Hello, food enthusiasts! Are you ready to bring the comforting, restaurant-quality flavors of Olive Garden right into your kitchen? This Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is rich, creamy, and loaded with tender chicken, fluffy gnocchi, and fresh vegetables. Whether you’re serving this as a starter or a main dish, it’s bound to impress your family and guests. Let’s dive into the delicious details of this soup that’s perfect for any occasion!
Introduction
There’s nothing quite like a bowl of Chicken Gnocchi Soup to warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds. Inspired by Olive Garden’s beloved recipe, this homemade version is just as delightful and incredibly easy to prepare. The combination of creamy broth, soft gnocchi, savory chicken, and fresh spinach creates a comforting dish that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. Not to mention, making it at home allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring a fresher and healthier version of this restaurant classic.
Perfect for a cozy family dinner, this recipe is also a fantastic choice for meal prep. With just 30 minutes of cooking time, you’ll have a steaming pot of deliciousness ready to serve. Pair it with warm breadsticks or a crisp side salad, and you’ve got a meal that rivals any restaurant experience!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to recreate this iconic Chicken Gnocchi Soup at home:
- Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 4 stalks celery, chopped
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cups carrots, grated
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- Soup Base:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups half and half
- Main Ingredients:
- 1 large cooked chicken breast, diced
- 1 package (16 oz) potato gnocchi
- Seasonings and Greens:
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
These simple and wholesome ingredients combine to create a soup that’s bursting with flavor and rich in texture.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Sauté the Vegetables
Begin by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped celery, onion, grated carrots, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables have softened and the onions turn translucent. This step builds a flavorful base for the soup.
2. Create the Creamy Broth
Stir in the chicken broth and half and half. Sprinkle in the dried thyme, salt, and black pepper, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, ensuring the broth doesn’t boil to keep the creamy texture intact.
3. Add the Chicken and Gnocchi
Stir in the diced cooked chicken breast and the potato gnocchi. Let the soup simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the gnocchi become tender and float to the surface. The gnocchi’s fluffy texture will beautifully complement the creamy broth.
4. Incorporate the Spinach
Finally, add the chopped fresh spinach to the pot. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, just until the spinach wilts and blends into the soup.
5. Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the hot soup into bowls and serve it immediately. Pair it with warm breadsticks or buttery crackers for an irresistible dining experience.
Helpful Tips
- Cooking Chicken: If you don’t have pre-cooked chicken, you can quickly cook a chicken breast in a skillet with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Dice it once cooked and add it to the soup.
- Gnocchi Choices: While potato gnocchi is traditional, you can experiment with spinach or whole wheat gnocchi for a unique twist.
- Half and Half Substitute: If you prefer a lighter soup, substitute half and half with whole milk or a combination of milk and heavy cream.
- Flavor Boost: For an extra depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine to the broth before simmering.
Cooking Tips
Here are some additional tips to ensure your Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup turns out perfect every time:
- Consistency: If the soup is too thick, add an extra splash of chicken broth or milk to thin it out to your desired consistency.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth and substitute the chicken with mushrooms or chickpeas for a hearty vegetarian version.
- Storing Leftovers: This soup reheats beautifully! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Serving Suggestions
This Chicken Gnocchi Soup pairs wonderfully with classic Olive Garden-style sides such as:
- Warm, garlicky breadsticks
- A crisp Caesar or garden salad
- A side of roasted vegetables for added nutrition
For a complete Italian-inspired meal, serve this soup alongside pasta dishes like fettuccine alfredo or spaghetti carbonara.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional value for one serving of this delicious soup:
- Calories: 310
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Protein: 18g
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 780mg
- Potassium: 420mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 5g
- Vitamin A: 35%
- Vitamin C: 20%
- Calcium: 15%
- Iron: 10%
This soup is a great balance of protein, vegetables, and comfort, making it a nourishing and satisfying option for lunch or dinner.
Related Recipes
Here are some delicious recipes you might also enjoy:
- Slow Cooker Tomato Tortellini Soup
- Ravioli Soup Recipe
- Tuxedo Cheesecake Recipe
- Honey Roasted Carrots Recipe
Conclusion
There you have it—the ultimate Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup recipe! This creamy, comforting soup is perfect for any occasion, from a cozy night at home to a hearty lunch with friends. Easy to make and bursting with flavor, it’s sure to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen. Give it a try and let us know how it turns out. Enjoy every spoonful!