Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting meal that warms the soul, this Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is just what you need. It’s one of those recipes that brings everyone together, making it perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. The creamy broth and tender gnocchi create a delicious hug in a bowl, and trust me, once you try it, you’ll find yourself reaching for seconds!

What makes this soup truly special is how easy it is to prepare. With simple ingredients and a short cooking time, you can whip up a batch in no time! Whether it’s a chilly evening or you’re simply craving something hearty, this beloved recipe will quickly become a favorite at your table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for those hectic nights.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves gnocchi! This dish is sure to please both kids and adults alike.
• Rich and Flavorful: The combination of chicken, creamy broth, and fresh spinach creates an explosion of flavors in every bite.
• Versatile: You can easily customize the ingredients to suit your taste or what you have on hand.
• Make Ahead: This soup stores well in the fridge and tastes even better the next day!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be pleased to know that creating this Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup requires only wholesome ingredients that are easy to find. Let’s gather everything you need to make this delightful dish!

For the Soup Base

• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts (cooked and shredded)
• 1 Tbs olive oil
• 4 Tbs butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 small onion (chopped)
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup carrots (shredded)
• 2 tsp parsley flakes
• Salt and pepper for seasoning

For the Gnocchi

• 1 package (16 ounces mini potato gnocchi)
• 1 cup fresh spinach (chopped)

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to experiment with different ingredients based on your preferences or what you have available.

• Swap the protein: Substitute shredded rotisserie chicken for an even quicker option.
• Add more veggies: Toss in some peas or corn for extra color and nutrition.
• Make it vegetarian: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and replace chicken with chickpeas.
• Creamy twist: Stir in some cream or coconut milk at the end for an extra rich flavor.

How to Make Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Step 1: Sauté Your Aromatics

In a large Dutch oven or stock pot, melt your butter with olive oil over medium heat. This combination not only adds flavor but also helps create a rich base for the soup. Add your chopped onions, garlic, and shredded carrots. Cook until the onions turn translucent; this step is key as it releases their natural sweetness into the mix!

Step 2: Thicken It Up

Whisk in your flour and let it cook for about a minute. This creates a roux which thickens your soup beautifully. Slowly stir in your chicken broth while whisking continuously to avoid any lumps. Allow it to simmer until it starts to thicken—this will give your soup that luscious texture we all love.

Step 3: Bring It All Together

While your broth is thickening, cook your gnocchi according to the package directions. Drain them well and set aside. Now it’s time to bring everything together! Add your milk into the veggie mixture along with salt, pepper, and parsley flakes. Bring this lovely mixture to a boil before lowering the heat.

Step 4: Final Touches

Once boiling, reduce the heat again and gently stir in the cooked gnocchi, shredded chicken, and chopped spinach. Let everything simmer until heated through—about five minutes should do it! The spinach will wilt down beautifully while adding vibrant color and nutrients to your soup.

Now you’re ready to serve up bowls of warmth that everyone will adore! Enjoy your homemade Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Pro Tips for Making Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Creating the perfect Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is all about attention to detail and a few helpful tricks!

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs can significantly enhance the flavor of your soup, bringing out the natural sweetness and richness that makes this dish so comforting.

• Don’t skip the simmering: Allowing your soup to simmer after adding the milk ensures that all flavors meld beautifully, resulting in a creamy and well-balanced dish that everyone will enjoy.

• Cook gnocchi separately: Cooking the gnocchi separately prevents them from becoming too soft or mushy in the soup. This way, they retain their delightful texture, adding to the overall experience of each spoonful.

• Adjust seasoning to taste: Everyone’s palate is different! Taste your soup before serving and adjust salt, pepper, or parsley flakes as needed to create a flavor profile that suits you perfectly.

• Make it ahead of time: This soup tastes even better the next day! Consider making it a day in advance; just reheat gently on the stove when you’re ready to serve.

How to Serve Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Serving this delightful soup can turn an ordinary meal into something special. Here are a few ideas to present it beautifully!

Garnishes

• Chopped parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness that brightens up the dish.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: For those who enjoy cheese, a light dusting of grated Parmesan provides an extra layer of flavor (just ensure it’s dairy-based).
• Cracked black pepper: A few cracks of freshly ground black pepper not only enhances flavor but also adds visual appeal.

Side Dishes

• Garlic bread: Crispy garlic bread complements the creamy soup perfectly, making it easy to scoop up every last bite.
• Caesar salad: A classic Caesar salad with crisp romaine, crunchy croutons, and zesty dressing offers a refreshing contrast to the rich soup.
• Steamed broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds a healthy green side that works well with the comforting nature of gnocchi soup.
• Caprese salad: The combination of juicy tomatoes, fresh basil, and mozzarella brings a burst of freshness and balances out the richness of your main dish.

By pairing these garnishes and side dishes with your Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup, you’ll create a memorable dining experience that’s both delicious and satisfying! Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is perfect for meal prep! You can make a big batch ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week. Here’s how to store it properly for maximum flavor!

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the soup to cool to room temperature before storing.
• Transfer it to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Let the soup cool completely before freezing.
• Use a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bags, leaving some space for expansion.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

• For stovetop reheating, place the soup in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
• If using a microwave, transfer to a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, until hot.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delicious soup!

How can I make Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup vegetarian?

You can easily make this soup vegetarian by replacing the chicken with cooked chickpeas or beans and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The gnocchi will still add that delightful texture!

Can I use frozen gnocchi in Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup?

Absolutely! Frozen gnocchi works wonderfully in this recipe. Just add them directly to the simmering soup without pre-cooking; they’ll cook through perfectly as you heat everything together.

What can I serve alongside Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup?

This hearty soup pairs beautifully with a fresh side salad or crusty bread. You might also enjoy some garlic bread for that extra touch!

Is Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup healthy?

Yes! This soup is packed with protein from the chicken and loaded with vegetables. You can also modify it further by adjusting the ingredients to fit your dietary needs.

How long does Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup last in the fridge?

When stored properly in an airtight container, this soup will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator, making it perfect for meal prep!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup as much as I do! Its warm, comforting flavors are sure to bring smiles around your dinner table. Enjoy every spoonful, and don’t hesitate to share your experience or any variations you try. Happy cooking!