Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Soup

There’s something incredibly comforting about a bowl of warm soup, and this Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Soup is about to become your new go-to dish. Imagine this: juicy, tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a rich, garlicky broth that wraps around you like a cozy blanket. It’s creamy, but not too heavy—just the right amount of indulgence. This soup hits all the right notes, with the perfect balance of savory, creamy, and just a hint of garlic that lingers in the best possible way. Trust me, you’re going to want to make this one again and again.

Why You’ll Love Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Soup

This recipe is a game-changer, and here’s why:

• Versatile: Whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or something to impress at a gathering, this soup fits the bill. It’s comforting enough to curl up with after a long day, but fancy enough for your next dinner party.
• Budget-Friendly: Made with simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry and fridge, you don’t need anything extravagant to make this dish a winner.
• Quick and Easy: This soup comes together in no time. Even if you’re not a seasoned chef, you can still make this without breaking a sweat. Simple steps, straightforward ingredients, and plenty of flavor!
• Customizable: Love a little heat? Add some crushed red pepper flakes. Want a milder version? Simply adjust the garlic and seasoning to your taste. This soup is flexible to your preferences.
• Crowd-Pleasing: It’s creamy, garlicky, and so comforting—it’s hard not to love. This recipe is a hit with kids and adults alike, making it perfect for family meals or casual get-togethers.

Ingredients

Let’s break down the ingredients that make this soup so irresistible. The best part? It’s made with simple ingredients that pack a serious punch in flavor.

Chicken Breasts:
The backbone of this soup! Boneless, skinless chicken breasts cook up tender and juicy, soaking up all those savory, garlicky flavors. If you prefer dark meat, feel free to use chicken thighs for a richer taste.

Gnocchi:
These little dumplings are the secret to this soup’s heartiness. Soft, pillowy gnocchi soak up the rich broth and add the perfect amount of texture to every bite.

Garlic:
The star of the flavor show! Fresh garlic gives this soup its signature savory punch. It adds richness and depth to the broth that will have you craving more.

Onion:
A classic for soups, onion adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor that helps balance the richness of the cream and garlic.

Carrots and Celery:
These veggies bring a slight crunch and a natural sweetness that balances the soup’s creamy texture. They also add vibrant color, making the soup look as good as it tastes.

Chicken Broth:
This is the base of the soup, bringing that comforting, savory flavor to every spoonful. You can use low-sodium broth if you prefer to control the salt level.

Heavy Cream:
For that rich, creamy texture that makes this soup feel indulgent. The cream blends perfectly with the broth, creating a silky-smooth finish.

Thyme:
A little bit of thyme adds an earthy, aromatic note that complements the garlic and chicken beautifully.

Salt and Pepper:
Essential for balancing and enhancing the flavors. Season to taste, and feel free to adjust depending on your preferences.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s get cooking! These steps are simple, and before you know it, you’ll be diving into a bowl of creamy goodness.

Sauté the Veggies:
In a large pot, heat a bit of oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes until the veggies are softened and fragrant. Then, stir in the garlic and cook for another minute—your kitchen will smell amazing at this point!

Cook the Chicken:
Move the veggies to one side of the pot and add the chicken breasts. Cook for 5-6 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside to cool.

Prepare the Soup Base:
Pour the chicken broth into the pot and bring it to a simmer. Add thyme, salt, and pepper to season. Let the broth simmer for about 5 minutes, so the flavors begin to meld.

Shred the Chicken:
While the broth is simmering, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces using two forks. It’ll be nice and juicy, perfect for mixing back into the soup.

Add the Gnocchi and Chicken:
Once the broth is simmering, add the gnocchi and shredded chicken back into the pot. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the gnocchi is tender and floating on top of the broth.

Stir in the Cream:
Pour in the heavy cream, and stir everything together. Let the soup simmer for another 2-3 minutes to thicken and become rich and creamy.

Adjust Seasoning:
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Add a little more thyme if you’d like a stronger herb flavor.

Serve and Enjoy:
Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if desired, and enjoy the warmth and comfort in every spoonful.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 400

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Soup

This soup is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but here are a few ideas to elevate your meal:

• Fresh Salad: Pair it with a light, crisp green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the creamy soup.
• Crusty Bread: Serve with warm, crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up every drop of the delicious broth.
• Roasted Vegetables: Try pairing it with roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, zucchini, or carrots for a nutritious side that complements the soup’s creamy richness.
• Grated Parmesan: A sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan on top will add a salty, nutty finish to the soup.

Presentation matters, too! Serve the soup in beautiful bowls with a sprinkle of fresh herbs for that extra pop.

Additional Tips

A few more tips to make sure your soup turns out perfectly every time:

• Prep Ahead: Chop your veggies and shred the chicken ahead of time to save yourself a few minutes when you’re ready to cook.
• Make it Lighter: For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream or coconut cream for a dairy-free option.
• Add More Veggies: Feel free to throw in other veggies like spinach, peas, or corn for added nutrition and flavor.
• Make a Big Batch: This soup freezes really well, so you can double the recipe and have a delicious homemade meal ready in the future.
• Adjust the Garlic: If you’re a garlic lover, feel free to add an extra clove or two for that extra savory punch.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen gnocchi instead of fresh?
A1: Yes! Frozen gnocchi works just as well. Simply add it straight to the soup and let it cook until tender.

Q2: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
A2: Yes, this soup is great for making ahead. Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days, and reheat it gently on the stove.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove to keep the texture creamy.

Q4: Can I freeze this soup?
A4: Yes, this soup freezes beautifully. Store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove.

Q5: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
A5: Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add extra flavor and richness to the soup. Just cook them until they’re fully cooked through and shred them.

Q6: Can I use a different type of pasta instead of gnocchi?
A6: If you can’t find gnocchi, small pasta shapes like ditalini or tortellini would work great!

Q7: Can I make this soup dairy-free?
A7: Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative. Just make sure to check the chicken broth for any hidden dairy ingredients if you’re keeping it fully dairy-free.

Q8: How can I make this soup thicker?
A8: If you want a thicker soup, you can blend a portion of the soup in a blender and then stir it back in. This will create a creamier texture.

Q9: How do I add more garlic flavor?
A9: If you love garlic, feel free to add an extra clove or two when cooking the veggies, or even add some garlic powder to the soup for an extra boost.

Q10: Can I double the recipe?
A10: Yes, doubling the recipe is easy! Just make sure to use a larger pot and give it a little extra time to simmer if needed.

Conclusion

This Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Soup is the ultimate comfort food for chilly days and cozy nights. It’s rich, creamy, and packed with flavor, yet easy enough to make any day of the week. Whether you’re making it for the family, a crowd, or just yourself, it’s guaranteed to bring warmth and satisfaction with every spoonful. Give it a try—you won’t regret it!

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