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If you crave a warm, hearty meal, I’ve got just the thing: Instant Pot Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup! This dish is rich, smooth, and packed with flavor. It combines tender chicken, fluffy gnocchi, and tasty veggies, all cooked in one pot. Plus, it’s easy to prepare! In this post, I’ll guide you on ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and tips for the best results. Let’s dive into this delicious delight!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Comforting and Creamy: This soup is the perfect blend of comforting flavors, making it a go-to recipe for chilly nights.
- Quick and Easy: With the Instant Pot, you can whip up this delicious meal in just 25 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with chicken, spinach, and herbs, this soup is a healthy choice without sacrificing flavor.
- Versatile: You can easily customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or substituting the chicken for a meat alternative.
Ingredients
List of Required Ingredients
To make Instant Pot Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup, gather these ingredients:
– 1 lb chicken breasts, diced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 package (16 oz) gnocchi (fresh or frozen)
– 2 cups baby spinach
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Suggested Tools and Equipment
You will need a few tools to make this soup:
– Instant Pot
– Cutting board
– Sharp knife
– Measuring cups and spoons
– Wooden spoon or spatula
– Serving bowls
Ingredient Substitutions and Alternatives
You can adjust the recipe with these swaps:
– Chicken: Use rotisserie chicken for less prep time.
– Heavy cream: Substitute with half-and-half for a lighter soup.
– Spinach: Kale or arugula works well too.
– Broth: Vegetable broth can replace chicken broth for a vegetarian option.
– Gnocchi: You can use pasta if gnocchi is not available.
These options help you customize the soup to your taste and pantry. Enjoy making this warm, creamy delight!

Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Chicken and Aromatics
Start by setting your Instant Pot to ‘Sauté’ mode. Pour in one tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add one pound of diced chicken breasts. Cook this until the chicken is browned. Next, add one medium chopped onion and three minced garlic cloves. Stir them in and cook for 2-3 minutes. The onion should become soft and clear.
Cooking in the Instant Pot
Now, pour in four cups of chicken broth. Add one teaspoon of dried thyme and one teaspoon of dried oregano. Season with salt and pepper to your taste. Stir the mix well to combine. Close the Instant Pot lid, and set the valve to ‘Sealing’. Cook on ‘Manual’ for five minutes. When time is up, do a quick pressure release. Carefully open the lid.
Finalizing the Soup
Stir in one cup of heavy cream and one package of gnocchi. Switch the Instant Pot back to ‘Sauté’ mode. Cook for another 3-5 minutes. The gnocchi should become soft and warm. Finally, fold in two cups of baby spinach. Let it wilt for one to two minutes. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve hot and top with fresh chopped parsley for a lovely finish.
Tips & Tricks
Best Practices for Cooking Gnocchi
Cooking gnocchi can be simple if you follow a few key tips. First, if you use frozen gnocchi, do not thaw them before adding to the soup. They will cook better this way. Second, stir gently when mixing in the gnocchi. This prevents them from breaking apart. Lastly, keep an eye on the cooking time. Gnocchi cooks quickly, typically in 3-5 minutes.
Flavor Enhancement Tips
To boost the flavor of your soup, try these ideas. Add a squeeze of lemon juice before serving. This brightens the taste. You can also sprinkle in some red pepper flakes for a kick. Fresh herbs like basil or dill can add a nice touch as well. If you want a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine before you add the chicken broth.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Sometimes things do not go as planned. If your soup is too thick, add more chicken broth or cream to loosen it. If it tastes bland, a pinch of salt or a dash of pepper can enhance the flavor. If you find your gnocchi is mushy, it may have cooked too long. Next time, reduce the cooking time to avoid this. Remember, cooking is about learning and improving!
Pro Tips
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, opt for fresh chicken and vegetables. Fresh ingredients can elevate the taste of your soup significantly.
- Adjust the Thickness: If you prefer a thicker soup, add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of cold water) during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Gnocchi Alternatives: If you can’t find gnocchi, consider using small pasta shapes like orzo or ditalini as a substitute, adjusting cooking times accordingly.
- Storage Tips: This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth if needed to thin it out.

