Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Soup

When it comes to comfort food, nothing quite matches the warm, rich flavors of creamy garlic chicken gnocchi soup. This hearty soup combines tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a velvety garlic-infused broth that’s perfect for any season. Whether you’re looking for a cozy meal on a cold night or a satisfying dish to impress your guests, this soup is a must-try.

History and Origin

The History of Gnocchi

Gnocchi, small dumplings traditionally made from potato, flour, and egg, have been a staple in Italian cuisine for centuries. These delightful morsels have evolved over time, with various regions in Italy adding their own twists to the basic recipe.

Popularity of Creamy Soups

Creamy soups have long been favored for their rich and comforting nature. From chowders to bisques, these soups offer a luxurious texture and depth of flavor that’s hard to beat.

How This Soup Became a Beloved Recipe

Combining the beloved gnocchi with a creamy garlic chicken base was a stroke of culinary genius. This soup has quickly become a favorite in homes and restaurants alike for its rich flavors and satisfying texture.

Choosing the Right Chicken

Best Cuts of Chicken for This Soup

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best for this soup. Thighs are slightly more flavorful and tender, while breasts are leaner.

Tips on Selecting Quality Poultry

• Freshness: Choose fresh, not frozen, chicken if possible.
• Color: Look for a pinkish hue; avoid any grayish tinge.
• Texture: The meat should be firm to the touch.

Preparing the Chicken

Marinating the Chicken

Marinating the chicken in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, and herbs enhances its flavor. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.

Cooking Techniques for Tender Chicken

• Sautéing: Heat a pan with olive oil and sear the chicken until golden brown on both sides.
• Baking: Alternatively, bake the chicken in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes until fully cooked.

Making the Creamy Garlic Base

Ingredients for the Creamy Base

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons flour
• Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot, melt butter and sauté garlic, onion, carrot, and celery until softened.
2. Make a Roux: Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and cook, stirring constantly, for about 2 minutes.
3. Add the Broth: Gradually add the chicken broth, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
4. Simmer: Bring to a simmer and let it cook until the vegetables are tender.
5. Add the Cream: Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper.

Cooking the Gnocchi

Best Gnocchi Types for This Recipe

While store-bought gnocchi is convenient, homemade gnocchi offers a fresher taste. Potato gnocchi is traditional, but you can also use ricotta or pumpkin gnocchi for a twist.

Cooking Tips for Perfect Gnocchi

Cook the gnocchi according to the package instructions, usually until they float to the top of boiling water. Be careful not to overcook, as they can become mushy.

Combining Chicken, Gnocchi, and Creamy Base

Assembling the Soup

1. Add the Cooked Chicken: Shred or dice the cooked chicken and add it to the soup base.
2. Mix in the Gnocchi: Gently stir in the cooked gnocchi.
3. Add Spinach: Toss in fresh spinach leaves and let them wilt in the hot soup.

Tips for Perfect Integration of Flavors

Allow the soup to simmer for a few minutes after adding all ingredients to let the flavors meld together. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Serving Suggestions

Best Ways to Serve Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Serve hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of chopped parsley. A drizzle of olive oil adds a nice finishing touch.

Side Dishes that Complement the Meal

• Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up the creamy broth.
• Mixed Green Salad: Adds a refreshing contrast.
• Roasted Vegetables: Complements the richness of the soup.

Wine Pairings

Best Wines to Pair with the Soup

• White Wine: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a buttery Chardonnay pairs well with the creamy soup.
• Red Wine: A light Pinot Noir complements the chicken and gnocchi without overpowering the dish.

Why These Wines Work Well

The acidity in white wine cuts through the richness of the cream, while the light body of Pinot Noir enhances the chicken and gnocchi flavors without overwhelming them.

Nutritional Information

Caloric Breakdown

This soup is rich and hearty, with most calories coming from the cream and gnocchi. However, it also offers protein from the chicken and vitamins from the vegetables.

Health Benefits of the Ingredients

• Chicken: High in protein.
• Garlic: Known for its immune-boosting properties.
• Spinach: Packed with vitamins and minerals.
• Carrots and Celery: Provide fiber and essential nutrients.

Tips for Leftovers

How to Store Leftovers

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The soup can also be frozen for up to 2 months.

Creative Ways to Use Leftovers

• Chicken Gnocchi Casserole: Mix leftovers with extra cheese and bake.
• Gnocchi Salad: Serve cold with a vinaigrette for a refreshing twist.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Pitfalls in Cooking This Soup

• Overcooking the Gnocchi: Leads to a mushy texture.
• Too Thick or Thin Broth: Balance the cream and broth for the perfect consistency.
• Undercooked Vegetables: Ensure they are tender before adding the cream.

Tips to Ensure a Perfect Dish

• Cook gnocchi just until they float.
• Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
• Adjust seasoning at the end for perfect taste.
  Yield: 4

  Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Soup

  

  Print

  When it comes to comfort food, nothing quite matches the warm, rich flavors of creamy garlic chicken gnocchi soup. This hearty soup combines tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a velvety garlic-infused broth that’s perfect for any season. Whether you're looking for a cozy meal on a cold night or a satisfying dish to impress your guests, this soup is a must-try.

  Prep Time 10 minutes

  Cook Time 15 minutes

  Ingredients

  • SOUP:
  • 1 (16 oz.) package potato gnocchi, homemade or store-bought (I like to use Delallo foods)
  • 2 cups cooked + shredded organic chicken breasts
  • 2 Tbsps unsalted butter
  • 6-8 garlic cloves, minced
  • 4 fresh thyme sprigs
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 4 Tbsps organic all-purpose flour
  • 5 cups organic chicken stock/broth
  • 1 ½ cups organic heavy cream
  • 2 cups organic kale, de-stemmed + chopped
  • 1 cup freshly-grated parmesan cheese

  Instructions

  TO MAKE THE SOUP:

  • In a medium-sized dutch oven pot over medium high-heat, add the butter. Once heated and the butter has melted, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Add the flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, oregano, parsley, and basil, stirring until combined.

  • Add in the chicken stock, stirring frequently to avoid lumping until thickened. Add in the heavy cream, chopped kale, thyme sprigs, shredded chicken, and gnocchi, stirring to combine. Let everything simmer for about 10-12 minutes or until the gnocchi is fully cooked through, floats to the top, and tender.

  • Add in the grated parmesan, stirring until cheese has melted and the soup becomes creamy. Simmer for another 1-2 minutes.

  • Remove from heat, discard thyme leaves, and serve immediately into prepared bowl(s), top with a side of bread or salad, if desired.

  • Bon Appetit!

  Notes

  • STORAGE: Leftovers can be stored in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, for optimal freshness. Can also be frozen for 4-6 months. To defrost, simply place soup in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature before re-heating on the stove top to serve.
  • SPICES/HERBS:If desired, you can reduce the amounts slightly. Please know that this recipe is bold in spice/herb flavor, so feel free to adjust based on your tastebuds.
  • HOMEMADE GNOCCHI:To see how to make your own gnocchi, see my post for details!
  • GLUTEN-FREE OPTION:To make this soup GF-friendly, simply substitute the gnocchi with a gluten-free version and ensure that other ingredients are GF-friendly and you use GF bread on the side, if using.
  • VEGAN OPTION:To make this soup vegan, be sure to omit the chicken and substitute the butter with vegan butter, heavy cream with full-fat coconut cream/milk, gnocchi with a vegan-friendly version, chicken stock with veggie stock, and cheese with nutritional yeast and/or dairy-free cheese shreds.
  • EQUIPMENT:Here, I’ve curated a list of cooking + baking essentials that I use to achieve my favorite baked goods or cooked meals, especially with this Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Soup. Everything from my fave baking sheet, dutch ovens, immersion hand-blender, mixing bowls, and more.

  Nutrition Information:

  
  Amount Per Serving: Calories: 627