Indulge in the comforting warmth of a creamy Olive Garden-inspired chicken gnocchi soup recipe right in your own kitchen! This beloved restaurant classic is surprisingly simple to recreate, ready in just about 30 minutes from start to finish. Get ready to enjoy a rich, hearty, and satisfying homemade meal that the whole family will adore, making weeknight dinners a breeze.
Why You’ll Love This Gnocchi Soup
- Quick and Easy: Whip up this delicious gnocchi soup recipe in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy evenings.
- Creamy and Hearty: Enjoy a comforting blend of tender gnocchi, chicken, and fresh spinach in a rich, velvety broth.
- Satisfying Meal: It’s substantial enough to be a complete meal, leaving you feeling cozy and full.
- Family-Friendly Flavors: Mild, delicious ingredients make this a hit with kids and adults alike.
- Better Than Takeout: Craft a restaurant-quality dish at home for a fraction of the cost.
- Great for Meal Prep: Prepare a big batch to enjoy throughout the week for easy lunches or dinners.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients for your ultimate creamy chicken gnocchi soup recipe:
- 3-4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (cooked and diced)
- 1 stalk of celery (chopped)
- ½ white onion (diced)
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- ½ cup shredded carrots
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cups low sodium chicken broth
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 16 ounces potato gnocchi
- 2 cups half and half (see note)
- 1 cup fresh spinach (roughly chopped)
Notes & Substitutions
- Chicken: Save time by using store-bought rotisserie chicken or any leftover cooked chicken you have on hand.
- Gnocchi: Both fresh or frozen potato gnocchi work wonderfully in this soup. No need to thaw frozen gnocchi first.
- Dairy: For an even richer and thicker soup, swap half and half for heavy cream.
- Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like sliced mushrooms, chopped kale, or zucchini for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Broth: If you don’t have chicken broth, chicken bouillon dissolved in hot water can provide a similar depth of flavor.
- Seasoning: Always taste and adjust salt, pepper, and thyme to suit your personal preference.
Equipment
You won’t need many specialized tools to make this creamy chicken gnocchi soup:
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Stirring spoon or ladle
Instructions
Follow these easy steps to prepare your comforting gnocchi soup recipe:
- Prep Vegetables: Dice the celery and white onion, mince the garlic, and shred the carrots. Having everything ready speeds up the cooking process for this delicious gnocchi soup.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped celery, diced onion, minced garlic, and shredded carrots. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions become translucent and the vegetables start to soften.
- Add Liquids & Seasoning: Stir in the cooked, diced chicken, low sodium chicken broth, salt, black pepper, and dried thyme. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
- Cook Gnocchi: Once the soup is boiling, gently add the potato gnocchi directly into the pot. Continue to boil for 3-4 minutes, just until the gnocchi start to float to the surface.
- Simmer Soup: Reduce the heat to a simmer and let the soup cook for another 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and ensures the gnocchi are perfectly tender without becoming mushy.
- Finish Soup: Stir in the half and half and the roughly chopped fresh spinach. Continue to cook for just 1-2 minutes longer, or until the spinach has wilted and the soup is heated through.
- Serve: Taste the gnocchi soup recipe and add more salt and pepper if needed. Ladle the warm, creamy soup into bowls and serve immediately.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
- Prevent Watery Soup: Do not overcook the gnocchi. They cook quickly and can absorb too much liquid, making your soup less creamy.
- Thicker Soup: If you prefer a thicker gnocchi soup recipe, use heavy cream instead of half and half. Alternatively, create a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water) and stir it into the simmering soup at the end.
- Enhance Flavor: For a deeper taste, consider roasting your chicken breasts before dicing them, or add a pinch of fresh rosemary along with the thyme.
- Seasoning: Always taste your soup before serving. Broths and gnocchi can vary in salt content, so adjust seasoning generously to your liking.
The key to perfectly textured gnocchi lies in understanding how potato starch behaves during cooking.
- Gnocchi Texture: The key to perfect gnocchi is not over-boiling. Once they float, they are almost done. A short simmer afterward finishes them perfectly.
- Slow Cooker Method: You can adapt this gnocchi soup recipe for a slow cooker. Sauté the vegetables on the stovetop first for best flavor. Then, combine them with the chicken, broth, and seasonings in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 3-4 hours. Add the gnocchi, half and half, and spinach during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Serving, Storage, & Variations
Serving Suggestions
Elevate your chicken gnocchi soup recipe experience with these tasty additions:
- Serve with warm, buttery garlic breadsticks for dipping.
- Pair it with a simple green Italian salad dressed with vinaigrette.
- Garnish each bowl with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
- Enjoy alongside some crusty artisan bread to soak up all the delicious broth.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store any leftover creamy gnocchi soup recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freeze: Freezing this particular soup is not recommended. The potato gnocchi can become mushy and develop an unappealing texture upon thawing.
- Reheat: Gently warm the soup on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You might need to add a splash more chicken broth or half and half to restore its creamy consistency.
Variations
Get creative with your gnocchi soup recipe!
- Vegetarian: Omit the chicken and use vegetable broth for a delicious meat-free option.
- Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the soup along with the other seasonings for a little kick.
- Different Greens: Swap out the spinach for chopped kale or escarole for a slightly different texture and flavor profile.
- Protein Swap: Instead of chicken, try browned Italian sausage or ground turkey for a different protein source.
- Cheesy: Stir in some shredded Parmesan or Asiago cheese at the end for an extra layer of cheesy goodness.
Nutrition Information
Please note that the following nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredient brands and quantities used.
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 35g |
| Protein | 28g |
| Fat | 20g |
| Sodium | 650mg |
For detailed nutritional breakdowns of specific ingredients, you can always consult resources like USDA FoodData Central.
This gnocchi soup recipe provides a good balance of protein and carbohydrates, making it a hearty and fulfilling meal. It’s also a great way to incorporate vegetables into your diet.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use frozen gnocchi in this recipe? Yes, absolutely! Add frozen gnocchi directly to the boiling soup; no need to thaw them beforehand.
- How do I thicken this gnocchi soup if it’s too thin? You can thicken the soup by making a quick cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) and stirring it into the simmering soup until it reaches your desired consistency. Adding more cream also helps.
- Can I make this soup ahead of time? This soup is best enjoyed fresh. While leftovers are tasty, the gnocchi can soften considerably and absorb more liquid the longer it sits.
- Is this gnocchi soup recipe healthy? This homemade version is often healthier than restaurant options as you control the ingredients. You can make it even healthier by using less cream or adding more vegetables.
- Can I make this in a slow cooker? Yes, for a slow cooker method, sauté the vegetables on the stovetop first. Then, add the sautéed vegetables, cooked chicken, broth, and seasonings to your slow cooker, cooking on low for 3-4 hours. Stir in the gnocchi, half and half, and spinach during the final 30 minutes.
Conclusion
This easy Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup recipe brings incredible comfort and flavor straight to your table without the fuss. It’s creamy, satisfying, and comes together in just 30 minutes, proving that delicious homemade meals don’t have to be complicated. We encourage you to try this delightful soup soon and experience the joy of a truly amazing copycat creation. Let us know how much you loved it in the comments below!