Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is like a warm hug on a chilly day. Imagine rich, creamy broth filled with tender chicken, fluffy gnocchi, and a medley of fresh vegetables dancing together in your bowl. The aroma wafts through your kitchen, promising a flavor explosion that’s both comforting and indulgent.
Every spoonful takes me back to family dinners where laughter mingled with the scent of garlic and herbs. This soup is perfect for cozy nights in or as a showstopper at gatherings. Get ready to impress friends and family while delighting your taste buds!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This comforting soup is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners
- Its creamy texture and rich flavors create a warm dish everyone will adore
- With colorful ingredients that appeal visually, it’s a feast for the eyes too!
- Enjoy it as a hearty starter or as a complete meal paired with crusty bread
I remember the first time I made this recipe; my friends couldn’t stop raving about it—and I was pretty sure they were just being polite until I caught them scraping the bowl clean.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use about 3-4 breasts for an ideal balance of protein and flavor.
- Fresh Garlic: Firm cloves unleash a vibrant aroma; use extra if you’re feeling adventurous!
- Carrots: Chopped finely for sweetness and color; they add crunch and complement the creaminess perfectly.
- Celery: Diced small to blend seamlessly into the soup; it adds depth without overpowering other flavors.
- Gnocchi: Store-bought or homemade—these little pillows are essential for that authentic texture.
- Heavy Cream: For a luscious finish; don’t skimp here unless you want sad soup!
- Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium broth to control saltiness while still packing in flavor.
- Spinach or Kale: Fresh greens brighten up the dish while adding nutrition.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasoning; adjust according to taste preference.
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 the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Chop garlic, carrots, celery, and greens so everything is ready to go. This makes cooking smoother!
Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot over medium heat, add olive oil before tossing in garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook until they soften—about 5 minutes should do it! The aroma will be heavenly.
Cook the Chicken: Add diced chicken to the pot along with salt and pepper. Stir occasionally until the chicken turns golden brown—around 7-10 minutes will ensure it’s well-cooked.
Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes so those flavors meld together beautifully.
Incorporate Gnocchi and Cream: Toss in gnocchi next! They’ll cook quickly—about 5 minutes is all you need before adding heavy cream for that dreamy richness.
Finish with Greens: Stir in spinach or kale at the last moment until wilted—this adds color and nutrition without losing freshness!
Serve hot with crusty bread or salad on the side for an extra special touch! Enjoy every glorious spoonful of this comforting masterpiece you’ve created.
You Must Know
- Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is rich and creamy, perfect for cozy evenings
- The gnocchi adds delightful softness, while the veggies bring vibrant colors and freshness
- It’s a comforting hug in a bowl that warms you from head to toe
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by sautéing your onions and garlic until fragrant, then add chicken and cook through. Next, incorporate broth, veggies, and gnocchi to create a deliciously rich soup.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the chicken for shrimp or use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version. Adding fresh herbs like parsley or thyme can elevate the flavor profile beautifully.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat to maintain creaminess.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use freshly cooked gnocchi for best texture; overcooked gnocchi can become mushy
- Always taste and adjust seasonings as flavors develop during cooking
- A splash of lemon juice brightens flavors without overpowering the dish
Sharing this recipe brings back warm memories of family gatherings where laughter mixed with the savory aroma of Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup.
FAQ
Can I freeze Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup?
Freezing is not recommended due to potential texture changes in the gnocchi.
How spicy is this soup?
This soup is mild but can easily be spiced up with red pepper flakes.
What can I serve with this soup?
Pair it with crusty bread or a light salad for a complete meal experience.
Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a creamy, comforting delight packed with tender chicken, fluffy gnocchi, and fresh vegetables. This easy recipe transforms your kitchen into a cozy Italian eatery.
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 cloves fresh garlic
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 package (16 oz) gnocchi
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups spinach or kale
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Dice chicken breasts and chop garlic, carrots, celery, and greens.
- In a large pot over medium heat, sauté garlic, carrots, and celery in olive oil for about 5 minutes until softened.
- Add diced chicken with salt and pepper; cook until golden brown (7-10 minutes).
- Pour in chicken broth, bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Stir in gnocchi and heavy cream; cook for an additional 5 minutes until gnocchi is tender.
- Fold in spinach or kale until wilted before serving hot.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg