Imagine a bowl of pure comfort that comes together in just 30 minutes - this Instant Pot Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup is about to become your ultimate weeknight dinner hero! Packed with tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a luxuriously rich cream base, this Italian-inspired soup will transport your taste buds to a cozy trattoria without hours of complicated cooking. Whether you're a busy parent, a cooking novice, or a seasoned chef looking for a quick and delicious meal, this recipe promises to be your new go-to comfort food that'll have everyone at the table asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 package (16 oz) gnocchi
- 2 cups spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Dice the chicken breast and onion, and mince the garlic. This will help streamline the cooking process.
- Set your Instant Pot to the 'Sauté' mode. Add a splash of olive oil, then add the diced onion. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
- Add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for an additional 1 minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Add the diced chicken breast to the pot. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for about 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is no longer pink.
- Pour in the 4 cups of chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to deglaze and release any browned bits. This adds flavor to your soup.
- Stir in the package of gnocchi. Close the lid of the Instant Pot and ensure the valve is set to 'Sealing'.
- Set the Instant Pot to 'Manual' or 'Pressure Cook' mode for 5 minutes. It will take a few minutes to come to pressure before the cooking time begins.
- Once the cooking time is complete, carefully perform a quick release by turning the valve to 'Venting' to release the steam. Be cautious of the hot steam.
- Open the lid and stir in the 2 cups of spinach and 1 cup of heavy cream. Allow the spinach to wilt and the cream to warm through, stirring gently.
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips
- Prep is Key: Have all ingredients chopped and measured before you start cooking to ensure a smooth process.
- Don't Overcook the Gnocchi: The 5-minute pressure cook time is perfect to keep gnocchi tender without becoming mushy.
- Fresh Spinach Matters: Add spinach at the very end to maintain its vibrant color and nutrients.
- Cream Addition Trick: Stir in heavy cream after pressure cooking to prevent curdling and maintain a silky texture.
- Customize Your Soup: Feel free to add extra vegetables like carrots or celery during the sauté stage for more depth of flavor.
- Storage Tip: This soup is best enjoyed fresh, but can be refrigerated for 2-3 days. Reheat gently to prevent gnocchi from breaking down.
- Make it Lighter: Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 90mg
