Olive Garden Style Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Olive Garden Style Chicken Gnocchi Soup is the epitome of comfort food. With its rich and creamy texture, this hearty soup is perfect for chilly evenings or when you’re feeling under the weather. Inspired by the beloved restaurant chain, this recipe offers a delightful blend of tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and vibrant vegetables. It’s a dish you can whip up in no time, making it ideal for a weeknight dinner or cozy gathering with family and friends.

Why you’ll love this dish

This Chicken Gnocchi Soup stands out for several reasons. First and foremost, it’s incredibly comforting. The combination of creamy broth and tender gnocchi creates a warm hug in a bowl. Additionally, this recipe is a lifesaver for busy weeknights; it comes together quickly and packs a flavorful punch without breaking the bank. Plus, with nutrients from fresh vegetables, it’s not just tasty—it’s good for you too!

“This soup reminds me of my favorite meals at Olive Garden. It’s creamy, satisfying, and perfect for a family night in!”

Step-by-step overview

Creating this delectable soup is a breeze. You start by sautéing your aromatic vegetables, then thicken the broth with a bit of flour. Gradually, you’ll add the chicken broth and flavored ingredients, letting everything simmer together into a cozy embrace of flavors. Finally, stir in the heavy cream and whole milk to achieve that dreamy consistency. Let’s break it down further.

What you’ll need

Gather these ingredients before you start cooking to ensure a smooth process:

• 2 cups cooked chicken breast
• 1 cup carrots, diced
• 1 stalk celery, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 tsp dried parsley
• 1 cup fresh spinach
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 lb potato gnocchi
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
• 1 cup whole milk

Directions to follow

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat.
2. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté until tender, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Stir in the flour and cook for another minute until the mixture is bubbly.
4. Gradually add the chicken broth, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
5. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then add the cooked chicken, gnocchi, fresh spinach, dried parsley, and thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Let it simmer until the gnocchi are cooked through, usually about 5-6 minutes.
7. Finally, stir in the heavy cream and whole milk, cooking until everything is heated through.
8. Serve hot and enjoy!

Best ways to enjoy it

When serving Olive Garden Style Chicken Gnocchi Soup, consider a few creative touches. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or a dusting of grated Parmesan cheese on top adds a beautiful finish. For sides, pair it with warm, crusty bread or a light salad to complement the rich flavors of the soup. You can also set a cozy ambiance with warm lighting and soft music, making it an ideal family dinner option.

Keeping leftovers fresh

This soup can be made ahead or stored for later enjoyment. To store, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be safely kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you wish to extend its shelf life, consider freezing it in individual portions. However, remember that the gnocchi may change texture upon reheating, so it’s best to add them fresh to the soup when stored.

Helpful cooking tips

For the best results, remember these tips:

• Cook the gnocchi just before serving: To maintain their texture, add them right before you plan to eat.
• Vegetable variations: Feel free to incorporate other vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for an extra nutritional boost.
• Add more seasoning: If you like your soup a bit spicier, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a kick.

Creative twists

Want to mix it up? Consider trying some flavor swaps or variations on this classic recipe. Here are just a few ideas:

• Herbs: Swap dried thyme for fresh herbs like basil or oregano.
• Proteins: Use leftover rotisserie chicken or cooked turkey for a quick solution.
• Gnocchi alternatives: If you can’t find potato gnocchi, try using mini pasta shapes like orzo or ditalini.

Your questions answered

What is the prep time for this soup?
Preparation typically takes about 10-15 minutes, and cooking time is around 20-25 minutes.

Can I make this soup in advance?
Absolutely! This soup keeps well in the fridge for a few days and even tastes better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.

Is this soup gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour substitute and ensure your gnocchi is gluten-free.

What is the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. Add a splash of broth or milk if it thickens too much.

With its hearty flavor and creamy texture, Olive Garden Style Chicken Gnocchi Soup is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy the deliciousness this dish brings to the table!

Chicken Gnocchi Soup

A rich and creamy chicken gnocchi soup inspired by Olive Garden, perfect for cozy evenings or family gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Main Course, Soup

Cuisine: American, Italian

Calories: 350

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken breast Shredded or diced
• 1 cup carrots, diced
• 1 stalk celery, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 tsp dried parsley
• 1 cup fresh spinach Chopped
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 4 cups chicken broth Low sodium recommended
• 16 oz potato gnocchi
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
• 1 cup whole milk

Method

 

Preparation

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat.
2. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté until tender, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Stir in the flour and cook for another minute until the mixture is bubbly.
4. Gradually add the chicken broth, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.

Cooking

1. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then add the cooked chicken, gnocchi, fresh spinach, dried parsley, and thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
2. Let it simmer until the gnocchi are cooked through, usually about 5-6 minutes.
3. Finally, stir in the heavy cream and whole milk, cooking until everything is heated through.

Serving

1. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

For the best results, remember these tips: cook the gnocchi just before serving, incorporate other vegetables for extra nutrition, and add more seasoning if desired. This soup keeps well in the fridge for a few days and tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.