Cozy Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Cozy Up with Homemade Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
There’s something enchanting about a steaming bowl of soup on a chilly day, and for me, that magic is epitomized in Olive Garden’s Chicken Gnocchi Soup. The first time I tried this comforting dish was during a cozy dinner with family, and its rich, creamy texture enveloped me like a warm hug. The robust flavors of tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and fresh vegetables danced together in every spoonful, instantly turning my dinner into a cherished memory. Creating this recipe at home allows me to capture that warmth, sharing it with loved ones and bringing a little slice of Olive Garden right into my kitchen. Join me in making this delightful soup, perfect for warming the heart and soul.
What Makes This Recipe Special
This Chicken Gnocchi Soup is not just a bowl of comfort; it’s a family-approved favorite that brings smiles around the dinner table. With its creamy base and hearty ingredients, this dish is a fantastic option for busy weeknights or lazy weekend afternoons. You’ll adore how quickly it comes together, combining both simplicity and satisfaction in every bowl. With the right balance of wholesome ingredients, this recipe allows you to enjoy a rich, restaurant-quality soup from the comfort of your home. It’s a dish guaranteed to impress friends and family while being easy enough to whip up any day of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Soup Base
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning
- 4 cups of chicken broth
For the Creamy Texture
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 1 cup of spinach (fresh or frozen)
- 1 pound of cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 (16 oz) package of gnocchi
For Garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Note: For a lighter option, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based alternative, and for a gluten-free version, choose gluten-free gnocchi.
How to make Cozy Up with Homemade Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Step 1: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until translucent, about 3–4 minutes.
Step 2: Stir in the garlic, carrots, and celery, cooking for another 5 minutes until they soften and get fragrant.
Step 3: Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning and add the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Step 4: Lower the heat and add the cooked chicken and gnocchi, letting it simmer for about 5 minutes, or until the gnocchi start floating.
Step 5: Pour in the heavy cream and stir gently. Add in the spinach and cook for an additional 2–3 minutes until the soup is heated through and the spinach wilts.
Step 6: Season with salt and pepper to taste, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot.
Tips & Recipe Variations
- For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a slight kick.
- If you’re short on time, rotisserie chicken is a great substitute for pre-cooked chicken, saving you preparation time.
- This soup freezes beautifully! Pour leftovers into an airtight container, and it can last up to 3 months in the freezer. Just reheat gently on the stove when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
- Consider a vegan version by using chickpeas in place of chicken and coconut cream instead of heavy cream.
How to Serve
- Serve this hearty soup with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad to create a well-rounded meal.
- For a cozy presentation, ladle the soup into warm bowls and finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top for a pop of color.
- Nutrition-wise, this recipe serves about 6, providing a comforting 400 calories per serving.
Common Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the soup up to the point of adding cream and gnocchi, then refrigerate it for future enjoyment. Just add them when you’re ready to serve.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, this soup freezes well without the cream and gnocchi added in. Just add those components when reheating!
What can I use instead of chicken?
Feel free to use chickpeas or mushrooms for a vegetarian or vegan option.
How do I prevent the dish from becoming watery?
Make sure not to overcook the gnocchi; they should only be added near the end of cooking. The cream will also contribute to the thickness of the soup.
Can I make this vegetarian or dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the chicken for veggies like mushrooms or beans, and use a plant-based milk for creaminess.
Conclusion
This Homemade Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience filled with warmth, flavor, and comfort. Each spoonful reminds us of the joy of shared meals and the love that goes into cooking for those we care about. I invite you to try this recipe, perhaps sharing it with friends or family, and see how it brings people together just as it has for me. Don’t forget to let me know how your experience went; I can’t wait to hear about your cozy soup moments!
“Absolutely delicious! This soup turned out even better than restaurant versions. A true hit at my dinner table!” – Jessica A.
Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Ingredients
Method
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the onion and cook until translucent, about 3–4 minutes.
- Stir in the garlic, carrots, and celery, cooking for another 5 minutes until they soften and get fragrant.
- Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning and add the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Lower the heat and add the cooked chicken and gnocchi, letting it simmer for about 5 minutes, or until the gnocchi start floating.
- Pour in the heavy cream and stir gently. Add in the spinach and cook for an additional 2–3 minutes until the soup is heated through and the spinach wilts.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot.
Notes
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