Olive Garden’s Chicken Gnocchi Soup – This creamy, savory soup, brimming with tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and fresh vegetables made in less than 30 minutes.
What is Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup?
At its core, Olive Garden’s Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a velvety, Italian-inspired soup featuring shredded chicken, gnocchi (small potato dumplings), and a medley of vegetables like spinach, celery, and carrots. The soup’s creamy base, often infused with garlic and Italian herbs, is what makes it such a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re a fan of hearty soups or just love indulging in comfort food, this dish is sure to hit the spot.
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Chicken Gnocchi Soup
To achieve that signature Olive Garden flavor, keep these expert tips in mind:
- Use fresh spinach, carrots, and celery to ensure vibrant flavors. Freshly grated Parmesan also elevates the dish.
- Store-bought gnocchi works well, but for a homemade touch, consider making your own gnocchi from scratch using potatoes, flour, and egg.
- Simmering the soup gently allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Avoid boiling, which can make the cream base separate.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with cold water to the simmering broth.
- Add salt, pepper, and Italian herbs slowly, tasting as you go. This ensures a perfectly balanced flavor.
Variations to Try
This versatile recipe can be customized to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Here are some popular variations:
- Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative. You can also use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
- Substitute regular gnocchi with gluten-free gnocchi made from chickpeas or cauliflower. Ensure your chicken broth is gluten-free as well.
- Skip the chicken and use vegetable broth instead. Add mushrooms or extra spinach for a hearty touch.
- Add a pinch of red chili flakes or diced jalapeños for a spicy twist.
- Swap chicken for shredded turkey, diced ham, or Italian sausage for a new flavor profile.
How to Serve Chicken Gnocchi Soup
This rich and creamy soup pairs wonderfully with light sides that complement its robust flavors. Here are a few serving ideas:
- With Breadsticks or Garlic Bread: Recreate the full Olive Garden experience by serving warm breadsticks on the side.
- A Fresh Salad: A crisp Caesar or garden salad provides a refreshing contrast.
- As a Main or Appetizer: Serve this soup as a hearty main dish or as an appetizer for an Italian-inspired dinner.
How to Store and Reheat Chicken Gnocchi Soup
This soup tastes just as good the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers.
- Storing: Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: Cream-based soups can separate when frozen, but you can still freeze this dish by leaving out the cream and adding it fresh when reheating. Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Warm the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring frequently. Add a splash of cream or broth to restore its creamy consistency.
Recipe FAQs
1. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes! Sauté the vegetables and chicken first, then transfer to a slow cooker. Add the broth and simmer on low for 6-8 hours. Stir in the cream, spinach, and gnocchi 30 minutes before serving.
2. Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a convenient option that adds extra flavor to the soup.
3. How do I prevent the gnocchi from getting mushy?
Add the gnocchi towards the end of cooking and simmer for only 3-4 minutes. This prevents overcooking and keeps the gnocchi tender.
4. What herbs are best for this soup?
A combination of dried basil, oregano, thyme, and a touch of rosemary works wonders. You can also garnish with fresh parsley or chives for added freshness.
5. Can I double the recipe?
Certainly! This recipe is perfect for scaling up to feed a crowd. Just make sure you have a large enough pot to accommodate the extra ingredients.
Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Olive Garden’s Chicken Gnocchi Soup - This creamy, savory soup, brimming with tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and fresh vegetables made in less than 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cooked and diced)
- 2 tsp minced garlic
- ½ cup shredded carrots
- 1 stalk celery, chopped
- ½ white onion, diced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp thyme
- 2 cups half-and-half
- 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 16 oz potato gnocchi
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add celery, onion, garlic, and carrots. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until the onions turn translucent.
- Stir in the cooked chicken, chicken broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Gently add the gnocchi and boil for 3–4 minutes, then reduce heat to a simmer. Let it cook for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Stir in the half-and-half and spinach. Cook for another 1–2 minutes until the spinach wilts.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Ladle into bowls and serve warm with breadsticks or salad.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 2144Total Fat 55gSaturated Fat 20gTrans Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 30gCholesterol 943mgSodium 1015mgCarbohydrates 59gFiber 3gSugar 7gProtein 333g
All Chicken Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
The Final Scoop
Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is more than just a meal—it’s a warm embrace in a bowl. Whether you’re whipping it up for a cozy family dinner, meal-prepping for the week, or hosting a gathering, this recipe is a surefire hit. With the tips, variations, and serving ideas outlined here, you can customize the soup to suit your style and savor its comforting flavors in every spoonful.
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