Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting dish that warms your heart and fills your belly, then this Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is just what you need! This beloved recipe is not only easy to make but also bursting with flavor. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something quick yet satisfying, or for family gatherings where everyone will gather around the table, bowls in hand, ready to dig in.
The best part? This soup is a fantastic way to bring comfort food into your home without any fuss. With its creamy texture and hearty ingredients, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household too!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: You can whip up this delicious soup in just 30 minutes. Perfect for those nights when you need a meal fast!
- Family-Friendly: Everyone loves the combination of tender chicken and pillowy gnocchi. It’s a dish that even picky eaters will enjoy!
- Make-Ahead Convenience: You can easily prepare this soup ahead of time and reheat it when you’re ready to serve.
- Deliciously Flavorful: The blend of garlic, chicken broth, and fresh spinach creates a rich taste that will have everyone asking for seconds.
- Wholesome Ingredients: Made with simple, wholesome ingredients that you can feel good about serving to your loved ones.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this hearty Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup, you’ll need some simple and wholesome ingredients. No fancy stuff here—just good food made with love!
For the Soup Base
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts (cooked and shredded)
- 1 Tbs olive oil
- 4 Tbs butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 small onion (chopped)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup carrots (shredded)
- 2 tsp parsley flakes
- Salt and pepper for seasoning
For the Gnocchi
- 1 package (16 ounces mini potato gnocchi)
- 1 cup fresh spinach (chopped)
Variations
This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to mix things up based on your preferences or what you have on hand.
- Swap the protein: If chicken isn’t your thing, try using shredded rotisserie turkey or even cooked lentils for a vegetarian option.
- Add more veggies: Toss in some diced bell peppers or zucchini for extra color and nutrients.
- Creamy alternative: Use coconut milk instead of regular milk for a dairy-free version that still packs a creamy punch.
- Herb boost: Experiment with different herbs like thyme or basil to give the soup a unique twist.
How to Make Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
In a large dutch oven or stock pot, melt butter and olive oil together. This combination helps create a rich base for our soup. Once melted, add your chopped onions, shredded carrots, and minced garlic. Cook until the onions become translucent; this step brings out their natural sweetness and enhances the flavor of our soup.
Step 2: Thicken the Base
Next, whisk in your flour and let it cook for about a minute. This will help thicken our soup later on. Slowly stir in your chicken broth while simmering until it begins to thicken slightly—this ensures we have a nice creamy consistency without being too heavy.
Step 3: Cook the Gnocchi
While your base simmers away, follow the package directions to cook your gnocchi in another pan. Drain them once they’re done and set aside. Cooking them separately ensures they stay perfectly tender when added to our soup.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Now it’s time to bring it all together! Add your milk into the veggie and chicken broth mixture and bring everything to a gentle boil. Stir in those lovely seasonings we prepared earlier—salt, pepper, and parsley flakes—this is where all that wonderful flavor starts to shine through!
Step 5: Final Touches
Once boiling, reduce heat and gently fold in your cooked gnocchi, fresh spinach, and shredded chicken. Simmer everything until heated through and thickened slightly. This final step allows all those delicious flavors to meld together beautifully.
Now that you’ve made this delightful Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup, get ready for compliments from family and friends! Enjoy every warm spoonful—it’s truly comfort food at its finest!
Pro Tips for Making Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Making this delightful soup is easy, but a few tips can take it from good to great!
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Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs enhance the flavor profile of your soup, making it taste more vibrant and homemade.
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Don’t overcook the gnocchi: Follow package instructions carefully. Overcooked gnocchi can become mushy, which affects the texture of your soup.
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Simmer gently: Once you add the spinach and chicken, let the soup simmer gently. This helps meld the flavors together without overcooking the delicate spinach.
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Adjust seasoning to taste: Everyone’s palate is different. Taste your soup before serving and adjust the salt and pepper to suit your liking.
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Make ahead for better flavor: Soups often taste even better the next day! Consider making this a day in advance and reheating when ready to serve.
How to Serve Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Presenting your Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup beautifully can make it even more enjoyable. Here are some ideas on how to serve it up with style!
Garnishes
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Chopped fresh parsley: Sprinkling a bit of chopped parsley adds a pop of color and freshness, enhancing both presentation and flavor.
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Grated Parmesan cheese: Although it’s not an animal-derived product alternative, using a plant-based cheese can give that creamy finish many love while keeping it light.
Side Dishes
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Garlic Bread: Perfect for dipping into your hearty soup, garlic bread offers a crunchy contrast that complements the soft textures beautifully.
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Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with a citrus vinaigrette can balance out the richness of the soup, providing a refreshing crunch with each bite.
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Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add extra nutrients and textures to your meal. Choose colorful options like bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus for visual appeal.
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Cheesy Biscuit: A warm cheesy biscuit by the side can be delightful for sopping up every last drop of soup while adding an extra layer of comfort food goodness.
Now you’re ready to create a heartwarming meal that will impress family and friends alike! Enjoy every comforting spoonful of your Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup – it’s sure to become a new favorite in your home.
Make Ahead and Storage
This Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week. Here’s how to store, freeze, and reheat your delicious soup.
Storing Leftovers
- Allow the soup to cool completely before storing.
- Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate.
- Consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.
Freezing
- Let the soup cool to room temperature.
- Portion it into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, leaving some space for expansion.
- Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating
- Thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Warm on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
- If reheating from frozen, use low heat and stir frequently to prevent sticking.
FAQs
Here are some common questions about this recipe that you might find helpful!
Can I make Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup vegetarian?
Yes! To make this soup vegetarian, simply replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the chicken. You can add extra vegetables for added flavor.
How can I customize my Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup?
Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or herbs! Mushrooms, bell peppers, or even kale would make wonderful additions to this creamy soup.
What is the best way to serve Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup?
This soup is delightful served warm with a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top. Pair it with crusty bread for a complete meal!
Can I use store-bought gnocchi for this recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought gnocchi works perfectly in this recipe and saves you time in preparation.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited to make this Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup as I am! It’s not just a comforting dish; it’s also a wonderful way to bring friends and family together around the table. Enjoy making this recipe, knowing that each spoonful is filled with warmth and love. Happy cooking, and don’t forget to share your experience!
Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Warm your soul with this Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup, a heartwarming dish that’s as nourishing as it is delicious. This creamy soup features tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and vibrant spinach all enveloped in a rich broth infused with garlic and seasonings. Perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings, this easy-to-make recipe brings comfort food right to your table without any fuss. In just 30 minutes, you can prepare a meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Whether you’re serving it for dinner or enjoying leftovers throughout the week, this soup is sure to become a family favorite!
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 Tbs olive oil
- 4 Tbs butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 small onion (chopped)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup carrots (shredded)
- 2 tsp parsley flakes
- Salt and pepper for seasoning
- 1 package (16 ounces mini potato gnocchi)
- 1 cup fresh spinach (chopped)
Instructions
- In a large pot, melt butter and olive oil over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion, shredded carrots, and minced garlic until onions are translucent.
- Whisk in flour and cook for one minute to create a roux. Gradually add chicken broth while stirring until slightly thickened.
- Cook gnocchi according to package instructions in a separate pot; drain and set aside.
- Stir in milk and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Season with salt, pepper, and parsley flakes.
- Reduce heat, fold in cooked gnocchi, fresh spinach, and shredded chicken. Simmer until everything is heated through.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
