Name: Creamy Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced; 2 medium carrots, sliced; 2 stalks celery, chopped; 1 medium yellow onion, diced; 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 package (16 oz) gnocchi; 2 cups fresh spinach; Dried thyme and parsley to taste

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The aroma of a warm bowl of Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup wafts through the air, wrapping you in a cozy embrace. You know that feeling when you take the first spoonful and your taste buds dance? That’s what this soup delivers—velvety creaminess, tender chicken, and pillowy gnocchi that make every bite an experience worth savoring.

Picture this: a chilly evening, friends gathered around the table, laughter filling the air as you serve up this hearty dish. The memories it creates are just as satisfying as its rich flavors. This is comfort food at its finest, perfect for family dinners or when you’re simply craving something indulgent.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This incredible Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup offers an explosion of flavors in one pot
It’s quick to prepare and requires minimal cleanup—perfect for busy weeknights
The creamy texture paired with tender chicken and soft gnocchi creates a visually appealing dish everyone will adore
Enjoy it as a stand-alone meal or pair it with crusty bread for extra satisfaction

I remember the first time I made this soup; my friends were eagerly asking for seconds before they even finished their first bowls!

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use about 3-4 chicken breasts to ensure everyone has enough to enjoy.
Fresh Garlic: Choose firm garlic cloves; they pack a punch in flavor.
Carrots: Fresh carrots add sweetness and color; slice them thinly for even cooking.
Celery: Use crunchy celery stalks for added texture and flavor depth.
Onion: Yellow onions work well because of their sweetness when cooked.
Chicken Broth: A good-quality broth forms the base for heartiness—low sodium is preferred.
Cream: Heavy cream adds richness; feel free to substitute half-and-half if desired.
Gnocchi: Store-bought gnocchi saves time; choose high-quality for better texture.
Spinach: Fresh spinach wilts beautifully into the soup and enhances nutrition.
Dried Thyme and Parsley: These herbs elevate flavor; use fresh if available.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together!

Cooking should be fun; let’s dive into this delicious process step by step!

Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot over medium heat, sauté chopped onions, carrots, celery, and minced garlic in olive oil until softened and fragrant—about 5 minutes will do.

Add the Chicken: Toss in your boneless chicken breasts. Sear them until slightly golden on both sides which usually takes about 3-4 minutes per side.

Pour in the Broth: Add chicken broth to cover everything in the pot. Bring it to a simmer, allowing those flavors to meld beautifully for about 15 minutes.

Add Creamy Goodness: Once the chicken is cooked through (check that it’s no longer pink), carefully remove it from the pot and shred it using two forks before returning it back.

Add Gnocchi and Spinach: Stir in gnocchi and fresh spinach into your bubbling concoction. Cook until the gnocchi floats to the top—this usually takes about 3-5 minutes.

Season to Perfection: Finally, season generously with thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper according to your taste preferences—just keep tasting until it’s perfect!

And there you have it! A comforting bowl of Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup ready to be enjoyed by all.

You Must Know

Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is creamy, comforting, and packed with flavor
This dish brings warmth to any dinner table and is perfect for cozy nights
With a combination of tender chicken, fluffy gnocchi, and vibrant veggies, it’s a hug in a bowl

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Sear the chicken first until golden brown. Then cook the gnocchi while preparing the creamy broth to maximize flavor and ensure tenderness.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap regular potatoes for sweet potatoes or add spinach for an extra nutrient boost that elevates this dish.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat to maintain texture.

Chef's Helpful Tips

Use fresh herbs for enhanced flavor; dried herbs can’t compete with their vibrant taste
Always sauté your veggies before adding broth to deepen their flavors
Lastly, don’t skip on seasoning; it’s key to elevating your soup!

Cooking this Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup reminds me of rainy weekends spent with family, where laughter filled the air as we savored every spoonful together.

FAQs

FAQ

What can I substitute for gnocchi?

You can use small pasta shapes like orzo or ditalini in place of gnocchi.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes! Replace chicken with chickpeas and use vegetable broth for a delicious vegetarian option.

How long does the soup last in the fridge?

This soup stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to three days when stored properly.