Olive Garden Chicken and Gnocchi Soup

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy a trip to Italy without leaving your kitchen? Have you ever craved that creamy, dreamy Olive Garden Chicken and Gnocchi Soup? Honestly, who hasn't? This recipe is your fast track to that warm, comforting flavour.

Brief Overview

This Italian Chicken Gnocchi Soup is an Olive Garden classic. It is a hearty, delicious soup with roots in Italian comfort food.

It’s an easy soup recipe perfect for beginners and takes about 45 minutes to make. This homemade Chicken Gnocchi Soup makes about six servings.

Main Benefits

This recipe is packed with protein and wholesome veggies. It's the perfect dish for a cold winter evening. This Olive Garden Soup Copycat is special because it's simple, satisfying, and tastes just like the real deal!

Craving Comfort? look into into Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Bliss!

Oh my gosh, you guys, let's talk soup. I'm not usually a soup person, but this Chicken Gnocchi Soup changed my mind.

Seriously, I was blown away by how easy it is to recreate that Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi experience at home.

This Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup copycat is like a warm hug in a bowl. It combines tender chicken, soft potato gnocchi soup , and fresh spinach.

All of it swims in a creamy broth that's seasoned to perfection. I think it's the best creamy chicken gnocchi soup recipe ever!

You know, sometimes you just need a bowl of comfort food. This recipe is so easy, even I can't mess it up.

Plus, it's way cheaper than going to Olive Garden. It also provides a good amount of protein. So, grab your pot, and let's get cooking!

Ready to recreate your favourite? Let's talk ingredients!

Ingredients & Equipment for Your Best Gnocchi

Right then, let's talk grub! This Olive Garden Chicken and Gnocchi soup? It is easier than you think. Honestly, don't be intimidated.

It's proper comfort food and you probably already have half the stuff.

Main Ingredients for Our Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Alright, here's what you'll need to conjure up this Homemade Chicken Gnocchi Soup .

• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons (30ml). Extra virgin is ideal, but any will do.
• Yellow Onion: 1 medium , chopped (about 1 cup). Adds a sweet base.
• Carrots: 2 medium , diced (about 1 cup). Adds a bit of sweetness and colour.
• Celery: 2 stalks , diced (about 1 cup). Provides depth of flavour.
• Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. A must for Italian flavour.
• Chicken Broth: 4 cups (950ml). Low sodium is better, innit?
• Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon . This is where you get that taste of Italy
• Salt: ½ teaspoon. Adjust to taste.
• Black Pepper: ¼ teaspoon. Freshly ground is always best.
• Chicken Breasts: 1 pound (450g), cooked and shredded. Roast it, boil it or use rotisserie chicken.
• Potato Gnocchi: 1 (17.6 oz) package (500g). Those little potato dumplings are so good.
• Fresh Spinach: 5 ounces (140g), chopped. Adds a bit of color and healthy boost.
• Heavy Cream: 1 cup (240ml). It is what makes it creamy.
• Parmesan Cheese: ¼ cup (60ml), grated. More for serving.

For the chicken, look for breasts that are plump and pink. Avoid the ones that look greyish. Honestly, I’ve used frozen spinach in a pinch. Just squeeze out the extra water.

Seasoning: The Secret Sauce to Italian Chicken Gnocchi Soup

The combo of Italian seasoning with a little salt and pepper is classic. For an extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.

You know, just a little to wake up the taste buds. If you don’t have Italian seasoning, use a mix of dried oregano, basil, rosemary, and thyme.

That's what it normally is!

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

You don't need fancy gadgets to nail this Gnocchi Soup .

• Large Pot or Dutch Oven: To cook everything.
• Cutting Board & Knife: For chopping veg.
• Measuring Cups & Spoons: For accurate measurements. A standard set will do the trick.

No need to buy anything new. A regular saucepan will do if you don't have a Dutch oven. A good chef's knife is worth the investment, though. Makes chopping easier.

Cooking Up Comfort: Sautéing the Aromatics for Olive Garden Chicken and Gnocchi

Prep is key. You know? It’s all about the mise en place . Chop your veggies and measure your spices. This makes cooking much easier. Trust me, it's worth it!

Essential Aromatics

First, we get the base flavours going. Add 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil to your pot. Then toss in 1 chopped medium yellow onion , 1 cup diced carrots , and 1 cup diced celery .

