Who doesn’t love a creamy, rich, and hearty soup to warm you up on a chilly evening? Chicken and Gnocchi Soup, made famous by Olive Garden, brings comfort food to a whole new level with its velvety broth, tender chicken, soft gnocchi, and just the right balance of veggies. Whether you’re craving a cozy night in or trying to impress at your next dinner gathering, this recipe is sure to satisfy. Not only does it taste just like the restaurant version, but it’s also quick, simple, and easy to prepare in the comfort of your own kitchen.
The soup is a beautiful fusion of flavors-savory chicken, fluffy gnocchi, and a creamy broth that leaves you wanting more. With just the right amount of vegetables and seasonings, it’s a one-pot meal that can be customized to your liking.
Ready to make this creamy, comforting bowl of goodness? Let’s break it all down.
Chicken And Gnocchi Olive Garden Soup Recipe
This Recipe Is Perfect For
- Cold winter nights
- Quick weeknight dinners
- A comforting lunch
- Feeding a crowd or family
You won’t need to book a reservation at Olive Garden anymore. With this homemade version, you can enjoy the flavors of the iconic soup at home, and trust me, it’ll taste even better because you made it!
Ingredients Needed
Before we dive into cooking, let’s take a look at the ingredients that make this soup so delicious:
- Chicken Breast (or thighs): You’ll need about 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Chicken thighs give a slightly richer flavor, but breasts are leaner.
- Olive Oil: For sautéing the chicken and vegetables. It adds a subtle flavor and is a healthy fat.
- Carrots: Two medium-sized carrots, diced. They add sweetness and crunch to balance the rich, creamy broth.
- Celery: Two stalks of celery, chopped. Celery adds a mild, refreshing flavor and crunch.
- Onion: One small onion, diced. It adds savory depth to the soup’s flavor.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is a must! Adds an aromatic punch that will make the soup smell irresistible.
- Chicken Broth: This is the base of your soup. Use a low-sodium broth so you can control the saltiness of your dish.
- Half-and-Half (or heavy cream): To create that luscious, creamy consistency that’s the heart of this soup.
- Gnocchi: You can use store-bought potato gnocchi. It’s soft, pillowy, and soaks up the broth beautifully.
- Spinach: Fresh baby spinach adds color and a mild earthy flavor. You can substitute with kale if preferred.
- Seasoning: A combination of thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. These add an herbal, savory flavor that will make your taste buds dance.
- Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a finishing touch. It adds a salty, nutty richness to the soup.
- Butter: For sautéing and adding richness to the broth.
Cooking Instructions
Here’s how to make this creamy Chicken and Gnocchi Soup step-by-step:
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Prepare The Chicken
- Start by cooking the chicken. Heat a bit of olive oil over medium heat in a large pot or Dutch oven.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a little garlic powder, then cook them for about 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove the chicken, set aside, and let it rest for a few minutes. Once cooled, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
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Sauté The Veggies
- In the same pot, add a bit more olive oil or a knob of butter. Sauté the diced onions, carrots, celery, and garlic over medium heat for about 4-5 minutes, until they’re soft and fragrant.
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Build The Broth
- Pour in the chicken broth, stir well, and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Add the seasonings-thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes to let all the flavors meld together.
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Add The Gnocchi
- Add the gnocchi to the pot. You’ll cook them right in the soup. They’ll float to the top when they’re done, which takes about 3-4 minutes. It’s like a little cooking magic happening!
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Make It Creamy
- Once the gnocchi is cooked, stir in the half-and-half (or heavy cream) for that creamy goodness.
- Add the shredded chicken and spinach at this point. Stir until the spinach wilts and the chicken heats through.
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Final Touches
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning, if necessary, adding more salt and pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
- Serve in bowls, topping each with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
Ingredient Insights
Understanding the ingredients can really elevate your cooking game. Here’s a quick breakdown of the key components:
- Gnocchi: This soft dumpling made from potatoes is what makes this soup so special. It’s not your typical pasta; gnocchi adds an incredibly light, yet satisfying texture that soaks up the broth perfectly.
- Half-and-Half: A lighter option compared to heavy cream, half-and-half gives you the creamy texture you want without being too rich or heavy.
- Spinach: Not only does spinach add a vibrant pop of color, but it also gives the soup a nutritional boost with iron and vitamins.
Expert Tips
Want to take your Chicken and Gnocchi Soup to the next level? Here are some expert tips:
- Shred the Chicken After Cooking: To get perfectly shredded chicken, allow it to rest for a few minutes after cooking. Then, use two forks to pull it apart into bite-sized pieces. The chicken will absorb more of the flavor when shredded!
- Don’t Overcook the Gnocchi: Gnocchi cooks very quickly. Once it floats to the top, it’s done. Overcooking it can result in mushy dumplings, which is a texture no one wants.
- Fresh Herbs: Fresh rosemary and thyme bring a more intense, vibrant flavor compared to dried herbs. If you’re using dried, remember that they’re more concentrated, so you’ll need about one-third of the amount.
- Flavor Adjustments: If you prefer a bit more tang, squeeze a small amount of lemon juice into the soup at the end. It will cut through the richness and add brightness.
Recipe Variations
Feeling creative? Here are some fun ways to mix things up:
- Add Mushrooms: Sauteé some mushrooms with the veggies for an earthy flavor. It pairs beautifully with the creamy broth.
- Use Kale Instead of Spinach: If you’re looking for something heartier, kale works great. It adds a deep, robust flavor and texture.
- Make It Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a bit of chopped jalapeño to give the soup a kick.
- Swap Chicken for Sausage: For a twist, try Italian sausage. It’ll add a savory richness and some extra spice to your soup.
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken and use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version. Add extra veggies like zucchini or bell peppers for variety.
Final Words
Chicken and Gnocchi Soup is the kind of dish that makes you feel right at home. It’s satisfying, delicious, and customizable to suit whatever you’re craving at the moment. You can’t go wrong with this one-pot wonder-it’s an all-time favorite that’s sure to please any crowd.