There’s something utterly soul-warming about a bowl of Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup. Imagine rich, creamy broth swirling with tender chicken, soft gnocchi, and vibrant vegetables that make your taste buds do a happy dance. This dish is like a cozy hug on a chilly evening or a comforting friend when you need it most.
I remember the first time I savored this delightful concoction. It was on a rainy Sunday when my best friend and I decided to treat ourselves to a little indulgence at Olive Garden. The moment the waiter placed that steaming bowl before me, I knew I was in for something special. Little did I know that someday I’d be whipping up my own version right in my kitchen!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is not only easy to prepare; it’s packed with flavor and comfort in every spoonful
- You can customize the ingredients based on your preferences or what’s in your fridge
- The vibrant colors and aromas make it visually stunning and inviting at any dinner table
- Perfect for chilly nights but versatile enough for any occasion!
Cooking this soup has always brought smiles from friends and family who simply can’t get enough of it.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 chicken breasts provide the perfect protein base; feel free to use leftovers too!
- Fresh Garlic: Use firm garlic cloves for optimal flavor; you can never have too much garlic.
- Onion: Diced onion adds sweetness and depth; choose yellow or white onions for the best results.
- Carrots: Sliced carrots contribute crunch and color; pick bright orange ones for visual appeal.
- Celery: Adds crunch and balances the flavors; opt for fresh stalks that snap when bent.
- Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium broth for better control of saltiness; homemade broth elevates the flavor even more.
- Heavy Cream: This makes the soup rich and luscious; don’t skimp on it—life’s too short!
- Dried Thyme: A must-have herb for earthy notes; fresh thyme works great if you have it!
- Gnocchi: Store-bought gnocchi saves time without sacrificing quality; check your local grocery store’s pasta aisle.
- Spinach or Kale: Fresh greens add nutrition and color; don’t hesitate to toss in whatever leafy greens you prefer!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prep Your Ingredients: Start by dicing your chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Chop up onions, carrots, celery, and garlic so everything is ready to go.
Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, toss in onions, carrots, celery, and garlic until they soften and become aromatic.
Add the Chicken: Stir in the diced chicken breast until it turns golden brown all over, about 5 minutes. This step enhances flavor through caramelization.
Pour in the Broth: Add chicken broth to the pot along with dried thyme. Bring everything to a gentle simmer so those flavors can mingle beautifully.
Add Cream and Gnocchi: Lower heat slightly before pouring in heavy cream followed by gnocchi. Cook until gnocchi puffs up—about 5 minutes—creating that delightful comfort texture.
Toss in Greens: Finally, stir in spinach or kale until wilted but still vibrant. Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
Serve this hearty soup warm with crusty bread or your favorite side salad for an unforgettable meal experience!
You Must Know
- This Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup recipe is a creamy dream come true
- The aroma of garlic and herbs fills the kitchen, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere
- It’s perfect for cozy nights or impressing guests with minimal effort
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve that comforting Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup, start by sautéing the onions and garlic before adding your chicken. This way, flavors meld beautifully while the chicken cooks.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out rotisserie chicken for leftover turkey or add fresh spinach for a nutritional boost. Experimenting can lead to delightful surprises!
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove to maintain that creamy texture without curdling.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Make sure your gnocchi is cooked just until they float; overcooking makes them mushy
- Use low-sodium broth to control saltiness better, enhancing flavor without overwhelming it
- Always taste before serving; a dash more seasoning can make all the difference!
The first time I made this Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup, my friend declared it “better than therapy.” Now, it’s become our go-to comfort meal during chilly evenings.
FAQ
What if I can’t find gnocchi?
You can use small pasta shapes like ditalini or even rice as alternatives.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Substituting vegetable broth and mushrooms works wonderfully for a vegetarian version.
How do I thicken the soup?
For a thicker consistency, add a cornstarch slurry or reduce the liquid slightly while cooking.
Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a creamy, comforting delight filled with tender chicken, fluffy gnocchi, and fresh vegetables. Ideal for chilly nights or warm gatherings!
Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Fresh garlic
- Onion
- Carrots
- Celery
- Chicken broth
- Heavy cream
- Dried thyme
- Gnocchi
- Spinach or kale
Instructions
- Dice chicken breasts and chop onions, carrots, celery, and garlic.
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté onions, carrots, celery, and garlic until softened.
- Add diced chicken and cook until golden brown (about 5 minutes).
- Pour in chicken broth and add dried thyme; simmer gently.
- Stir in heavy cream and gnocchi; cook until gnocchi are puffed (about 5 minutes).
- Add spinach or kale until wilted, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
