Oh, hey there! If you’ve ever dreamed of that warm, cozy, comforting feeling you get when you sip a bowl of creamy, rich soup, then this Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is for you. Think tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a silky, savory broth all coming together in perfect harmony. You know the kind of soup that makes you want to curl up with a blanket and forget about the world for a while? Yeah, this is that soup.
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Why You’ll Love Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
This recipe isn’t just about creating a delicious bowl of comfort—it’s about sharing an experience. Whether you’re having a laid-back dinner at home, serving it up for guests, or enjoying it on a chilly day, this soup is guaranteed to make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Here’s why it’s a fan favorite:
Cozy Comfort in a Bowl: The creamy base, combined with the chicken and gnocchi, gives you all the feels of a restaurant-quality soup. Perfect for those nights when you need a little extra TLC.
Budget-Friendly: No need for expensive or hard-to-find ingredients. This dish uses simple pantry staples, but the result is so much more than the sum of its parts.
Quick and Easy: Don’t worry if you’re not a seasoned cook—this soup is straightforward and easy to make. A few simple steps, and you’ll have a pot of delicious soup ready to serve.
Customizable: Whether you like your soup a little thicker, with more chicken, or with a different herb profile, this recipe allows you to adjust based on your preferences.
Crowd-Pleasing: It’s a soup that everyone will enjoy. Kids, adults, picky eaters—you name it. It’s guaranteed to put a smile on everyone’s face.
Ingredients
Here’s the magic behind this creamy chicken gnocchi soup—it’s simple yet bursting with flavor. Let’s break it down:
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect here, providing tender bites of chicken throughout the soup.
Gnocchi: These little potato dumplings are what make this soup special. Soft and pillowy, they absorb all that delicious creamy broth.
Carrots & Celery: These veggies add a bit of crunch and a subtle sweetness that balances out the richness of the soup.
Spinach: Fresh spinach wilts perfectly into the soup, giving it that vibrant green color and an added nutritional boost.
Creamy Broth: The creamy base of the soup is made with a combination of chicken broth, heavy cream, and seasonings that tie everything together in perfect harmony.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into how to make this cozy bowl of goodness:
Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot, sauté the onions, carrots, and celery in a bit of olive oil until softened and fragrant. This creates the perfect base for the soup.
Add Chicken and Broth: Add in the chicken and chicken broth, letting everything simmer until the chicken is cooked through. This step infuses all those flavors together.
Shred Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pot and shred it into bite-sized pieces. Add it back into the soup to soak up all the flavors.
Add Gnocchi: Stir in the gnocchi and let it cook in the broth until they float to the surface, which is a sign they’re cooked through.
Add Cream and Spinach: Pour in the heavy cream and add the fresh spinach. Stir everything together, letting the spinach wilt down and the soup become rich and creamy.
Simmer to Perfection: Let the soup simmer for a few more minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy the creamy, comforting goodness!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 380
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
How to Serve Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Pair this soup with some delicious sides to complete your meal. Here are a few ideas to elevate your dining experience:
Crusty Bread: A warm, crusty baguette or garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the creamy soup.
Salad: Serve it with a light salad—think something with fresh greens and a tangy vinaigrette to balance out the richness of the soup.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasted veggies like broccoli or asparagus add some crunch and color to the meal, making it more filling and nutritious.
Additional Tips
Here are a few extra tips to help you get the most out of this soup:
Prep Ahead: Chop the veggies and shred the chicken ahead of time to save some time when you’re ready to cook.
Spice It Up: If you like a little extra heat, feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Dairy-Free Option: Swap out the heavy cream for coconut milk to make the soup dairy-free, though it will give it a slightly different flavor.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove to maintain the soup’s creamy texture.
Freeze for Later: This soup freezes really well! Store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, simply thaw and reheat.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I substitute the gnocchi with pasta?
A1: Absolutely! You can use small pasta like ditalini or elbow macaroni instead of gnocchi. It’ll still be delicious!
Q2: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
A2: Yes! It’s a great make-ahead recipe. You can prepare it a day or two in advance and store it in the fridge.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat gently to preserve the texture.
Q4: Can I freeze this soup?
A4: Yes! Just be aware that the cream might change texture slightly when frozen. Freeze for up to 3 months, then thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Q5: What’s the best way to reheat this soup?
A5: Reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. You may need to add a splash of broth or cream to bring it back to the right consistency.
Q6: Can I use rotisserie chicken?
A6: Yes! Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut. Just shred it and add it to the soup when you add the broth.
Q7: How can I make this soup thicker?
A7: If you like a thicker soup, try mashing a small portion of the gnocchi once it’s cooked. This will help thicken the broth.
Q8: Can I add other veggies to this soup?
A8: Definitely! Feel free to add in some diced potatoes, zucchini, or even peas for extra flavor and texture.
Q9: Is this recipe spicy?
A9: No, this soup is not spicy, but you can add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you prefer a little heat.
Q10: Can I make this soup in the slow cooker?
A10: Yes! Just sauté the veggies and cook the chicken beforehand, then add them to the slow cooker with the broth. Cook on low for 4-6 hours and add the cream and gnocchi toward the end.
Conclusion
This Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is everything you want in a bowl—creamy, comforting, and packed with flavor. It’s an easy, cozy dish that will quickly become a family favorite. Whether you’re serving it for dinner or saving it for a rainy day, it’s sure to hit the spot every time. So, grab a spoon, dig in, and enjoy!
Print
Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is the perfect cozy meal, packed with tender chicken, creamy broth, and soft gnocchi. It’s a comforting, hearty soup that’s sure to become a favorite in your home
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 (12-ounce) package potato gnocchi
- 1 cup chopped fresh spinach
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
- Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and water. Add the dried thyme and rosemary. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Add the potato gnocchi to the pot and cook according to package directions (usually a few minutes).
- Stir in the heavy cream and chopped spinach. Cook until the spinach is wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
- Return the cooked chicken to the pot.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- Use chicken bone broth for a richer flavor.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like diced potatoes or mushrooms for extra texture and taste.
- You can substitute frozen spinach (thawed and squeezed dry) or kale for fresh spinach.
- To thicken the soup, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir into the soup near the end of cooking.
- For a quicker option, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. Simply add it along with the spinach.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for added flavor and color.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg