If you’re anything like me, some days you want chicken soup that’s hearty, creamy, and ready before the kids start nagging for dinner.
That’s where Instant Pot Chicken Gnocchi Soup comes in – a chicken recipe that hits all the comfort zones without the multi-hour simmer.
I’ve been cooking this for a while, and trust me, the gnocchi soaking up that rich broth is worth every second.
Plus, using your Instant Pot saves you from standing over a pot for ages.
Ingredients Needed To Make Instant Pot Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Here’s what you’ll need to get this soup going. Nothing fancy, just smart, simple ingredients that come together fast:
- 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 4 cups chicken broth (chicken recipe essential!)
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works perfectly)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 package (16 oz) potato gnocchi
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: grated Parmesan for topping
Instructions To Make Instant Pot Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Step 1: Saute like a pro
Fire up the Instant Pot on saute mode. Melt your butter, toss in onions, garlic, carrots, and celery.
Let it sizzle until the onions are translucent. The smell alone will make your kitchen feel like Sunday dinner – trust me, your family will start hovering.
Sprinkle in thyme and rosemary here, it’s where your chicken soup gets its cozy flavor punch.
Step 2: Add the chicken and broth
Now toss in your shredded chicken and chicken broth. Stir it up, scraping the bottom to release those tasty browned bits.
This is your flavor base – the unsung hero of any good Instant Pot Chicken Gnocchi Soup.
Step 3: Pressure cook, fast
Lock the lid, set to high pressure for 5 minutes. Yeah, 5. We’re going for speed without sacrificing flavor.
Once done, quick release the pressure. If you’re like me, you might sneak a taste of the broth while the steam’s still rising – it’s okay, I won’t tell.
Step 4: Creamy finish and gnocchi magic
Switch back to saute mode, pour in heavy cream, then toss in the gnocchi. Stir gently.
The gnocchi only takes about 3 to 4 minutes to cook through – soft, pillowy bites of heaven in your chicken soup.
Add spinach at the last minute for a fresh pop of color and nutrients.
Step 5: Taste, adjust, serve
Taste the soup. Add salt, pepper, maybe a dash of Parmesan if you’re feeling fancy.
Ladle it into bowls and watch it disappear faster than you can say “dinner’s ready!”
Dad Tricks I Swear By
- Rotisserie chicken = instant time saver.
- Frozen gnocchi works fine, just add an extra minute.
- Want extra flavor? Sauté garlic in butter until golden brown before adding veggies.
- Spinach wilts faster than kale – add it at the end to keep it vibrant.
Final Thoughts
Here’s the thing – Instant Pot Chicken Gnocchi Soup isn’t just another chicken recipe.
It’s a lesson in efficiency, flavor layering, and family survival on busy nights. Cooking this soup made me realize that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated.
You learn how to balance texture, richness, and speed.
And as a dad, it’s satisfying knowing you can deliver a homemade, wholesome meal without the chaos.
You’ve learned to manage timing, prep smart, and still create a soup that feels like it simmered for hours. That’s a win in my book.
