This Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup can transport you to a cozy Italian kitchen with every spoonful. Imagine creamy broth swirling with tender chicken, fluffy gnocchi, and vibrant vegetables that come together in a warm, inviting embrace. comforting chicken soup recipe.
Remember the first time you sipped a bowl of this heavenly soup? It was like being wrapped in a soft blanket on a chilly evening. Whether you’re making it for family game night or a quiet dinner alone, this dish promises to deliver nostalgia and comfort in every bite. another comforting bowl meal.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is incredibly easy to prepare, perfect for weeknight dinners
- The rich, creamy flavors will make your taste buds dance with joy
- Its vibrant colors make it visually appealing and perfect for impressing guests
- Versatile enough for any occasion, this soup can be enjoyed as a hearty main dish or a delightful starter
There’s nothing quite like sharing this soup at family gatherings; everyone raves about how delicious it is!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish: savory potato side dish.
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but adjust based on your crowd size.
- Fresh Garlic: Choose firm cloves for the best flavor; garlic makes everything better!
- Olive Oil: A splash of high-quality olive oil adds richness and enhances flavors beautifully.
- Carrots: Fresh carrots bring sweetness and color; chop them small for even cooking.
- Celery Stalks: Celery adds crunch and aromatic depth; don’t skip this essential ingredient.
- Spinach: Fresh spinach not only brightens the soup but also adds vital nutrients.
- Gnocchi: Store-bought gnocchi saves time while still delivering that pillowy texture everyone loves.
- Heavy Cream: This is the secret to that indulgent creaminess; treat yourself!
- Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium broth to control saltiness while still achieving great flavor.
- Dried Thyme and Parsley: Essential herbs that elevate the dish with their fragrant notes.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make It Together
Prep Your Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients and prepping them—chop the vegetables into small pieces and cut the chicken into bite-sized chunks. This will save you time during cooking.
Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot over medium heat, drizzle olive oil and sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Your kitchen will smell divine!
Add Vegetables: Toss in chopped carrots and celery; cook until they soften slightly, around 4-5 minutes. Stir occasionally to avoid sticking and ensure even cooking.
Cook the Chicken: Add your diced chicken to the pot; season with salt, pepper, thyme, and parsley. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink—about 6-7 minutes—turning occasionally for even browning.
Pour in the Broth: Slowly add chicken broth while scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot—those bits add amazing flavor! Bring it all to a gentle simmer.
Add Gnocchi and Spinach: Stir in gnocchi and fresh spinach; let them cook for about 5 minutes until gnocchi floats to the surface. The colors will brighten beautifully! For more inspiration, check out this Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Gnocchi recipe.
Create Creamy Delight: Finally, pour in heavy cream; mix well and allow it to simmer gently for another 2-3 minutes. perfect side for soup Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary—your soup should be creamy perfection!
Enjoy each bowl as a heartwarming hug on chilly days or any day you need a little comfort!
You Must Know
- Mastering Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup brings comfort and satisfaction to any meal
- The delightful aroma and creamy texture will transport you straight to a cozy Italian kitchen
- Plus, it’s perfect for impressing guests or simply indulging in a little self-love
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by sautéing garlic and onion for flavor, then add chicken and gnocchi while simmering the broth for richness.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap chicken for turkey or add spinach to introduce vibrant flavors and nutrients into the soup.
Storing & Reheating
Store your soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop for best results.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve the perfect balance of flavors, ensure your broth is well-seasoned before adding other ingredients
- Avoid overcooking the gnocchi; they should be tender but firm
- For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine during cooking
The first time I made Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup, my friends declared me a culinary genius, and I still bask in that glory! For more inspiration, check out this Italian Sausage Pasta Soup recipe.
FAQ
What type of gnocchi works best in this soup?
Use fresh or frozen gnocchi for optimal texture; avoid dried varieties.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute chicken with tofu or mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian option.
How can I thicken the soup if needed?
Add a cornstarch slurry or more cream to achieve your desired thickness without compromising flavor.
Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
Description
Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a creamy, comforting dish that captures the essence of Italian cuisine in every bowl. With tender chicken, fluffy gnocchi, and fresh vegetables simmered in a rich broth, this soup is perfect for cozy evenings or family gatherings. Whether you’re reminiscing about your favorite restaurant or exploring new recipes at home, this delightful soup brings warmth and satisfaction to any meal.
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 2 medium carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 package (16 oz) gnocchi
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prep your ingredients by chopping the vegetables and cutting the chicken into bite-sized chunks.
- In a large pot over medium heat, drizzle olive oil and sauté garlic until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
- Add chopped carrots and celery; cook for 4-5 minutes until slightly softened.
- Stir in diced chicken; season with salt, pepper, thyme, and parsley. Cook until no longer pink (6-7 minutes).
- Gradually add chicken broth while scraping any browned bits from the pot. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in gnocchi and spinach; cook for about 5 minutes until gnocchi floats.
- Pour in heavy cream, mix well, and simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: For added flavor, consider using white wine while cooking or substituting chicken with turkey or mushrooms for a vegetarian option. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days and reheat gently on the stovetop.