Instant Pot Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Instant Pot Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a comforting and flavorful soup perfect for a weeknight meal. This recipe uses the Instant Pot for quick and easy cooking, resulting in tender chicken and perfectly cooked gnocchi in a creamy, cheesy sauce.
Instant Pot Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a comforting and flavorful soup perfect for a weeknight meal. This recipe uses the Instant Pot for quick and easy cooking, resulting in tender chicken and perfectly cooked gnocchi in a creamy, cheesy sauce.
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp poultry seasoning
- 1 leaf
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese (grated)
- 1 onion (chopped)
- 2 stalks celery (chopped)
- 2 tbsps butter
- 1/2 tsp thyme (dried)
- 6 slices thick cut bacon (chopped in bite sized pieces)
- 3 large carrots (chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (pressed or finely minced)
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary, (about 3-4 inches long)
- 1/2 tsp basil (dried)
- 4 cups chicken broth (low sodium)
- 2 to 3 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
- 16 oz gnocchi ((i get the refrigerated package or the one by the dry pasta at the store.))
- 5 oz baby spinach (fresh)
- Carbohydrate 5.22042484232072 g
- Cholesterol 590.156666698345 mg
- Fat 132.111155355983 g
- Fiber 1.31296857111697 g
- Protein 135.384180405454 g
- Saturated Fat 43.6248120274993 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving (881g)
- Sodium 907.616647418681 mg
- Sugar 3.90745627120376 g
- Trans Fat 11.1845190037385 g
- Calories 1782 calories
Step-by-step
- Turn on the Sauté function (Med/Normal heat) and add the chopped bacon. Cook until done. Remove to a paper towel and drain all but 2 tsp of the fat.
- Add the butter, onion, carrot, and bay leaf, and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes or until onions are just starting to turn translucent.
- Add the celery and cook for a couple of minutes, until it starts to soften.
- Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently.
- Add the rosemary, basil, thyme, poultry seasoning, salt, pepper, and chicken broth. Stir, and let come to a simmer.
- Add bacon back in, and the chicken breasts.
- Put the lid on and lock in place. Set the steam release knob to the Sealing position.
- Cancel the sauté function.
- Press the Pressure Cook (or Manual) button or dial, and the + or - button or dial to select 9 minutes.
- When cooking cycle has ended and the pot beeps, let it sit and enter the Natural Release (Keep Warm) phase. Let it sit for 10 minutes, then turn the steam release knob to Venting and let the remaining pressure out.
- When the pin in the lid drops down, open the lid.
- Remove the chicken breasts to a bowl and discard the bay leaf.
- Turn on the sauté function again.
- Add the gnocchi and stir. Place the glass lid, if you have one, on the pot. If you place the pressure cooker's lid on the pot, make sure it is turned to Venting.
- Cook the gnocchi until it floats to the top. Just a few minutes.
- Meanwhile, shred the chicken breasts.
- When the gnocchi is finished, turn off the pot. Add the parmesan cheese and stir.
- Add the chicken back in, and the spinach. Stir.
- Stir in the heavy cream.
- Serve hot.
Instant Pot Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup: A Weeknight Winner
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a delicious and nutritious dinner can feel like a Herculean task. Between work deadlines, school pick-ups, and homework help, the last thing I want to spend my precious evening hours doing is slaving away over a hot stove. That’s why I’ve become a huge fan of the Instant Pot – it’s my secret weapon for whipping up satisfying meals quickly and easily. And this Instant Pot Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a prime example!
This soup is not only incredibly flavorful, but it's also incredibly versatile. Feel free to adjust the ingredients to your liking. Want to add some mushrooms? Go for it! Prefer a spicier kick? A pinch of red pepper flakes will do the trick. The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. You can easily customize it to suit your taste preferences and what you have on hand in your pantry.
The creamy texture of the soup comes from a combination of heavy cream and parmesan cheese, creating a rich and decadent experience without being too heavy. The gnocchi adds a delightful pillowy texture, and the chicken provides a hearty protein boost. It's the perfect comfort food for a chilly evening, and it's so easy to make that even on my busiest days, I can always manage to squeeze it in.
I often double this recipe and freeze half for a future meal. It reheats beautifully and tastes just as good (if not better!) the second time around. This means I have a quick and easy weeknight dinner ready to go, saving me even more time and effort. The time saved is invaluable, allowing me to spend more quality time with my family instead of being stuck in the kitchen.
The ingredients are simple and readily available at most grocery stores. I usually grab everything I need during my weekly grocery shopping trip, making meal prep a breeze. There’s no need for any special or hard-to-find ingredients. The combination of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and fluffy gnocchi is a surefire crowd-pleaser, guaranteed to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.
Beyond its convenience and deliciousness, this soup is also surprisingly nutritious. Chicken is a great source of lean protein, essential for maintaining energy levels and supporting muscle growth. The vegetables add important vitamins and minerals, contributing to overall health and well-being. It's a balanced meal that nourishes my body and keeps me feeling energized throughout the day.
So, if you’re looking for a quick, easy, delicious, and nutritious weeknight meal that won't break the bank or take up too much of your time, give this Instant Pot Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup a try. You won't be disappointed! It's become a staple in my household, and I'm confident it will become a favorite in yours as well. Trust me, it’s worth every minute (or rather, every *second* considering the Instant Pot’s speed!). Enjoy!
Tips and Variations:
- For a thicker soup, you can add a tablespoon or two of cornstarch mixed with a little cold water to the soup during the last few minutes of cooking.
- If you don’t have fresh spinach, you can substitute with frozen spinach, just make sure to thaw and squeeze out excess water before adding it to the soup.
- Feel free to experiment with different types of vegetables. Mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers would be delicious additions.
- For a spicier soup, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
- If you don’t have an Instant Pot, you can easily adapt this recipe to be made on the stovetop. Just simmer the chicken and vegetables until the chicken is cooked through, then add the gnocchi and cook until tender.
This Instant Pot Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup is more than just a recipe; it's a testament to the power of efficient cooking and flavorful simplicity. It’s a meal that allows me to enjoy delicious, healthy food without sacrificing my precious time. And in the whirlwind of motherhood and career, that’s a luxury I deeply appreciate.
