There’s something magical about a steaming bowl of Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup that instantly warms the soul. Picture tender pieces of chicken floating in a creamy broth infused with aromatic herbs and soft, pillowy gnocchi – your taste buds are already doing a happy dance! Cozy up because this delightful soup is not just a meal; it’s an experience that transports you straight to your favorite Italian restaurant.
Back in college, I had a roommate who would whip up big batches of this divine soup when we were knee-deep in textbooks. The whole apartment would fill with the irresistible scent of garlic and herbs, pulling us away from our studies faster than any alarm clock could! Now I make this soup to recreate those warm memories and share the joy with friends and family.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is so simple to make that you’ll be amazed at how quickly it comes together
- It’s bursting with flavor and comfort while looking stunning in your bowl
- Perfect for sharing on chilly evenings or impressing guests at dinner parties
I once made this for my family during a winter get-together, and you could hear the collective “Mmm!” after every spoonful.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use 3-4 breasts for a hearty soup; feel free to substitute rotisserie chicken for extra flavor.
- Fresh Garlic: Choose firm cloves for maximum flavor; minced garlic adds a delightful punch.
- Onion: A sweet onion diced finely brings depth; sauté until translucent for the best results.
- Carrots: Freshly chopped carrots add color and sweetness; they should be cut into small pieces to cook evenly.
- Celery: Finely chopped celery enhances the soup’s texture; use fresh stalks for optimal crunch.
- Chicken Broth: Low-sodium broth is recommended to control salt levels while maintaining flavor richness.
- Cream: Heavy cream gives the soup its luscious texture; feel free to substitute half-and-half if you want it lighter.
- Gnocchi: Store-bought gnocchi works perfectly here; they add that delightful pillowy bite we crave.
- Spinach: Fresh spinach adds vibrant color and nutrition; wilt it gently at the end for best results.
- Seasonings (Thyme & Parsley): Fresh herbs elevate the flavors; dried versions can also work in a pinch but fresh is best!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make It Together
Prepare yourself for an adventure in the kitchen! We’ll take each step together toward creating this comforting masterpiece.
Sauté Your Base Ingredients: Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onions, minced garlic, carrots, and celery until they soften and become aromatic—about 5-7 minutes!
Add the Chicken & Broth: Toss in your boneless skinless chicken breasts along with chicken broth. Bring everything to a gentle simmer; you’ll know it’s ready when it starts bubbling like it’s excited!
Cook Until Tender: Allow the chicken to cook through for about 10-15 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when it shreds easily with two forks. Remove and shred before returning it to the pot.
Add Cream & Spinach: Stir in heavy cream until fully mixed. Toss in fresh spinach leaves right at the end so they wilt beautifully without losing their vibrant color!
Add Gnocchi: Finally, add your gnocchi to the pot and let them cook according to package instructions—usually only about 3-5 minutes—until they’re fluffy little pillows of goodness!
Enjoy each spoonful as you bask in the warmth of home-cooked comfort food! The aroma alone will have everyone gathering around.
Now you’ve turned simple ingredients into a heartwarming dish that’s sure to impress friends and family alike! Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is not just food; it’s pure love served hot!
You Must Know
- This Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is rich and creamy, perfect for chilly nights
- The combination of tender chicken and fluffy gnocchi creates a cozy meal that feels like a warm hug
- Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser for family gatherings!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by sautéing onion and garlic for aromatic flavor. Then, cook the chicken before adding in the broth and gnocchi to ensure everything melds beautifully together.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out spinach for kale or add mushrooms. A sprinkle of fresh herbs enhances the flavor profile, making your soup uniquely yours.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat to maintain creaminess without curdling.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To make this Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup even better, consider using homemade broth for depth of flavor
- Don’t forget to taste test seasoning adjustments as you go
- A splash of lemon juice can brighten up the dish!
Sometimes I whip up this soup when friends come over, and their compliments make my heart swell. It’s a hit every time, turning casual dinners into memorable feasts!
FAQ
What makes Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup special?
This soup combines creamy goodness with tender chicken and fluffy gnocchi, creating comfort food bliss.
Can I freeze Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup?
Freezing is not recommended as it may alter the texture of the gnocchi when reheated.
How do I thicken my Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup?
To thicken, add more cream or use a cornstarch slurry while simmering on medium heat.
Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 cups (6 servings) 1x
Description
Indulge in a rich, creamy bowl of Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup, featuring tender chicken, fluffy gnocchi, and fresh vegetables. A comforting dish that warms the soul!
Ingredients
- 3–4 Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
- 2 cloves Fresh Garlic, minced
- 1 Sweet Onion, diced
- 2 Carrots, chopped
- 2 Celery Stalks, finely chopped
- 4 cups Low-Sodium Chicken Broth
- 1 cup Heavy Cream (or half-and-half)
- 16 oz Store-bought Gnocchi
- 2 cups Fresh Spinach
- Fresh Thyme and Parsley for seasoning
Instructions
- In a large pot over medium heat, sauté diced onion, minced garlic, carrots, and celery in olive oil until softened (about 5-7 minutes).
- Add boneless chicken breasts and pour in chicken broth. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Cook chicken for 10-15 minutes until tender; shred and return to the pot.
- Stir in heavy cream and add fresh spinach until wilted.
- Incorporate gnocchi into the soup, cooking according to package instructions (about 3-5 minutes).
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
