Few dishes capture the essence of comfort food quite like Chicken Gnocchi Soup, and the Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup has become a standout favorite for fans of hearty, creamy dishes. Known for its rich, velvety broth, tender pieces of chicken, soft gnocchi, and fresh spinach, it’s a meal that delivers both indulgence and nourishment. Perfect for chilly evenings or whenever you’re craving something warm and satisfying, this dish has earned its place as a go-to comfort classic.
The best part is that you can bring the magic of the Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup into your own kitchen. With a handful of simple, fresh ingredients and a straightforward recipe, it’s easy to recreate this signature dish at home. Whether you’re preparing dinner for the family or hosting friends, this recipe will delight everyone with its creamy texture and bold flavors, offering the same restaurant-quality experience in the comfort of your home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple and Quick: Ready in just 35 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Rich and Creamy: The combination of chicken broth and heavy cream creates a luscious base.
- Customizable: Add or substitute ingredients to match your preferences.
- One-Pot Meal: Minimal cleanup required!
- Comforting and Filling: A perfect balance of protein, carbs, and vegetables.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 pound potato gnocchi
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 cup chopped spinach
- 1/2 cup diced carrots
- 1/2 cup diced celery
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and stir in the thyme, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer for 10 minutes to develop the flavors.
- Stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half, followed by the shredded chicken. Let the mixture heat through for about 5 minutes.
- Add the gnocchi and simmer for 3-5 minutes, or until they float to the surface and become tender.
- Mix in the spinach and cook for 1-2 minutes, just until wilted.
- Serve warm with crusty bread or a crisp side salad.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Calories: Approximately 320 kcal per serving
Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken for mushrooms or tofu and use vegetable broth.
- Lighter Version: Replace heavy cream with milk or a dairy-free alternative like coconut milk.
- Herb Boost: Add fresh parsley, dill, or rosemary for added flavor.
- Spicy Twist: Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne for a kick.
- Extra Veggies: Include zucchini, bell peppers, or peas for added nutrition.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze the soup (without the gnocchi for best texture) for up to 2 months. Add fresh gnocchi when reheating.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to prevent separation.
FAQs
How can I make this soup gluten-free?
Use gluten-free gnocchi and ensure the chicken broth and other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes, rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time.
What’s the best way to thicken the soup?
If you want a thicker consistency, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the soup.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Add all ingredients except cream, spinach, and gnocchi to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, then add the remaining ingredients in the last 30 minutes.
Is it possible to use frozen spinach?
Absolutely, just thaw and drain it before adding to the soup.
Can I substitute the gnocchi with pasta?
Yes, small pasta shapes like ditalini or orzo are great substitutes. Adjust cooking time as needed.
How do I prevent the cream from curdling?
Use full-fat cream and avoid boiling the soup after adding it.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, substitute the cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free creamer.
What can I serve with this soup?
Pair it with garlic bread, a simple green salad, or a slice of crusty sourdough.
How do I adjust the recipe for more servings?
Simply double the ingredients, ensuring your pot is large enough to accommodate the increased volume.
Conclusion
Chicken gnocchi soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for a quick family dinner or meal prep. Its creamy texture, hearty ingredients, and customizable nature make it a versatile favorite. Whether enjoyed fresh or reheated, this soup is sure to warm hearts and satisfy appetites. Try this Olive Garden-inspired recipe and bring the restaurant experience to your table!
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Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Discover the best Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe! Creamy, hearty, and packed with tender chicken, gnocchi, and fresh vegetables, perfect for any cozy meal.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 pound potato gnocchi
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 cup chopped spinach
- 1/2 cup diced carrots
- 1/2 cup diced celery
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and stir in the thyme, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer for 10 minutes to develop the flavors.
- Stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half, followed by the shredded chicken. Let the mixture heat through for about 5 minutes.
- Add the gnocchi and simmer for 3-5 minutes, or until they float to the surface and become tender.
- Mix in the spinach and cook for 1-2 minutes, just until wilted.
- Serve warm with crusty bread or a crisp side salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Method: One-Pot Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe