Introduction
Instant Pot Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a comforting and hearty dish that’s perfect for any day of the week. This recipe combines tender chicken, fluffy gnocchi, and a rich creamy broth, making it a delicious and filling meal. Thanks to the Instant Pot, it can be prepared quickly and easily, providing a satisfying option for busy cooks.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
Chicken: 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Gnocchi: 16 ounces of store-bought gnocchi
Carrots: 2 medium carrots, diced
Celery: 2 stalks of celery, diced
Onion: 1 medium onion, diced
Garlic: 3 cloves of garlic, minced
Spinach: 2 cups of fresh spinach
Chicken broth: 4 cups of low-sodium chicken broth
Heavy cream: 1 cup of heavy cream
Seasonings: 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, salt and pepper to taste
Olive oil: 2 tablespoons of olive oil
Prep Time
The prep time for this Instant Pot Chicken Gnocchi Soup is about 15 minutes. This includes gathering ingredients, chopping vegetables, and preparing the chicken.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
The cook time is approximately 20 minutes in the Instant Pot. The total time, including prep, is around 35 minutes. This recipe yields approximately 4 servings, making it a great option for families or meal prep.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Gather all necessary ingredients before starting the cooking process to ensure a smooth experience.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Turn on the Instant Pot and set it to the sauté function. Add olive oil and allow it to heat. Then, add chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Stir until the vegetables are softened.
Step 3: Add Garlic
Once the vegetables are tender, add minced garlic to the pot and cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
Step 4: Incorporate Chicken
Add diced chicken breast to the pot, stirring to combine it with the sautéed vegetables. Cook for a few minutes until the chicken is lightly browned.
Step 5: Season the Mixture
Sprinkle in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well to ensure the chicken is well-coated with the seasonings.
Step 6: Add Broth
Pour in chicken broth and stir to combine. Scrape the bottom of the pot to ensure nothing is stuck, as this can cause the Instant Pot to give a burn warning.
Step 7: Pressurize the Soup
Close the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to sealing. Select high pressure and cook for 7 minutes.
Step 8: Quick Release
Once the cooking time is up, perform a quick release of the pressure by carefully turning the valve to venting.
Step 9: Add Gnocchi and Spinach
After the pressure is released, open the lid and add the gnocchi and fresh spinach to the pot. Stir well to incorporate.
Step 10: Simmer the Soup
Set the Instant Pot to the sauté function and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes until the gnocchi is cooked and the spinach is wilted.
Step 11: Finish with Cream
Pour in heavy cream and mix thoroughly. Allow the soup to heat through and then serve.
Notes
Storage Recommendations
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing Tips
This soup can be frozen; however, the texture of the gnocchi may change upon thawing. It is recommended to store the soup without gnocchi and add fresh gnocchi when reheating.
Alternative Proteins
You can substitute chicken with turkey or use rotisserie chicken for a quicker preparation.
Variations
Feel free to add other vegetables like peas or mushrooms for added nutrition and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal option.
