Homemade Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe – Cozy Comfort

Comfort arrives in a steaming bowl of Olive Garden chicken gnocchi soup, promising warmth and satisfaction with every spoonful.

Italian culinary traditions dance through this creamy recipe, blending tender potatoes and delicate dumplings.

Hearty chunks of chicken nestle among soft gnocchi, creating a rich and inviting meal.

Fragrant herbs whisper stories of rustic kitchens and cherished family recipes.

Nonna’s secret techniques shine through each velvety bite, connecting generations through delicious comfort.

Weeknight dinners transform into special moments when you ladle this soul-warming soup into waiting bowls.

Dive into this simple yet magical recipe that brings restaurant-quality magic straight to your kitchen.

Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup to Savor

• Craft Comfort Quickly: Dive into a soul-warming soup that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal without complicated techniques.
• Family Feast Favorite: Packed with tender chicken, soft gnocchi, and colorful vegetables, this soup satisfies every family member's taste buds and nutritional needs.
• One-Pot Wonder: Minimize kitchen cleanup by preparing this delicious soup in a single pot, making it perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekend meals.
• Customizable Cuisine: Easily adapt the recipe by swapping spinach for kale, using different proteins, or adjusting seasonings to match your personal preferences.

Ingredients for Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

• Chicken: Tender protein that adds heartiness to the soup.
• Gnocchi: Soft potato dumplings that provide a comforting texture.
• Half-and-Half: Creamy dairy component that creates a rich base.

• Onion, Celery, Carrots, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that build a flavorful foundation for the soup.
• Spinach: Fresh green that adds color and nutritional value.

• Chicken Broth: Savory liquid that forms the soup's primary liquid base.
• Olive Oil or Butter: Fat used for sautéing vegetables and adding depth of flavor.
• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the soup.

How to Make Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Step 1: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions, celery, minced garlic, and diced carrots.

Cook and stir until the vegetables become soft and release their fragrant flavors, creating a delicious base for the soup.

Step 2: Build the Soup Foundation

Pour in chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

• Cooked chicken
• Dried herbs
• Seasonings
• Pillowy gnocchi

Step 3: Cook Gnocchi to Perfection

Allow the soup to simmer for 5-7 minutes. Watch for the gnocchi to float to the top, which indicates they are fully cooked and ready to enjoy.

Step 4: Create Creamy Texture

Lower the heat and slowly stir in half-and-half. Gently warm the soup, being careful not to let it boil, which could cause the cream to separate.

Step 5: Finish with Fresh Greens

Toss in fresh spinach leaves and cook until they wilt and turn a vibrant green. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to enhance the soup’s flavor.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the hot soup into bowls and serve alongside crusty bread for a comforting and satisfying meal.

Tips for Perfect Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

• Swap butter for olive oil to make the soup lighter and healthier for those watching calories.
• Choose store-bought or homemade gnocchi depending on your time and preference; fresh gnocchi provides a better texture.
• Reduce cooking time slightly if using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to prevent overcooking and maintain moisture.
• Add a pinch of nutmeg or dried thyme for extra depth of flavor without overwhelming the soup's delicate taste.
• Make the soup vegetarian by replacing chicken with plant-based protein like white beans or extra vegetables, and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Flavor Variations to Try with Chicken Gnocchi Soup

• Vegetarian Comfort: Replace chicken with white beans or tofu, use vegetable broth for a hearty meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Swap traditional gnocchi with potato-based gluten-free gnocchi or cauliflower gnocchi to accommodate wheat sensitivities.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute half-and-half with coconut milk or almond cream, creating a lighter yet creamy soup alternative.
• Low-Carb Option: Trade gnocchi for roasted cauliflower florets or zucchini noodles, reducing carbohydrate content while maintaining rich flavor profile.

Pairings for Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

• Cozy Comfort Bowl: Ladle the soup into deep, wide mugs for a rustic, warming experience that feels like a hug in a bowl.
• Gourmet Bread Pairing: Toast slices of sourdough or garlic bread, cut into triangles, and arrange around the soup's edge for a crunchy, elegant touch.
• Herb Garden Finish: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or basil on top to add bright color and a burst of fresh flavor that elevates the soup's richness.
• Family-Style Sharing: Set out the pot in the center of the table with extra bread and let everyone serve themselves for a relaxed, communal dining moment.

Best Storage Tips for Chicken Gnocchi Soup

• Refrigerate leftover soup in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to prevent bacterial growth.
• Store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days maximum for optimal taste and safety.
• Transfer soup to a shallow container to help it cool faster before refrigerating.

FAQs

• Is gnocchi hard to make from scratch?

Gnocchi can be time-consuming but not difficult. Homemade versions require potato, flour, egg, and kneading. Most home cooks prefer store-bought for convenience.

• Can I use frozen chicken in this soup?

Yes, thaw frozen chicken completely before adding to the soup. Cut into small, bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and quick heating.

• What type of chicken works best?

Rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken provide excellent flavor. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are also perfect when diced into small cubes.

• How can I make this soup more protein-rich?

Add more diced chicken, include white beans, or top with shredded parmesan cheese to increase protein content without changing the soup’s core recipe.

Quick Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

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4.7 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Olive garden chicken gnocchi soup delivers creamy comfort straight from Italian kitchens. Hearty ingredients and simple steps help home cooks recreate this restaurant favorite with delicious results.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups (473 ml) cooked chicken, shredded or diced
• 16 ounces (454 grams) potato gnocchi
• 4 cups (946 ml) chicken broth
• 2 cups (473 ml) half-and-half
• 2 cups (60 grams) fresh spinach leaves

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 cup (160 grams) diced onion
• 1 cup (100 grams) diced celery
• 1 cup (110 grams) shredded carrots
• 3 garlic cloves, minced

Seasonings and Fats:

• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil or butter
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil or butter in a spacious pot over medium heat, sautéing diced onions, celery, minced garlic, and julienned carrots until they become tender and translucent, approximately 4-5 minutes.
2. Pour chicken broth into the vegetable mixture, bringing the liquid to a gentle simmer. Carefully incorporate cooked, shredded chicken, selected herbs and spices, and pillowy gnocchi into the broth.
3. Allow the soup to simmer for 5-7 minutes, watching for the gnocchi to rise and float on the surface, indicating they are perfectly cooked and ready.
4. Lower the cooking temperature and slowly blend in half-and-half, ensuring the soup remains at a warm temperature without reaching a boiling point to prevent curdling.
5. Delicately fold fresh spinach leaves into the creamy soup, letting them wilt and soften within the warm liquid. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the overall flavor profile.
6. Ladle the luxurious, creamy soup into deep bowls and serve immediately alongside rustic, crusty bread for an indulgent dipping experience.

Notes

• Choose between olive oil or butter based on dietary preferences, with olive oil offering a lighter, heart-healthy option.
• Dice vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup.
• Use rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut or shred leftover grilled chicken to reduce preparation time.
• Consider gluten-free gnocchi or cauliflower gnocchi for those with wheat sensitivities, maintaining the soup’s creamy comfort.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 220 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg