Delicious Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

The moment you take a whiff of Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup, your senses dance like a toddler who just discovered chocolate. The aroma of rich chicken broth mingles with fresh herbs and creamy goodness, promising an experience as comforting as a warm hug from grandma. Picture this: velvety chunks of tender chicken swimming alongside fluffy gnocchi that practically melt in your mouth—it’s a bowl of happiness ready to brighten even the gloomiest days.

I still remember my first encounter with this delightful dish during a family dinner at Olive Garden. As I sipped the soup, I felt an instant connection—like we were destined to be culinary soulmates. Now, it’s my go-to comfort food on chilly nights and family gatherings. So gather around; let’s embark on this delicious adventure together!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • This comforting soup is easy to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights
  • The flavor profile strikes a delightful balance between savory and creamy
  • Visually, the bright greens and soft golden gnocchi make it irresistible
  • Plus, it’s versatile enough to adapt based on seasonal ingredients or pantry staples!

I once served this dish at a cozy gathering where everyone declared it the star of the evening—who knew soup could steal the show?

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

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

  • Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 breasts work well; adjust based on your crowd size and appetite.
  • Fresh Garlic: Choose firm cloves for a robust flavor that kicks up the richness.
  • Butter: Unsalted butter is best for controlling saltiness while achieving that creamy texture.
  • Onion: A medium onion adds sweetness; dice it small for even cooking.
  • Carrots: Use fresh carrots for their crunch; they bring color and natural sweetness to the soup.
  • Celery: Adds depth and crunch; chop finely to blend seamlessly into the mix.
  • Chicken Broth: Homemade is ideal, but low-sodium store-bought works in a pinch.
  • Heavy Cream: For that luscious creaminess that makes each spoonful feel like a warm hug!
  • Gnocchi: Store-bought or homemade; both options deliver delightful little dumplings of joy.
  • Spinach or Kale: Fresh greens add color and nutrients—plus, they look gorgeous in your bowl!
  • Thyme and Parsley: Fresh herbs elevate your soup with aromatic undertones; dried can suffice in a pinch.
  • Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all those wonderful flavors.

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

Let’s Make It Together

Prep Your Ingredients: Start by washing and chopping all your vegetables. Dice the onions, carrots, celery, and garlic finely for even cooking.

Cook the Chicken: In a large pot over medium heat, melt butter until bubbly. Add chopped chicken breasts seasoned with salt and pepper. Cook until browned all over—about 5-7 minutes.

Sauté Aromatics: Toss in diced onions, garlic, carrots, and celery into the pot after removing chicken. Sauté until onions turn translucent and fragrant—around 3-5 minutes should do.

Add Broth & Simmer: Pour in chicken broth gently scraping up any brown bits stuck at the bottom—flavor town! Bring it to a boil then reduce heat to simmer for about 15 minutes.

Stir in Cream & Gnocchi: Whisk in heavy cream while adding gnocchi into the pot. Allow them to cook according to package instructions—this usually takes about 5 minutes.

Finish with Greens & Herbs: Once gnocchi are cooked through, stir in fresh spinach or kale along with thyme and parsley. Let everything mingle on low heat until greens wilt slightly—about 2 minutes will do!

Now you have a heavenly bowl of Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup ready for devouring! Serve hot with crusty bread or simply enjoy straight from the pot (no judgment here!).

Indulging in homemade Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup not only warms your belly but also creates memories around the dinner table that last long after the bowls are empty—and trust me; you’ll want seconds!

You Must Know

  • This Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is creamy, comforting, and packed with flavor
  • It’s not just about the taste; the aroma fills your kitchen and makes everyone drool
  • Plus, it’s perfect for a cozy night in or impressing guests with minimal effort

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by cooking the chicken first to lock in flavors, then sauté vegetables while the broth simmers.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap gnocchi for whole grain or gluten-free varieties, and add more veggies like spinach or kale.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days; reheat on low heat to maintain creaminess.

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • For a thicker soup, blend a portion of it before adding gnocchi
  • Always taste as you cook; seasoning can vary greatly
  • If you’re short on time, rotisserie chicken works wonders for quick prep!

Cooking this Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup reminds me of cold winter nights spent huddled with family, sharing stories and laughter over bowls of warmth.

FAQs

FAQ

What type of gnocchi should I use for Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup?

Use store-bought potato gnocchi for convenience and authentic flavor in your soup.

Can I make Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Just replace chicken with mushrooms or tofu and use vegetable broth instead.

How do I prevent the gnocchi from becoming mushy?

Add gnocchi towards the end of cooking time to keep them firm and delicious.

Print
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Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup


  • Author: Mark Taylor
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

Indulge in this creamy, comforting Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup, filled with tender chicken, fluffy gnocchi, and fresh greens—perfect for cozy nights!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 34 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 3 cloves fresh garlic
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 medium onion
  • 2 fresh carrots
  • 2 stalks celery
  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 pound gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
  • 2 cups spinach or kale
  • Fresh thyme and parsley
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Wash and chop the vegetables: finely dice onions, carrots, celery, and garlic.
  2. In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Add seasoned chicken breasts and cook until browned (5-7 minutes). Remove the chicken from the pot.
  3. Add the diced onions, garlic, carrots, and celery to the same pot. Sauté until onions are translucent (3-5 minutes).
  4. Pour in chicken broth while scraping any brown bits from the bottom; bring to a boil then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
  5. Stir in heavy cream and add gnocchi; cook according to package instructions (about 5 minutes).
  6. Incorporate fresh spinach or kale along with thyme and parsley; let simmer on low for about 2 minutes until greens are wilted.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: For a thicker soup, blend part of the mixture before adding gnocchi. Substitute gnocchi with whole grain or gluten-free options if desired. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days; reheat on low heat to maintain creaminess.

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