Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

There’s something truly comforting about a warm bowl of Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup on a chilly winter evening. I remember the first time I tried this dish at Olive Garden; the rich, creamy broth filled with tender chicken and soft gnocchi was like a hug in a bowl. It quickly became a favorite of mine, and I knew I had to recreate it at home. This soup is perfect for those cozy nights when you want to snuggle up on the couch with a blanket and a good book. Plus, it’s an excellent way to use leftover chicken, making it both practical and delicious.

Ingredients Overview for Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

The secret to a delicious Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup lies in the harmony of its ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in creating a rich and satisfying dish. The combination of tender chicken, fresh spinach, and fluffy gnocchi in a creamy broth makes for a comforting experience.

• 1 tablespoon olive oil – This oil adds a nice flavor base for sautéing.
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter – Butter enhances the richness of the broth.
• ½ white onion (diced) – Onions provide a sweet and savory base flavor.
• 1 carrot (peeled and diced) – Adds natural sweetness and color.
• 1 rib celery (chopped) – Celery adds crunch and depth to the soup.
• 3 cloves garlic (minced) – Garlic gives a wonderful aroma and flavor.
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth – The broth is the heart of the soup.
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme – Thyme adds an earthy flavor.
• Salt and pepper (to taste) – Essential seasonings to enhance flavors.
• 16 ounces potato gnocchi – Gnocchi provides a satisfying and chewy texture.
• 2 cups half and half – This creaminess brings the soup together.
• 1 cup fresh spinach (roughly chopped) – Spinach adds color and nutrition.
• 2 cooked chicken breast (chopped or shredded) – The star protein of the dish.

Recipe Steps for Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Making the Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a breeze and a fun experience! You’ll start by preparing your ingredients and then follow these simple steps to create a bowl of comfort. Let’s dive into the cooking process!

1. In a large Dutch oven, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Watch as the butter melts and mixes with the oil, infusing the pan with a delightful aroma. Once hot, add the diced onion and sauté until it becomes soft and translucent, about five minutes. This softening encourages the natural sweetness of the onion to emerge.
2. Next, stir in the carrot and celery. Continue cooking for another five minutes until these vegetables soften. You’ll notice the vibrant colors beginning to meld together, creating a beautiful base for your soup.
3. Now, add the minced garlic and cook for about one minute, just until fragrant. Be careful not to let it brown, as this can create bitterness in your soup.
4. Pour in the chicken broth, followed by the dried thyme, and season with salt and pepper. Bring this mixture to a low boil, allowing the flavors to combine beautifully.
5. It’s time to add the star ingredient: the gnocchi. Gently stir them into the boiling broth, cooking until they become tender, which should take about three to five minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they float to the surface.
6. Carefully stir in the half and half, followed by the chopped chicken and spinach. Cook until everything is warmed through, which should take another five to seven minutes. The soup will become rich and creamy, with the spinach brightening the dish.
7. Don’t forget to taste your creation! Adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper as needed, ensuring it suits your palate perfectly.
8. Once you’re satisfied with the flavor, it’s time to serve. Ladle the soup into bowls, and enjoy the warm embrace of the Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup you’ve made!

Substitutions and Tips

Cooking is all about personal preference and adapting recipes to fit your needs. Here are some tips to make your Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup even better!

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.
• Freezing: You can freeze this soup, but it’s best to add the gnocchi fresh when reheating, as frozen gnocchi can become mushy.
• Pairing: Serve with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
• Variations: Feel free to add more vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini for extra nutrition.
• Garnish: Top with grated cheese or fresh herbs like parsley for an extra touch.

Great Combinations for Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

When it comes to serving Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup, there are numerous delightful combinations to enhance your meal experience. Here are some ideas:

• Garlic Bread: This is a classic pairing. The crisp, buttery bread is perfect for dipping into the creamy soup.
• Caesar Salad: A crisp Caesar salad pairs wonderfully with the rich soup, providing a refreshing contrast.
• Lunch or Dinner: This soup is ideal for both lunch and dinner. It’s hearty enough to be a meal on its own.
• Seasonal Serving: Perfect for winter gatherings, this soup adds warmth and comfort to any occasion.
• Storing Leftovers: To enjoy this on busy days, store leftovers in individual containers so you can easily grab a bowl for a quick meal.
• Family Gatherings: Serve it at family gatherings or potlucks; it’s always a hit!

FAQ

Conclusion

The Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is truly a comforting dish that brings together rich flavors and satisfying textures. I encourage you to try your hand at making this delightful soup at home; it’s sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy the warmth and joy it brings to the table, and don’t forget to serve it with some crusty bread for the ultimate experience!

Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

The ultimate comfort food, Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is creamy, hearty, and filled with tender chicken and fluffy gnocchi. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this easy weeknight soup will become a staple in your home!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Soups

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 460

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (⅛ stick*)
• ½ unit white onion (diced)
• 1 unit carrot (peeled and diced)
• 1 unit rib celery (chopped)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• to taste salt and pepper
• 16 ounces potato gnocchi
• 2 cups half and half (**)
• 1 cup fresh spinach (roughly chopped)
• 2 cooked chicken breast chicken (chopped or shredded***)

Equipment

• Dutch oven

Method

 

1. In a large Dutch oven, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Watch as the butter melts and mixes with the oil, infusing the pan with a delightful aroma. Once hot, add the diced onion and sauté until it becomes soft and translucent, about five minutes. This softening encourages the natural sweetness of the onion to emerge.
2. Next, stir in the carrot and celery. Continue cooking for another five minutes until these vegetables soften. You’ll notice the vibrant colors beginning to meld together, creating a beautiful base for your soup.
3. Now, add the minced garlic and cook for about one minute, just until fragrant. Be careful not to let it brown, as this can create bitterness in your soup.
4. Pour in the chicken broth, followed by the dried thyme, and season with salt and pepper. Bring this mixture to a low boil, allowing the flavors to combine beautifully.
5. It's time to add the star ingredient: the gnocchi. Gently stir them into the boiling broth, cooking until they become tender, which should take about three to five minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they float to the surface.
6. Carefully stir in the half and half, followed by the chopped chicken and spinach. Cook until everything is warmed through, which should take another five to seven minutes. The soup will become rich and creamy, with the spinach brightening the dish.
7. Don’t forget to taste your creation! Adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper as needed, ensuring it suits your palate perfectly.
8. Once you’re satisfied with the flavor, it’s time to serve. Ladle the soup into bowls, and enjoy the warm embrace of the Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup you’ve made!

Notes

• Tip 1: Using cooked chicken in this recipe is all about convenience.
• Tip 2: Don’t cook the gnocchi before adding them to the soup.
• Tip 3: If you don’t want a fully-wilted spinach, stir it in just before serving, off the heat.

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Meet Jenna Miller

I’m the one who brought this group together. I’ve always believed that food tastes better when it’s shared, and I wanted to create a space that felt as warm and sunny as our home state. I’m usually the one writing our posts and helping Brooke develop our main course recipes. My favorite days are when we’re all in the kitchen together, music on, cooking up our next idea.