Cook them over medium heat for about 5- 7 minutes . They should be nice and soft. Don't rush it!

Next, add 2 minced cloves of garlic . Cook for another minute. You will know when it smells amazing. Honestly, this is the best part!

Building a Flavorful Base for Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Now, for the heart of the soup. Pour in 4 cups (950ml) chicken broth . I like to use low-sodium. It gives me control over the saltiness.

Add 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning , ½ teaspoon salt , and ¼ teaspoon black pepper . Give it a good stir.

Bring it to a simmer.

Did you know? The key to the best Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi taste is a flavourful aromatic base.

Pro Tip: A little secret

Don't skip the sautéing step! This builds depth of flavor. If you rush this, the soup will be bland. I learned this the hard way.

Once, I skipped this step. Oh my gosh, what a disaster!

Alright, let's talk Olive Garden Chicken and Gnocchi Soup , baby! This isn't just a recipe; it's a hug in a bowl.

A taste of Italy, right in your very own kitchen! Honestly, who doesn't love a good Olive Garden Soup Copycat recipe?

Recipe Notes: Making it Your Own

These notes will help you customize your Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe to be absolutely perfect. It is totally doable, and here is how.

Serving Suggestions: Level Up Your Soup Game

Presentation matters, right? Ladle your Italian Chicken Gnocchi Soup into warmed bowls. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan? Absolutely! A sprig of parsley? Why not! Serve this Potato Gnocchi Soup with some crusty bread for dunking.

A simple side salad brightens everything up. And a glass of Pinot Grigio? Bellissimo!

Storage Tips: Making it Last

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This homemade chicken gnocchi soup is great the next day. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days .

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Freezing is also an option. Freeze in individual portions for easy lunches.

Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat. Don’t re-freeze once thawed.

Variations: Switch it Up!

Want a little kick? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Need a vegetarian option? Swap the chicken for chickpeas or cannellini beans.

Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. dairy-free? Try coconut cream for richness. Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor without the dairy.

Get creative with the flavors.

Nutrition Basics: Good for Your Soul (and Body!)

Each serving clocks in around 450 calories , with approximately 30 grams of protein , 25 grams of fat , and 30 grams of carbohydrates .

Remember, this is an estimate. This Easy Soup Recipes is packed with nutrients. Chicken provides protein, spinach offers vitamins, and the creamy broth is pure comfort.

There you have it! All you need to know to nail this Olive Garden chicken and gnocchi recipe. Don’t be afraid to experiment.

Cooking should be fun! Get in the kitchen and create your own masterpiece!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I stop my Olive Garden chicken and gnocchi soup from being too thick?

If your soup's getting a bit "ropy" like an old telly signal, it's likely the starch from the gnocchi. Add a splash more chicken broth to thin it out. You can also use a bit of water in a pinch, but broth will maintain the flavour.

Can I make this Olive Garden chicken and gnocchi soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! Making it ahead is brill, actually. The flavours tend to meld together beautifully overnight in the fridge. Just be aware that the gnocchi might absorb some liquid, so you might need to add a bit more broth when reheating. Don't forget, it's gotta be piping hot when it's served!

What's the best way to store leftover chicken and gnocchi soup?

Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It'll keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Freezing is also an option, but the texture of the gnocchi can change a bit, so bear that in mind. Maybe portion it up so it's a ready-to-go comfort meal when you need it.

My gnocchi always turns to mush! Any tips for cooking gnocchi properly?

Ah, the dreaded mushy gnocchi! The trick is to not overcook them. As soon as they float to the surface of the soup, they're usually done. Overcooking them is like putting a crumpet in for 5 minutes... it just isn't done. Take them out as soon as they float!

Can I make a vegetarian version of this soup?

You bet your bottom dollar you can! Swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and replace the chicken with some white beans or chickpeas. It'll still be a cracking bowl of comfort, just without the meat.

How can I make this Olive Garden chicken and gnocchi soup healthier?

If you're watching your waistline, you can make a few tweaks. Use low-sodium chicken broth to cut down on salt, and swap the heavy cream for half and-half or even a splash of milk with a cornstarch slurry to thicken it. Adding extra veggies like mushrooms can help boost the nutritional value too.

You can even use cauliflower gnocchi as well!