Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
This Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup brings all the rich flavors of a beloved restaurant favorite into your kitchen. Creamy broth, tender chicken, soft gnocchi, and fresh vegetables make this soup irresistibly comforting and flavorful.
Ingredients for a Perfect Chicken Gnocchi Soup
- Butter – Adds richness to the base of the soup.
- Olive oil – Enhances the flavor and helps sauté the vegetables.
- Onion – Brings a savory sweetness when cooked down.
- Celery – Adds texture and freshness to balance the creaminess.
- Garlic – Infuses the broth with aromatic depth.
- All-purpose flour – Thickens the soup, giving it a velvety texture.
- Half-and-half – Creates a creamy, luxurious base for the soup.
- Chicken broth – Adds a savory, hearty flavor to complement the chicken and vegetables.
- Dried thyme & parsley flakes – Lend a subtle earthiness to the broth.
- Ground nutmeg (optional) – Provides warmth and depth, perfect for cozy soups.
- Carrots – Add a hint of sweetness and beautiful color.
- Spinach leaves – Introduce freshness and a pop of green.
- Chicken breast – A lean protein that complements the richness of the soup.
- Gnocchi – Soft, pillowy dumplings that make the soup hearty and filling.
Easy Steps to Prepare Your Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Start by melting butter and olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté the onions, celery, and garlic until soft and fragrant. Next, whisk in the flour to form a roux and gradually add the half-and-half, allowing it to thicken. Once the mixture is creamy, whisk in the chicken broth and seasonings, letting the flavors blend. Toss in the carrots, spinach, chicken, and gnocchi, then simmer until everything is heated through. Adjust the seasoning to taste before serving.
Tips for the Best Chicken Gnocchi Soup
For even more flavor, consider using rotisserie chicken. If you find some gnocchi pieces too large, feel free to halve them. Additionally, adjusting the thyme or adding a little extra salt will help you balance the flavors to your liking, especially when using low-sodium chicken broth.
Storing Your Leftover Chicken Gnocchi Soup
To store leftovers, let the soup cool before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For freezing, portion the soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving room for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, and reheat gently on the stove to maintain its creamy texture.
Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Ingredients
- 1 cup finely shredded carrots
- 1 quart half-and-half
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 cup coarsely chopped spinach leaves
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 16 ounces package ready-to-use gnocchi
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg optional
- 1 cup finely diced onion
- 1 cup cooked diced chicken breast
- 1/2 cup finely diced celery
- 28 ounces chicken broth
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion, celery, and minced garlic, cooking until the onion turns translucent, stirring occasionally.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute, then slowly whisk in the half-and-half. Allow the mixture to simmer until it thickens.
- Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and continue to simmer until the soup thickens again.
- Stir in the salt, thyme, parsley, nutmeg (if using), shredded carrots, spinach, chicken, and gnocchi. Simmer until the soup is thoroughly heated.
- Adjust the seasoning with additional salt if needed before serving.
Notes
For a subtler flavor, reduce the amount of thyme.
Some gnocchi may be quite large; you can cut them in half if preferred.
You might want to add extra salt, especially if using low-sodium chicken broth.