Variations
Adding Vegetables to the Soup
Adding vegetables boosts the flavor and nutrition of your soup. You can use carrots, celery, or bell peppers. Just chop them small so they cook well. Sauté the veggies with the chicken, onion, and garlic. This adds more color and taste. You can also add frozen peas or corn near the end. They cook fast and keep their crunch. For a fresh touch, try adding zucchini. Slice it thin and add it just before serving.
Gluten-Free or Low-Carb Options
If you need gluten-free or low-carb soup, you can swap the gnocchi. Use zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead. They provide a great base while cutting carbs. Check the labels on the chicken broth too. Some brands add gluten. To keep it creamy, use coconut milk or almond milk. These options give a nice flavor without gluten.
Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup with Different Proteins
You can mix up proteins in your soup for new tastes. Instead of chicken, try diced turkey or cooked sausage. If you like seafood, shrimp works well too. Just be careful with cooking times. Shrimp cooks fast, so add it near the end. If you have leftover rotisserie chicken, use that for a quick meal. It adds flavor and saves time. Each option gives your soup a unique twist.
Storage Info
How to Store Leftovers
To store your creamy chicken gnocchi soup, let it cool first. Transfer it to an airtight container. Make sure to seal it well to keep it fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want it to last longer, consider freezing it.
Reheating Instructions
When you’re ready to enjoy your soup again, you can reheat it on the stove. Pour the soup into a pot over medium heat. Stir it often until it warms up. You can also use the microwave. Place your soup in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between.
Freezing Tips and Duration
If you want to freeze the soup, use freezer-safe containers. Leave a little space at the top for expansion. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it on the stove or microwave as mentioned. Enjoy every spoonful of this warming delight!
FAQs
How to make Instant Pot Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup?
To make this soup, start with your Instant Pot. First, set it to ‘Sauté’ mode and add one tablespoon of olive oil. Once it’s hot, add one pound of diced chicken breasts. Cook until they are browned. Next, add one chopped onion and three minced garlic cloves. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the onion is clear. Pour in four cups of chicken broth and add one teaspoon each of dried thyme and oregano. Add salt and pepper to taste. Close the lid and set the valve to ‘Sealing’. Cook on ‘Manual’ for five minutes. When done, do a quick release to let out the steam. Open the lid and stir in one cup of heavy cream and one package of gnocchi. Switch back to ‘Sauté’ mode and cook for another 3-5 minutes until the gnocchi are soft. Finally, add two cups of baby spinach and let it wilt for one to two minutes. Serve hot with chopped parsley on top.
Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken. The Instant Pot can cook frozen chicken safely. However, increase the cooking time to about 10-12 minutes. Make sure to check the chicken’s internal temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F. This method can save you time and keep your meal easy and quick.
How long does this soup last in the refrigerator?
This soup lasts about 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Store it in an airtight container. Make sure it cools down before sealing it. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it instead.
What can I serve with creamy chicken gnocchi soup?
This soup pairs well with a side salad or crusty bread. A simple green salad can add freshness. Garlic bread also makes a great choice. You can also try serving it with a light pasta dish or roasted vegetables for a full meal.
In this blog post, we covered how to make a tasty creamy chicken gnocchi soup. We discussed ingredients, tools, and substitutions to make it work for you. The step-by-step guide helped you in prepping, cooking, and finalizing the soup. We also shared tips for cooking gnocchi and enhancing flavors. Plus, we explored variations and how to store leftovers effectively. By following these steps, you can create a comforting meal for any occasion. Enjoy your cooking and savor every bit
Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup
A rich and comforting soup featuring tender chicken, gnocchi, and spinach in a creamy broth.
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 15 minutes mins
Total Time 25 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal
- 1 lb chicken breasts, diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 package gnocchi (16 oz)
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- to taste salt and pepper
- for garnish fresh parsley, chopped
Set your Instant Pot to the 'Sauté' mode and add olive oil. Once hot, add the diced chicken and sauté until browned.
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until the onion is translucent.
Pour in the chicken broth and add the thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
Close the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to 'Sealing'. Cook on 'Manual' for 5 minutes.
Once the cooking time is up, perform a quick release of the pressure. Carefully open the lid.
Stir in the heavy cream and gnocchi. Set the Instant Pot to 'Sauté' mode again and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until the gnocchi are tender and heated through.
Lastly, fold in the baby spinach and allow it to wilt for 1-2 minutes. Adjust the seasoning if necessary.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your taste.
Keyword chicken, creamy, gnocchi, soup
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