Save
This creamy garlic chicken gnocchi soup is perfect for cozy nights when you want something comforting without a fuss. It combines tender gnocchi and shredded chicken in a luscious garlicky broth that hits just the right spot after a busy day.
I whipped this up after finding a bag of gnocchi in the freezer and some leftover chicken. It quickly became a staple when I needed soothing food that felt like a warm hug.
Ingredients
- Potato gnocchi: choose fresh store-bought or homemade for the best pillowy texture
- Shredded cooked chicken: adds lean protein and makes the soup hearty
- Unsalted butter: for a rich, flavorful base
- Fresh garlic cloves: minced to give a robust aromatic foundation
- Organic all-purpose flour: thickens the broth creating that creamy soup feel
- On Everything All-Purpose Blend: adds a savory punch, if unavailable, a mix of herbs and spices works well
- Sea salt: balances all the flavors perfectly
- Organic chicken stock or broth: makes the soup rich and flavorful, choose low sodium for better control
- Organic heavy cream: enriches the broth to a silky smooth finish
- Organic kale: de-stemmed and chopped boosts nutrition and gives texture to the soup
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese: melts in for extra creaminess and a touch of sharpness
Instructions
- Build The Garlic Base:
- In a medium-sized dutch oven over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until you smell that fragrant garlicky aroma. This step infuses the soup with deep flavor so don&t rush it.
- Add Thickening Agents and Seasoning:
- Sprinkle in the flour, On Everything All-Purpose Blend, and sea salt. Stir continuously until everything forms a smooth paste and the flour cooks out slightly. This step will thicken the soup perfectly and layer in seasoning.
- Create The Broth:
- Slowly pour in the chicken stock while stirring to avoid lumps. Keep stirring until the broth thickens and looks glossy, about 3 to 5 minutes. This creates the velvet base of the soup.
- Combine Cream, Kale, Chicken, and Gnocchi:
- Add in the heavy cream, chopped kale, shredded chicken, and gnocchi. Stir gently to combine all ingredients evenly. Let the soup simmer for 10 to 12 minutes until the gnocchi puffs up, floats to the top, and becomes tender.
- Finish With Parmesan:
- Sprinkle in the grated parmesan and stir until fully melted and the soup transforms into a creamy, cheesy delight. Give it another minute or two to meld flavors and thicken slightly.
- Serve Warm:
- Remove from heat and ladle the soup into bowls. Serve immediately with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Kale is my favorite ingredient here. It adds texture and nutrients without overpowering the soup. I love that this dish reminds me of chilly evenings at my grandmother&s house when soup was always on the stove simmering away.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove to avoid breaking down the gnocchi too much. Stir occasionally and add a splash of broth if the soup thickens too much.
Ingredient Swaps
Use spinach instead of kale for a milder green or swap parmesan for Asiago or pecorino for a different cheese twist. Chicken thighs shredded work just as well if you prefer darker meat. Dairy-free cream alternatives like coconut milk make this soup suitable for lactose intolerance.
Serving Ideas
Pair with a crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or soft dinner rolls also complement the creamy soup perfectly. Leftover soup is wonderful with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to add some heat.
This soup blends comfort and nutrition perfectly making it a beloved option any time of year.
Frequently Asked Recipe Questions
- → Can I use store-bought gnocchi for this dish?
Absolutely, store-bought gnocchi works well and shortens preparation time while still delivering a tender texture.
- → How do I prevent the broth from becoming too thick?
Be sure to stir frequently while adding broth and cream, and adjust with extra stock if it thickens too much during simmering.
- → What is the role of garlic in this dish?
Garlic is sautéed in butter at the start to infuse the broth with its aromatic, savory flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.
- → Can I substitute kale with another green?
Yes, spinach or Swiss chard are great alternatives that will soften nicely without altering the dish’s balance.
- → When should parmesan be added to the dish?
Parmesan is stirred in near the end of cooking to melt smoothly and lend a subtle, cheesy richness to the broth.
- → How can I tell when the gnocchi is fully cooked?
The gnocchi will float to the surface and tenderize after simmering for about 10-12 minutes, signaling readiness.