Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

This creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup takes everything you love about the Olive Garden classic and brings it right into your kitchen no reservations or long waits needed Just hearty pieces of chicken tender gnocchi colorful vegetables and plenty of soothing creaminess in every spoonful The whole family gathers round the table when this is simmering on the stove

I whipped this up on a rainy day the first bite instantly made us all feel cozy By the end of the meal everyone asked for seconds and now it is our go-to whenever anyone wants a little comfort in a bowl

Ingredients

• Olive oil: helps bring out the flavor of the vegetables Choose extra virgin for the best aroma
• Onion: brings sweetness and depth Yellow onions work best pick one that feels heavy with shiny skin
• Garlic: adds a lovely undertone go for fresh cloves with smooth skin
• Carrots: add natural sweetness and color Look for firm bright carrots for best taste
• Celery: delivers a subtle freshness Stalks should be crisp and not limp
• Dried thyme: gives herby flavor Pick a jar with a strong aroma
• Dried basil: adds gentle warmth Check that the leaves are brightly colored and not faded
• Chicken broth: builds the soup’s body Choose a broth with low sodium for adjustable seasoning
• Cooked chicken: saves time Tender rotisserie or homemade always works Best freshly shredded
• Gnocchi: brings signature pillowy bites Choose a package with minimal cracking and a soft feel
• Fresh spinach: wilts down to add color and nutrients Look for crisp green leaves
• Heavy cream: makes the soup luscious Choose fresh cream with a rich aroma
• Salt: sharpens every flavor Use kosher salt for the cleanest finish
• Black pepper: adds gentle heat Fresh cracked pepper is best
• Grated Parmesan cheese for serving: brings nutty sharpness Always use freshly grated for the fullest flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep and Sauté Vegetables:

Start by heating olive oil in your largest pot over medium heat Add diced onion carrots and celery Stir gently for five minutes until everything turns glossy and the onion becomes see through This slow softening builds the backbone of your soup

Bloom the Garlic:

Add your minced garlic now Stir it around for one minute until the scent drifts into the air This wakes up the natural pungency a key to rich flavor

Add Herbs and Broth:

Sprinkle in the dried thyme and basil Give everything a good mix Pour in all the chicken broth and turn up the heat Wait for the liquid to reach a steady boil

Simmer Chicken and Gnocchi:

Set the heat to a gentle simmer Drop in the shredded chicken and the whole package of gnocchi Watch as the gnocchi rise to the surface about five to seven minutes that is how you know they are perfectly tender

Wilt Spinach and Add Cream:

Toss in the fresh spinach and pour in the heavy cream Stir until the spinach has wilted completely and the cream is evenly mixed just two or three minutes The whole pot should take on a rich pale color

Season and Serve:

Taste your soup Add enough salt and pepper to bring out all the flavors Ladle into warm bowls and top with a generous handful of grated Parmesan cheese if you love a cheesy finish

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My family’s favorite ingredient here is the potato gnocchi Those little clouds soak up creamy broth so perfectly My daughter always sneaks a few right from the pot before the soup can even hit the table Sharing a big pot of this together reminds me of cozy Sunday dinners growing up

Storage Tips

This soup keeps in the fridge for up to three days Let it cool then transfer to an airtight container Reheat slowly over low heat and add a splash more cream or broth if it thickens up overnight

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have gnocchi small diced potatoes or tortellini make hearty swaps Rotisserie chicken is quick but poached chicken breast or thighs work beautifully as well For a dairy-free twist use coconut cream instead of heavy cream

Serving Suggestions

Serve this soup with some crusty bread perfect for dipping and soaking up every last drop A side salad dressed simply gives crunch and freshness For a more filling meal pair with a classic Caesar salad or some roasted veggies

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Cultural Context

This popular Italian-American soup finds roots in classic Italian comfort food like stracciatella or creamy chicken pastina It is an American favorite thanks to Olive Garden but making it at home lets you control every ingredient and skip the crowds

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of chicken works best?

Shredded cooked chicken breast or thighs work perfectly. Rotisserie chicken is a convenient option for extra flavor.

→ Can I use store-bought gnocchi?

Yes, packaged potato gnocchi makes preparation quicker and still delivers a soft, pillowy texture.

→ How do I thicken the soup?

Reduce the broth slightly or add more heavy cream to achieve a thicker, creamier consistency.

→ Is this soup suitable for freezing?

It's best served fresh, as gnocchi can become mushy when frozen and reheated. For best results, store leftovers in the fridge up to 3 days.

→ Can I add extra vegetables?

Absolutely! Try adding mushrooms, peas, or bell peppers for extra color and nutrition.

→ What’s the best garnish for serving?

Freshly grated Parmesan cheese enhances flavor and adds a savory finish. A sprinkle of black pepper is also popular.