary adventure that will leave you feeling like a kitchen superstar!

Gathering Your Heavenly Ingredients

Alright, friend, let’s make sure we have everything we need to create this masterpiece. Don’t worry if you’re missing something; a quick substitution can often save the day!

For the Soup:

• Chicken Breasts: 1.5 pounds, boneless and skinless. We’ll cook them up to juicy perfection.
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons, for sautéing and adding richness.
• Yellow Onion: 1 medium, diced. It’s the aromatic foundation of our soup.
• Carrots: 2 medium, diced. For a touch of sweetness and color.
• Celery: 2 stalks, diced. Adds depth and complexity.
• Garlic: 6 cloves, minced. Because we can never have too much garlic!
• Chicken Broth: 8 cups. Use low-sodium to control the saltiness.
• Heavy Cream: 1 cup. For that luxurious, creamy texture.
• Gnocchi: 1 (16-ounce) package, shelf-stable or refrigerated.
• Italian Seasoning: 2 teaspoons. Our secret weapon for flavor.
• Salt and Black Pepper: To taste. Don’t be shy!
• Fresh Parsley: Chopped, for garnish and freshness.
• Optional: Spinach or Kale. A handful for added nutrients and color.
• Optional: Parmesan Cheese. Grated, for serving.

Step-by-Step to a Bowl of Bliss

Okay, let’s get cooking! I’ll walk you through each step, and we’ll make this Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Soup together. Don’t be intimidated; it’s easier than you think!

Preparing the Chicken:

1. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a teaspoon of Italian seasoning.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
3. Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown. Don’t worry about cooking it all the way through at this point; it will finish cooking in the soup.
4. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside to cool slightly. Once cooled, shred or dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces.

Building the Flavor Base:

1. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the pot.
2. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, until softened.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!

Creating the Soup:

1. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
2. Add the shredded or diced chicken back to the pot.
3. Stir in the remaining teaspoon of Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste.
4. Add the gnocchi to the soup. If using shelf-stable gnocchi, cook according to package directions (usually about 5-7 minutes). If using refrigerated gnocchi, it will cook faster, about 2-3 minutes.
5. If using, stir in the spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking.

Finishing Touches:

1. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Be careful not to boil the soup after adding the cream.
2. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
3. Garnish with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese (if using).
4. Serve immediately and enjoy your Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Soup!

Secrets to Seriously Delicious Soup

Now, let’s talk about some insider tips to take your Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Soup from good to absolutely unforgettable. These little tweaks can make all the difference!

• Don’t Overcook the Gnocchi: Nobody likes mushy gnocchi. Keep a close eye on them and test for doneness frequently. They’re ready when they float to the surface and are tender but still slightly firm.
• Fresh Garlic is Key: While garlic powder is convenient, fresh garlic delivers a much bolder and more complex flavor. Trust me on this one!
• Season Generously: Don’t be afraid to season your soup! Taste as you go and adjust the salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to your liking.
• Low-Sodium Broth is Your Friend: Using low-sodium chicken broth gives you more control over the saltiness of the soup. You can always add more salt, but you can’t take it away!
• Get Creative with Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables to your soup, such as mushrooms, zucchini, or peas. The possibilities are endless!

Gnocchi Know-How: Choosing the Right Kind

Gnocchi, those delightful little dumplings, come in a few different varieties. Let’s break down your options so you can choose the best one for your Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Soup:

• Shelf-Stable Gnocchi: These are usually found in the pasta aisle and are a convenient option. They generally take a little longer to cook than refrigerated gnocchi.
• Refrigerated Gnocchi: These are typically found in the refrigerated section of the grocery store, near the pasta and cheese. They have a softer texture and cook much faster.
• Homemade Gnocchi: If you’re feeling ambitious, you can make your own gnocchi! This allows you to customize the flavor and texture to your liking. However, it’s a bit more time-consuming.

No matter which type of gnocchi you choose, be sure to follow the package directions for cooking. And remember, don’t overcook them!

Variations to Make It Your Own

This Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Soup is delicious as is, but feel free to experiment and make it your own! Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the soup for a little heat.
• Cheesy Goodness: Stir in some shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese at the end for an extra cheesy flavor.
• Lemon Zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the soup for a bright and citrusy flavor.
• Different Protein: Substitute the chicken with sausage, turkey, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
• Herby Delight: Experiment with different herbs, such as thyme, rosemary, or oregano.

Serving Suggestions for a Complete Meal

This Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Soup is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but it’s also delicious served with a side salad or some crusty bread for dipping. Here are a few ideas:

• Side Salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing is a refreshing complement to the creamy soup.
• Crusty Bread: A loaf of crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious broth.
• Garlic Bread: Take it up a notch with some homemade garlic bread.
• Grilled Cheese: A grilled cheese sandwich is a classic pairing with tomato soup, but it’s also delicious with this Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Soup.

Other Soups You Might Adore

If you’re loving this creamy soup vibe, you absolutely HAVE to check out some of my other favorites! They’re all designed to bring you comfort and joy, one spoonful at a time. Maybe you’d like to try MARRY ME CHICKEN SOUP for another rich and flavorful experience. Or how about the CREAMY GNOCCHI CHICKEN SOUP if you want to compare and contrast! And don’t forget the CREAMY CHICKEN SOUP – a true classic! For something a little different, but equally delicious, give the CREAMY TORTELLINI SOUP or CREAMY POTATO SOUP a try!

Leftover Love: Storing and Reheating

If you happen to have any leftover Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Soup (which is unlikely, but possible!), here’s how to store and reheat it properly:

• Storing: Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat the soup in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be sure to stir it every minute or so to prevent it from splattering.
• Gnocchi Note: The gnocchi may absorb some of the broth as it sits, so you may need to add a little extra chicken broth or water when reheating to thin it out.

The Joy of Homemade Soup

Making homemade soup is one of the most rewarding things you can do in the kitchen. It’s a simple way to nourish your body and soul, and it’s a great way to show your loved ones how much you care. So, go ahead and give this Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Soup a try. I promise you won’t be disappointed! Plus, if you love garlic and gnocchi, have you ever tried the GARLIC CHICKEN GNOCCHI? It’s a flavor explosion!

So there you have it – a foolproof recipe for Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Soup that’s guaranteed to impress. Grab your ingredients, put on some music, and let’s get cooking! You’re about to create a bowl of dreamy comfort that will have everyone asking for seconds (and the recipe!). Happy cooking, my friend!

Dreamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Amelia Chen-Morrison

This creamy garlic chicken gnocchi soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for a chilly evening. Tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a rich, garlicky broth combine to create a warm and satisfying meal that’s easy to make and guaranteed to impress.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian-American

Servings 6

Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Measuring spoons
• Measuring cups
• Ladle
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Ingredients

  

• 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
• Optional: Spinach or kale, a handful
• Optional: Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions

 

• Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning.
• Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
• Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown. Remove from the pot and set aside to cool slightly.
• Once cooled, shred or dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
• Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the pot.
• Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, until softened.
• Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
• Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
• Add the shredded or diced chicken back to the pot.
• Stir in the remaining 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste.
• Add the gnocchi to the soup. If using shelf-stable gnocchi, cook according to package directions (usually about 5-7 minutes). If using refrigerated gnocchi, it will cook faster, about 2-3 minutes.
• If using, stir in the spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking until wilted.
• Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Be careful not to boil the soup after adding the cream.
• Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
• Garnish with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese (if using).
• Serve immediately.

Notes

For a richer flavor, use bone-in chicken and simmer it in the broth for a longer period before shredding. If you don’t have heavy cream, you can substitute half-and-half or milk, but the soup will be less creamy. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed to thin it out. Be careful not to overcook the gnocchi when reheating.