Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting meal that warms the heart and soul, this Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is just what you need! This soup is a delightful blend of creamy goodness, tender chicken, and soft gnocchi, all mingling together to create a dish that feels like a big hug in a bowl. It’s become a favorite in our home for busy weeknights or family gatherings, where everyone can enjoy its hearty flavors.

What I love most about this recipe is how simple it is to whip up. Even on those long days when cooking feels like a chore, this soup comes together quickly and easily. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe takes only 45 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
• Family-Friendly: With its creamy texture and delicious flavors, it’s sure to please both kids and adults alike!
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare this soup ahead of time and reheat it for an easy meal later in the week.
• Comforting Flavors: Hearty chicken and fluffy gnocchi make every spoonful feel like comfort food at its best.
• Flexible Ingredients: You can easily customize the soup with ingredients you have on hand.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for simple, wholesome ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen. Let’s gather everything we need to create this comforting bowl of goodness!

For the Soup

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion (diced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 medium carrots (diced)
• 2 stalks celery (diced)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded)
• 1 package (16 oz) gnocchi
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1 cup heavy cream
• to taste salt
• to taste black pepper
• for serving grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Variations

One of the best things about this Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is how flexible it can be! Feel free to get creative with your ingredients based on your preferences or what you have available.

• Swap the protein: Use shredded rotisserie chicken or even cooked turkey for a different flavor.
• Add more veggies: Toss in some diced bell peppers or zucchini for added nutrition and color.
• Change up the greens: Swap spinach for kale or Swiss chard to give it a different twist.
• Make it lighter: Use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream to reduce calories without sacrificing flavor.

How to Make Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Veggies

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté these veggies for about 5 minutes until they are softened. This step is crucial because sautéing brings out their natural sweetness and builds a wonderful base for your soup.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Herbs

Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for another minute until fragrant. Then sprinkle in the dried thyme and basil before pouring in the chicken broth. Bringing everything to a boil now will help infuse all those lovely flavors into your soup.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken and Gnocchi

Once boiling, reduce the heat to simmer. Add your shredded chicken and gnocchi. Cook them together for about 5-7 minutes until the gnocchi float to the top and are tender. This step ensures that everything is perfectly cooked while remaining flavorful.

Step 4: Finish with Spinach and Cream

Stir in the fresh spinach and heavy cream, cooking for another 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This final touch makes your soup rich and creamy while keeping it light with those greens!

Step 5: Serve It Up!

Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Watching everyone dig into their bowls will bring you joy as they savor each comforting bite!

Pro Tips for Making Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Making the perfect Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is all about attention to detail and a few helpful tricks. Here are some tips to ensure your soup turns out creamy and delicious every time:

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs enhance the flavor of your soup, making it taste more vibrant and homemade.
• Add gnocchi at the right time: To prevent overcooking, add the gnocchi only when you’re close to serving. This keeps them pillowy and tender without getting mushy.
• Adjust cream to your preference: If you prefer a lighter soup, reduce the amount of heavy cream or substitute it with half-and-half or a plant-based cream alternative.
• Season gradually: Start with a little salt and pepper, then adjust as needed. This allows you to control the seasoning better and avoid over-salting.
• Store leftovers properly: If you have any soup left over, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth if it thickens too much.

How to Serve Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Serving this delightful soup can elevate your dining experience! Here are some ideas to make your presentation shine.

Garnishes

• Fresh herbs: A sprinkle of chopped parsley or basil on top adds color and a burst of fresh flavor.
• Croutons: For a crunchy texture contrast, toss some homemade croutons on top just before serving.
• Lemon zest: A hint of citrus from lemon zest brightens up the flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Garlic Bread: This classic side is perfect for dipping into the creamy soup, making each bite even more comforting.
• Caesar Salad: A light Caesar salad complements the richness of the soup while providing a refreshing crunch.
• Steamed Broccoli: Adding steamed broccoli not only boosts nutrition but also adds lovely color to your meal.
• Caprese Salad: With fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze, this salad offers a fresh contrast to the hearty soup.

Enjoy exploring these serving suggestions as you savor each comforting bowl of Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a comforting bowl of goodness anytime. Whether you’re planning for busy weeknights or want to have leftovers on hand, this soup stores beautifully!

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• If using a glass container, ensure it’s tempered to avoid breakage from temperature changes.

Freezing

• Let the soup cool to room temperature before freezing.
• Portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving some space for expansion.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 2-3 months for best quality.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• On the stovetop, gently heat over low-medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
• For microwave reheating, use a microwave-safe bowl and heat in short intervals, stirring in between.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup.

Can I make Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup without cream?

Yes! You can substitute the heavy cream with a non-dairy alternative like coconut cream or cashew cream for a lighter version.

How do I thicken my Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup?

To thicken the soup, consider adding a cornstarch slurry (mix cornstarch with water) or simply simmering it longer to reduce excess liquid.

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

Absolutely! Frozen gnocchi works great; just add them directly to the pot without thawing first. They’ll cook as the soup simmers.

What vegetables can I add to my Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup?

Feel free to add vegetables like zucchini or peas for extra nutrition and flavor. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup! It’s such a comforting dish that brings warmth and satisfaction, perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying alone. Dive into this creamy goodness, and don’t hesitate to get creative with your own twist on the recipe. Enjoy every spoonful!