Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup: A Comforting, Creamy Classic

Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a hearty, creamy dish that’s both comforting and satisfying. Known for its rich flavors and smooth, velvety texture, this soup is perfect for chilly evenings or when you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm hug. With tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and fresh spinach, all in a creamy broth, it’s no wonder this soup has become a beloved favorite.

The combination of chicken, carrots, spinach, and gnocchi in a creamy base provides a deliciously balanced meal that can easily be enjoyed on its own or paired with a side of crusty bread. This homemade version captures all the goodness of the classic restaurant dish, made with simple ingredients you can find in your kitchen. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or preparing a cozy meal for yourself, this soup will leave everyone satisfied and warm.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Creamy and Comforting

The creamy base of this soup makes it incredibly rich and indulgent, perfect for warming up on a cold day.

2. Packed with Flavor

From the savory chicken and flavorful broth to the fresh spinach and sweet carrots, every bite is filled with tasty ingredients.

3. Quick and Easy

This recipe is simple to prepare, requiring just 40 minutes from start to finish, making it a perfect weeknight meal.

4. Hearty and Filling

With hearty potato gnocchi and protein-rich chicken, this soup is satisfying enough to be a full meal on its own.

5. Customizable

Feel free to add other vegetables or spices to the soup for your own unique twist. It’s a versatile recipe that can easily be adapted to your preferences.

Ingredients

• Olive oil
• Chicken breast (diced)
• Butter
• All-purpose flour
• Half and half
• Chicken broth
• Spinach (chopped)
• Carrots (shredded)
• Garlic (minced)
• Salt and pepper
• Potato gnocchi

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken and add extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers for a plant-based version.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
• Dairy-Free: Substitute half and half with a non-dairy milk (like oat or almond milk) and use dairy-free butter.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free gnocchi and flour for a gluten-free variation of this soup.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and cook until browned and no longer pink in the center.

Step 2: Make the Roux

Add butter to the pot and allow it to melt. Then, stir in the flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes, creating a roux. Slowly whisk in the half and half to prevent lumps.

Step 3: Add Broth and Veggies

Stir in the chicken broth, spinach, shredded carrots, minced garlic, and season with salt and pepper. Let the soup simmer for about 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 4: Add Gnocchi

Once the soup has simmered, add the potato gnocchi. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the gnocchi is tender and fully cooked.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. Enjoy your homemade Olive Garden-inspired soup!

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Thickening the Soup: If you prefer a thicker soup, allow it to simmer a little longer to reduce the liquid or add a little more flour to the roux.
• Cook the Gnocchi Separately: To avoid overcooking the gnocchi, you can cook it separately and add it to the soup just before serving.
• Make It Lighter: Use low-fat or fat-free half and half to reduce the richness while still keeping the creamy texture.

How to Serve

• With Fresh Bread: Serve this soup with a side of crusty bread or a slice of garlic bread for a complete meal.
• Topped with Parmesan: For added flavor, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top of each bowl before serving.
• As a Starter: Serve this soup as a starter before a main dish like grilled chicken or pasta for a full Italian-inspired meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat, adding a little broth or water if it’s too thick.

Freezing

This soup freezes well for up to 3 months. Let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove.

Reheating

To reheat the soup, warm it gently over low heat, stirring occasionally to ensure the soup doesn’t burn. If it’s too thick, add a splash of broth or milk to reach the desired consistency.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen gnocchi for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen gnocchi in place of fresh gnocchi. Just be sure to cook it according to the package directions before adding it to the soup.

2. Is this soup spicy?

No, this soup is not spicy, but you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or hot sauce if you prefer some heat.

3. Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this soup ahead of time. It stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days, and the flavors continue to develop the next day.

4. How can I make this soup dairy-free?

You can substitute the half and half with a non-dairy milk such as almond or oat milk, and use dairy-free butter to make this soup dairy-free.

5. Can I add other vegetables to the soup?

Absolutely! You can add other vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers to increase the variety of flavors and textures.

6. How do I know when the gnocchi is cooked?

The gnocchi will float to the top of the soup when it’s fully cooked. Allow it to cook for about 5 minutes after adding it to the soup.

7. Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?

Yes, you can use cooked rotisserie chicken instead of cooking fresh chicken for an even quicker and easier version of this recipe.

8. How can I make this soup gluten-free?

To make this soup gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and use gluten-free gnocchi.

9. Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh spinach works great in this recipe. Simply chop it and add it to the soup along with the other vegetables.

10. What kind of chicken broth should I use?

You can use regular or low-sodium chicken broth depending on your preference. If you’re looking for a lighter soup, opt for low-sodium broth to control the salt content.

Conclusion

This Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is the ultimate comfort food, offering a delicious blend of creamy, savory, and hearty flavors. It’s perfect for cozy dinners and is quick and easy to make from scratch. With simple ingredients and a few easy steps, you can enjoy this classic restaurant favorite in the comfort of your own home. Whether you’re serving it on a chilly evening or for a family gathering, this soup is sure to please everyone at the table!

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