Easy Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

There’s nothing quite like savoring a warm bowl of homemade chicken gnocchi soup to bring comfort to your day. This delightful recipe mirrors the classic dish from Olive Garden, delivering rich flavors and creamy texture that make it a family favorite. In just a few simple steps, you can recreate this beloved restaurant favorite in the comfort of your own kitchen.

I first discovered this recipe when my grandmother whipped it up for a special family dinner. Seeing the delight on our faces, she smiled and shared her secret tweaks that made it unique. Since then, it has become a cherished family tradition, bringing back fond memories of that evening every time I prepare it.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This soup is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights. It’s loaded with tender chicken and fluffy gnocchi, blended in a creamy broth that promises to be a hit even with picky eaters. The recipe offers rich flavors and a restaurant-quality taste that will leave you feeling satisfied and comforted.

Ingredients Notes

You’ll need fresh ingredients like chicken breasts, gnocchi, and spinach to bring this dish to life. Try sourcing organic chicken for the best flavor. A touch of heavy cream adds a silky texture, while substitutes like half-and-half can offer a lighter option. Complement your mix with a pinch of freshly ground nutmeg.

Recipe Steps

Step 1

Start by sautéing diced onion and garlic in a large pot with olive oil until translucent. This builds the foundation of flavor for your soup.

Step 2

Add diced chicken breasts to the pot and cook until they are seared and no pink remains, enhancing the savory depth of your dish.

Step 3

Pour in chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. This step is key to melding the flavors together and creating a rich broth.

Step 4

Stir in the gnocchi, fresh spinach, and carrots. Allow them to cook until the gnocchi is tender and spinach has wilted.

Step 5

Add heavy cream and season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Simmer for a few more minutes until everything is heated through and thickened to perfection.

Storage Options

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer preservation, freeze the soup in individual portions. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if required to restore the creamy consistency.

Variations & Substitutions

You can easily adapt this recipe to suit vegetarians by omitting the chicken and adding more veggies like mushrooms or zucchini. For a gluten-free option, select gluten-free gnocchi available at many grocery stores.

Serving Suggestions

This chicken gnocchi soup is perfect for a cozy lunch or as a satisfying dinner served with a side salad and crusty bread. Enjoy it gathered around the table with family or as a comforting dish on a chilly evening.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen spinach? Yes, you can substitute fresh spinach with frozen spinach. Be sure to thaw it well and squeeze out any excess water before adding it to the soup to maintain the intended texture.

What kind of gnocchi should I use? Fresh potato gnocchi is recommended for its soft and tender quality. However, if you’re using store-bought, ensure to check if it requires boiling separately before adding it to the soup.

Can I make this soup in advance? Absolutely! This soup can be prepared ahead of time. Its flavors meld wonderfully when made a day prior, making it even more delicious when reheated for serving.

Easy Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

This hearty Chicken Gnocchi Soup brings creamy comfort with its delicious blend of tender chicken, gnocchi, and vegetables seasoned to perfection.

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Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes minutes

Servings: 6

Calories: 120kcal

Ingredients

 

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Main Ingredients

• ▢ 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ▢ 1 cup onion chopped
• ▢ 1 cup carrot shredded
• ▢ 1 cup celery chopped
• ▢ 3 cloves garlic minced
• ▢ 1 pound chicken breasts cooked and shredded
• ▢ 4 cups chicken broth
• ▢ 1 cup half-and-half
• ▢ 1 package potato gnocchi (16 oz)
• ▢ 1 teaspoon thyme dried
• ▢ 2 cups spinach fresh
• ▢ to taste salt
• ▢ to taste black pepper
• ▢ 1 tablespoon parmesan cheese grated, for garnish

Instructions

Preparation Steps

• Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, celery, and carrot; sauté until tender, about 5 minutes.
• Stir in garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
• Add cooked, shredded chicken to the pot.
• Pour in chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
• Stir in half-and-half, thyme, and gnocchi. Let simmer on low heat until the gnocchi starts to float and is cooked through, about 4 minutes.
• Stir in spinach and let simmer until wilted.
• Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
• Serve hot, garnished with parmesan cheese.

Notes

For a richer flavor, consider adding 1/2 cup of heavy cream in addition to the half-and-half.