Creamy Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe with Step-by-Step Guide 🥣🍗✨
1. Introduction
Are you craving a warm, hearty, and creamy chicken gnocchi soup? Inspired by the popular Olive Garden chicken gnocchi soup, this creamy chicken gnocchi recipe offers all the comforting flavors of Italian chicken soup in a rich, velvety broth. Perfect for cozy nights, this dish combines tender chicken, bite-sized gnocchi, and fresh vegetables simmered in a flavorful, creamy base. Follow this step-by-step guide to recreate this beloved recipe at home and impress your family and friends!
2. Ingredients for the Creamy Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large carrots, diced
- 3 celery stalks, diced
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 (16 oz) package potato gnocchi
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh spinach or kale (optional)
- Parmesan cheese for topping
3. Step-by-Step Guide to Making the Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Preparing the Base
Sautéing Vegetables and Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sauté until fragrant and translucent, about 3 minutes. Stir in the diced carrots and celery and cook for another 5 minutes until slightly tender. Add the diced chicken pieces and cook until no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Simmering the Broth
Pour in 4 cups of chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld. At this point, you can add spinach or kale for extra greens, simmering for another 2 minutes until wilted.
Adding Gnocchi and Cream
Stir in the potato gnocchi and cook according to package instructions, usually about 2-3 minutes until they float to the top. Lower the heat and stir in 1 cup of heavy cream or half-and-half to add creaminess. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes to thicken slightly.
Finishing Touches
Serve hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. This creamy Italian chicken soup is best enjoyed with crusty bread or a fresh side salad.
4. Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For reheating, gently warm in a pot over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if necessary to restore the consistency.
5. Serving Suggestions
This chicken gnocchi soup pairs beautifully with a slice of garlic bread or a side of roasted vegetables. For an added flavor boost, sprinkle extra Parmesan and chopped fresh herbs like basil or parsley on top before serving.
6. Kitchen Tools that You Might Need for This Recipe
- Compact 6-in-1 Digital Air Fryer – Perfect for preparing crispy bread sides or roasted vegetables to accompany your soup and make your meal more complete.
- T-fal 14-Piece Nonstick Cookware Set – Ensures you have the best cookware to sauté vegetables and cook chicken evenly, making your cooking experience seamless.
- Ninja Foodi Smart XL Indoor Grill & Air Fryer – A versatile addition to your kitchen for preparing grilled chicken or crispy toppings for the soup.
7. Frequently Asked Questions about Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for a dairy-free version. Keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly.
Can I use frozen gnocchi?
Absolutely! Use frozen gnocchi directly from the freezer, adding an extra minute or two to the cooking time to ensure they are cooked through.
How long does it take to prepare the soup?
The total cooking time is approximately 30-40 minutes, making it an ideal quick and comforting weeknight meal.
Is this soup suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it stores well and can be made ahead of time. Just reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or cream to revive the texture.
8. Conclusion
This creamy olive garden chicken gnocchi soup is a delicious and hearty dish that brings the flavors of Italian comfort food right to your dinner table. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can make a restaurant-quality chicken gnocchi soup at home. Enjoy its rich, savory flavors and impress your family and friends with this cozy, satisfying meal.
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Creamy Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe with Step-by-Step Guide
A rich and creamy chicken gnocchi soup inspired by Olive Garden, packed with tender gnocchi, succulent chicken, and fresh spinach in a savory broth
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 package (16 ounces) gnocchi
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté onion, garlic, carrots, and celery until tender.
- Add chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and stir in shredded chicken and gnocchi.
- Cook until gnocchi float to the surface, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in heavy cream and chopped spinach. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through.
- Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken with turkey or vegetarian options like tofu for a different twist.
- For a thicker soup, add a little flour or cornstarch slurry during cooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx 350g)
- Calories: 420 Kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 90mg