Prepare to fall in love with a bowl full of comfort: Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup with Garlic is the cozy, crowd-pleasing meal I turn to on chilly nights and busy weekdays alike. Fluffy potato gnocchi nestle in a luxuriously creamy broth, woven through with tender chicken, sweet carrots, vibrant spinach, and the rich perfume of sautéed garlic. Each spoonful satisfies with layers of flavor and heartiness, making this not only a family-favorite, but also a showstopper when guests come over. It’s the ultimate blend of nourishing ingredients and irresistible taste in one pot!

Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup with Garlic Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its everyday ingredients—each one working together to create the irresistible depth of Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup with Garlic. Whether it’s the backbone of the vegetables, the richness of dairy, or the fragrant hit of garlic, you’ll taste and see the importance of every single addition!

Olive oil: Adds a fruity, aromatic base that helps sauté the vegetables beautifully.
Unsalted butter: Doubles down on richness and gives the soup its signature silkiness.
Yellow onion: Diced finely, this gives the soup a gentle savory sweetness.
Celery: Its subtle flavor and texture provide a classic foundation for soups.
Carrots: These add natural sweetness and a pop of bright orange color.
Garlic: Four cloves infuse the entire pot with their unmistakable cozy aroma.
All-purpose flour: Used to make a quick roux, thickening the soup perfectly.
Chicken broth: The backbone of your soup, adding deep savory notes.
Whole milk: Delivers creaminess without making the soup too heavy.
Heavy cream: Brings that velvety texture everyone craves in a comforting soup.
Dried thyme: Earthy and fragrant, it brightens all the flavors.
Italian seasoning: A harmonious blend of herbs that infuse each bite.
Salt and pepper: The all-important finishers—taste as you go!
Cooked chicken breast: Shredded for succulence and hearty protein.
Potato gnocchi: These pillowy bites are the soul of Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup with Garlic.
Fresh spinach: Brings a pop of green and gentle bitterness that balances the soup.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the broth, adding a savory depth and gorgeous finish.
Red pepper flakes (optional): For those who want a gentle heat simmering underneath it all.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup with Garlic

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables

Start by heating the olive oil and butter together in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once sizzling, toss in the diced onion, celery, and carrots. Let them cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re softened and glistening. You’ll know you’re on the right track when the kitchen smells warm and inviting already!

Step 2: Infuse with Garlic

Now add the minced garlic, stirring it into the softened vegetables. Let it cook for about a minute—just until the fragrance is irresistible. This step is absolutely crucial, because nothing says Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup with Garlic like that mellow, garlicky aroma enveloping the whole house!

Step 3: Make the Roux

Sprinkle the flour evenly over your veggie mixture. Stir constantly for 1 to 2 minutes; your goal is to take away that raw flour taste and build the soup’s signature creamy body. Don’t rush—this step is the secret behind the soup’s perfect, thick broth.

Step 4: Add Liquids and Seasonings

Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, followed by the milk and heavy cream, stirring until the mixture is smooth and lump-free. Add the dried thyme, Italian seasoning, a good pinch of salt, and plenty of cracked black pepper. Bring everything to a gentle simmer—just five minutes or so will help thicken the base and let those flavors mingle.

Step 5: Add Chicken and Gnocchi

Now stir in your shredded cooked chicken and potato gnocchi. Let the soup simmer for another 5 to 7 minutes. The gnocchi are ready when they float to the surface, becoming light and tender while soaking up all that creamy, garlicky flavor.

Step 6: Finish with Spinach and Parmesan

Fold in the chopped fresh spinach and the grated Parmesan cheese at the very end. Stir gently until the spinach wilts and the cheese melts smoothly into the soup, lending its nutty, savory magic. Give it a final taste-test and adjust the seasoning if you like—then serve it up hot!

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup with Garlic

Garnishes

A steaming bowl of Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup with Garlic is delightful on its own, but with a thoughtful garnish, it becomes irresistible. I love showering the top with extra grated Parmesan, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a subtle heat, and even a scatter of finely chopped fresh parsley for that pop of color and herbal freshness. A crack of black pepper just before serving is heavenly!

Side Dishes

Pair your soup with slices of warm, crusty bread or garlicky breadsticks to scoop up every drop. A simple green salad with a sharp vinaigrette can balance the richness of the soup, while roasted broccoli or sautéed greens make for wholesome, hearty partners. For an indulgent touch, try a slice of savory focaccia on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, ladle the Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup with Garlic into individual bread bowls—it’s a crowd-pleasing presentation that makes everyone’s eyes light up! Or serve each portion in a pretty ceramic mug with a small cheese straw perched on top. For a touch of elegance at dinner parties, nestle a few crispy pancetta shards on the soup or float a swirl of basil oil on top.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), transfer the cooled Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup with Garlic to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making the soup even more irresistible the next day!

Freezing

While this soup can definitely be frozen, keep in mind that dairy-based soups can sometimes change texture after thawing. For best results, freeze the soup before adding the spinach and Parmesan. Let it cool completely, portion into freezer-safe containers, and store for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, add fresh spinach and cheese as you reheat.

Reheating

Reheat your Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup with Garlic gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup seems too thick after chilling, just add a splash of chicken broth or milk to bring back its creamy consistency. Microwave reheating also works well—just take care not to overcook the gnocchi.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut. Just shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces—its tenderness and flavor work beautifully in this recipe, making it even easier to whip up on a busy day.

Is it possible to make Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup with Garlic dairy-free?

Yes! Swap out the milk and cream for full-fat coconut milk, and simply leave out the Parmesan cheese. The soup still turns out rich and satisfying, and the coconut milk adds an ever-so-slight sweetness that pairs nicely with the garlic and herbs.

Can I replace potato gnocchi with another pasta?

If you can’t find potato gnocchi, small pasta shapes like mini shells or orecchiette make a fine substitute, though you’ll lose the distinct pillowy texture. Just adjust the simmering time as needed so the pasta is fully cooked but still tender.

How can I add more vegetables to this soup?

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Toss in mushrooms, diced zucchini, corn, or peas along with the other veggies, or stir in kale or Swiss chard instead of spinach at the end for a heartier green bite.

What should I do if my soup thickens too much as it sits?

If it thickens upon standing (as creamy soups tend to do), simply thin it with a splash of milk or chicken broth when rewarming. Stir well over gentle heat, and it will return to its perfect, creamy texture.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a hug in a bowl, you owe it to yourself to try this Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup with Garlic. It is proof that a handful of simple, honest ingredients can deliver comfort and joy any day of the week. So grab your pot and get simmering—I promise, this one will become a regular at your table!

Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup with Garlic Recipe

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4.8 from 27 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the creamy richness of this comforting Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup with Garlic. Packed with tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and wholesome veggies in a luscious broth, it’s a one-pot wonder perfect for chilly nights.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Soup:

1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 small yellow onion (diced)
2 celery stalks (diced)
2 carrots (peeled and diced)
4 cloves garlic (minced)
¼ cup all-purpose flour
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups cooked chicken breast (shredded)
1 package (16 oz) potato gnocchi
2 cups fresh spinach (roughly chopped)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Optional red pepper flakes for heat

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Instructions

Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, heat olive oil and butter. Sauté onion, celery, and carrots until softened.
Add Flavors: Stir in garlic, then sprinkle flour over vegetables to form a roux. Whisk in broth, milk, and cream. Season with thyme, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Cook Soup: Simmer and thicken the soup. Add chicken and gnocchi, cook until gnocchi float. Stir in spinach and Parmesan until melted.
Adjust and Serve: Season to taste and serve hot, garnished with Parmesan or red pepper flakes.