Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

The Coziest Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe Ever

My weekend cooking experiments led me to discover this surprisingly simple garlic chicken gnocchi soup that instantly became a comfort classic.

Unexpected combinations of tender chicken and pillowy potato dumplings create magic in one pot.

Fragrant garlic weaves through each spoonful, promising deep, satisfying flavors.

Robust ingredients mingle seamlessly, developing a rich, velvety texture that feels like a warm embrace.

Hearty and filling, this recipe comes together quickly with minimal kitchen effort.

Creamy broth and soft gnocchi make this soup a perfect companion for chilly evenings.

Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Soup Everyone Asks For Again

Indulge in Comfort: Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Soup Delights

  • Quick Weeknight Wonder: Transforms simple ingredients into a luxurious meal in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy families craving a hearty dinner without extensive cooking time.
  • Cozy Crowd-Pleaser: Packed with tender gnocchi, shredded chicken, and nutritious kale, this soup appeals to all ages and satisfies diverse taste preferences with its creamy, rich texture.
  • One-Pot Kitchen Magic: Minimizes cleanup with a single pot cooking method, allowing home cooks to create a restaurant-quality dish while saving time on dishwashing and preparation.
  • Versatile Seasonal Companion: Adaptable for chilly winter evenings or as a comforting lunch, this soup works beautifully for casual family dinners, weekend gatherings, or meal prep sessions.

Ingredients Inside Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Protein Base:
  • Chicken: Tender protein that adds heartiness to the soup.
  • Gnocchi: Soft potato dumplings that provide comforting texture.
Dairy and Cream Components:
  • Heavy Cream: Creates rich and smooth soup base.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, salty flavor and creamy consistency.
  • Butter: Provides rich foundation for sautéing and flavor depth.
Flavor Enhancers and Vegetables:
  • Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that adds intense flavor.
  • Kale: Nutrient-dense leafy green for added nutrition and color.
  • Chicken Stock: Provides liquid base and deep savory flavor.
Seasoning and Thickeners:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Helps thicken soup and create smooth texture.
  • Sea Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile.
  • Black Pepper: Optional subtle spice and warmth (not mentioned in original recipe but commonly used).

Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Soup Instructions

Step 1: Warm Up the Pot

Heat butter in a Dutch oven or large pot over medium-high heat.

Drop in minced garlic and dance it around until it releases its amazing aroma, about 1-2 minutes.

Step 2: Create a Silky Base

  • Flour
  • All-Purpose Blend
  • Sea salt

Sprinkle these ingredients into the pot and stir constantly for one minute.

This creates a magical roux that will thicken your soup.

Slowly pour in chicken stock, whisking to prevent any pesky lumps from forming.

Cook until the mixture starts to get slightly thicker.

Step 3: Build Your Soup’s Body

  • Heavy cream
  • Kale
  • Shredded chicken
  • Gnocchi

Dump these ingredients into the pot and let everything mingle.

Simmer for 10-12 minutes, giving an occasional stir.

Watch for the gnocchi to float and become tender – that’s your signal that everything is perfectly cooked.

Step 4: Cheese It Up

Tumble in Parmesan cheese and stir until it melts completely, turning the soup into a creamy dream.

Let it bubble gently for another 1-2 minutes.

Step 5: Serve With Love

Scoop the steaming soup into bowls.

Pair with crusty bread or a crisp salad if you’re feeling extra fancy.

Enjoy immediately while it’s hot and delicious!

Gnocchi Soup Tips with Garlic Chicken Richness

Whisk constantly when adding flour to ensure a smooth, lump-free base for your soup, creating a silky texture that blends perfectly with the chicken and cream.

Massage kale briefly before adding to the soup to break down tough fibers, making it more tender and easier to digest while enhancing its vibrant green color.

Watch gnocchi carefully while simmering – they’re perfectly cooked when they float to the top, ensuring a soft, pillowy texture without becoming mushy.

Swap heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free version, or use gluten-free flour and gnocchi to make this soup accessible for different dietary restrictions.

Add a splash of white wine or a pinch of dried herbs like thyme or rosemary to elevate the soup’s complexity and bring out the rich chicken and garlic notes.

Store Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Soup

  • Transfer leftover soup to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Avoid freezing gnocchi-based soups, as they can become mushy upon thawing.
  • Warm soup over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken stock or water to restore original consistency if soup has thickened.
  • Heat in microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming. Stop heating once soup reaches desired temperature to prevent overcooking gnocchi.

Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Soup Pairings

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a bright, acidic Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that cuts through the soup's creamy richness and complements the garlic and chicken flavors.
  • Serve with Rosemary Focaccia: Bake a rustic Italian bread with fresh rosemary sprigs, providing a herbal crunch that perfectly matches the soup's soft gnocchi and tender chicken texture.
  • Complement with Arugula Salad: Create a light side salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette, featuring peppery arugula, shaved Parmesan, and toasted pine nuts to balance the soup's creamy profile.
  • Match with Chilled Sparkling Water: Add a slice of lemon or cucumber to refresh the palate between spoonfuls of the rich, garlic-infused soup.

Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Soup Enhancements

  • Gluten-Free Gnocchi Delight: Replace traditional gnocchi with gluten-free potato gnocchi and swap all-purpose flour for gluten-free flour blend, ensuring a safe option for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Vegetarian Comfort Bowl: Substitute shredded chicken with plant-based protein like roasted white beans or crumbled tofu, and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock for a hearty meat-free version.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Replace gnocchi with cauliflower gnocchi or roasted cauliflower florets to reduce carbohydrate content, making it suitable for low-carb and keto dietary preferences.
  • Dairy-Free Creamy Alternative: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan cheese, creating a rich, dairy-free soup that maintains the original recipe's luxurious texture.

FAQs

  • Is gnocchi hard to cook?

Gnocchi is actually quite easy to cook. In this soup, the gnocchi simply needs to be added and simmered for 10-12 minutes until they float to the top, which indicates they’re fully cooked and tender.

  • Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just ensure it’s fully thawed and cooked before shredding and adding to the soup. Pre-cooked rotisserie chicken also works great for a quick preparation.

  • How do I prevent lumps when adding stock?

Gradually pour the chicken stock while continuously stirring to create a smooth base. This technique helps prevent flour lumps from forming and ensures a creamy, consistent soup texture.

  • What if I don't have kale?

No problem! You can substitute kale with spinach, Swiss chard, or even frozen mixed vegetables. Choose a leafy green that you enjoy and that adds nutritional value to the soup.

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Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe


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4.8 from 30 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Comforting garlic chicken gnocchi soup delivers rich Italian-inspired flavors perfect for chilly evenings. Pillowy gnocchi and tender chicken nestled in a silky broth promise warmth and satisfaction for anyone craving a hearty meal.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 5 cups organic chicken stock/broth
  • 1 (16 ounces/453 grams) package potato gnocchi
  • 2 cups shredded cooked chicken breasts
  • 1/2 cup organic heavy cream
  • 2 cups organic kale, de-stemmed and chopped

Seasoning and Spices:

  • 68 garlic cloves, minced
  • 4 tablespoons organic all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons all-purpose blend
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt

Finishing Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Prepare the aromatic base by melting butter in a spacious pot over medium-high temperature, introducing minced garlic and allowing it to release its fragrant essence for approximately 1-2 minutes.
  2. Create a robust foundation by whisking in flour, seasoning blend, and sea salt. Continuously stir for one minute to develop a smooth, golden roux that will provide depth to the soup’s texture.
  3. Slowly incorporate chicken stock, stirring consistently to prevent any lumpy formations, and allow the mixture to thicken and develop a rich, velvety consistency.
  4. Introduce heavy cream, tender kale leaves, shredded chicken, and pillowy gnocchi into the simmering liquid, allowing the ingredients to meld together for 10-12 minutes until the gnocchi become buoyant and perfectly tender.
  5. Elevate the soup’s creaminess by gradually folding in freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until completely integrated and the soup transforms into a luxuriously smooth texture.
  6. Remove the pot from heat after a final 1-2 minute simmer, ensuring all flavors have harmonized beautifully.
  7. Ladle the steaming, aromatic soup into serving bowls, optionally accompanying with crusty artisan bread or a crisp side salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Notes

  • Master the roux by constantly stirring flour to prevent burning and ensure a smooth, lump-free base for your soup.
  • Customize protein options by swapping chicken with rotisserie, leftover turkey, or plant-based alternatives like tofu for dietary flexibility.
  • Control soup thickness by adjusting chicken stock and cream ratios – add more stock for lighter consistency or reduce for a thicker, more luxurious texture.
  • Enhance nutrition by experimenting with different greens like spinach or Swiss chard instead of kale, maintaining the soup’s vibrant color and added nutrients.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 482
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 27 g
  • Saturated Fat: 16 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 37 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 24 g
  • Cholesterol: 96 mg
Angelina Wiles

Angelina Wiles

Content Editor & Culinary Enthusiast

Expertise

Food Writing and Editing, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine, Baking and Pastry Arts, Sustainable Cooking Practices​

Education

Portland Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Emphasis on sustainable cooking practices, vegetarian cuisine, and food writing.​

​Oregon Culinary Institute
Diploma in Baking and Pastry Arts
Focus: Specialized training in artisanal baking, pastry techniques, and dessert presentation.


Angelina’s love for cooking started with handwritten family recipes and weekend trips to farmers’ markets around Portland. She followed her passion with a Certificate in Culinary Arts from Portland Community College, then perfected her sweet side with a Diploma in Baking and Pastry Arts at Oregon Culinary Institute.
Angelina believes recipes should feel like a conversation, not a science project. She’s all about helping readers trust themselves in the kitchen with simple steps, fresh ideas, and easy twists on classic meals.
When she’s not editing recipes, she’s baking bread, sipping coffee, or getting inspired by the changing seasons.

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