Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup: A Cozy Comfort Meal
There’s nothing quite like a warm, hearty bowl of soup on a chilly day, and Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is one of the most satisfying dishes to enjoy. Creamy, flavorful, and packed with tender chicken, soft gnocchi, and fresh vegetables, this soup is everything you want in a comforting meal. If you’re a fan of Olive Garden’s famous version of this soup, then you’ll be thrilled to know that you can easily make a delicious homemade version that’s just as good, if not better!
In this article, we’ll explore the magic behind this rich and creamy soup, break down the ingredients and step-by-step cooking instructions, and share a few helpful tips to ensure that your Chicken Gnocchi Soup turns out perfectly every time. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, a cozy weekend gathering, or even meal prepping for the week, this recipe is sure to impress.
🥣 What is Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup?
Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a rich, creamy soup that combines juicy pieces of chicken, pillowy potato gnocchi, and a medley of vegetables like carrots, celery, and spinach, all swimming in a savory, flavorful broth. It’s a comforting, filling soup that’s perfect for any occasion. The gnocchi adds a soft, chewy texture that contrasts beautifully with the creamy broth, while the spinach and other vegetables add freshness and a bit of crunch.
It’s a dish that feels indulgent but is simple to make at home. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal preparation, you can create a cozy bowl of soup that rivals any restaurant’s offering.
🧑🍳 The Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this rich, creamy, and hearty Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup, you’ll need just a few key ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Soup:
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced: The chicken is the base of the soup, providing both protein and flavor. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best for a tender, lean protein source.
1 tbsp olive oil: This is used to cook the chicken and sauté the vegetables, adding a rich, smooth flavor to the soup.
1 small onion, diced: The onion adds a depth of flavor to the soup’s base, infusing the broth with sweetness as it cooks.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic is essential for adding aroma and savoriness to the soup. It enhances the flavor profile and makes the soup truly irresistible.
1 cup carrots, diced: Carrots provide sweetness, color, and texture to the soup. Their natural sugars complement the savory flavors of the chicken and broth.
1 cup celery, diced: Celery adds a refreshing crunch and a slightly peppery flavor that balances the soup’s richness.
4 cups chicken broth: Chicken broth is the main liquid base for the soup. It provides the foundational flavor and makes the soup nice and savory.
1 cup heavy cream: Heavy cream is what gives this soup its rich, velvety texture. It makes the soup indulgently creamy, transforming it from a simple broth to a comforting, luxurious dish.
2 cups spinach, chopped: Spinach adds freshness and color to the soup. It wilts down as it cooks, adding some earthy flavor without overpowering the dish.
1 lb potato gnocchi: Gnocchi are little pillows of goodness made from potato. These soft dumplings soak up the soup’s creamy broth and provide a comforting bite.
Salt and pepper, to taste: Seasoning is key to bringing out the flavors of the chicken, broth, and vegetables.
1 tsp dried thyme: Thyme adds a warm, herbal note that complements the richness of the cream and the savoriness of the chicken.
1/2 tsp dried rosemary: Rosemary adds a hint of piney, earthy flavor that perfectly balances the soup’s richness and creaminess.
👨🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that you have all the ingredients, it’s time to start cooking! Here’s how you can make your Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup at home, step by step.
1. Cook the Chicken
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced chicken breasts to the pot. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked. Make sure the chicken pieces are cooked through, and then remove them from the pot and set them aside. This step ensures that your chicken stays tender and flavorful in the soup.
2. Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pot, without cleaning it, add the diced onion, minced garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté the vegetables over medium heat for about 5 minutes, or until they become tender and aromatic. This step builds the flavor base of your soup, allowing the onion and garlic to infuse the oil and create a savory foundation for the broth.
3. Add Broth and Seasonings
Once the vegetables are tender, pour in the 4 cups of chicken broth. Add the dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir everything together and bring it to a simmer. The herbs will infuse the broth with their lovely aromas, making it the perfect base for the creamy soup.
4. Cook the Gnocchi
Add the 1 lb of potato gnocchi to the pot and cook them according to the package instructions. Typically, gnocchi will take about 2-3 minutes to cook. As they cook, they’ll float to the top, signaling that they’re ready. The gnocchi will absorb the delicious flavors of the broth, becoming soft and tender with each bite.
5. Add the Cream and Spinach
Once the gnocchi are cooked, stir in the 1 cup of heavy cream and the 2 cups of chopped spinach. Continue to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts and the soup thickens slightly. The cream will give the soup its signature richness and make it smooth and velvety. The spinach will add a lovely freshness and color, completing the soup with a burst of green.
6. Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls and serve it warm. If desired, garnish each bowl with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese to add even more creaminess and a salty finish. Serve with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
🍲 Tips for Perfect Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Use Rotisserie Chicken: To save time, you can substitute the raw chicken breasts with shredded rotisserie chicken. Simply add the shredded chicken after you’ve added the broth, and it will heat through in the soup, saving you time on cooking.
Add More Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini, potatoes, or leeks to this soup. The more vegetables, the more hearty and filling the soup will be.
Make It Spicy: If you like a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the soup for a little kick.
Make It Ahead: This soup keeps well in the fridge for 3-4 days. It’s an excellent make-ahead meal that can be reheated for a quick, comforting lunch or dinner. The flavors also tend to develop more as the soup sits.
🥄 Why You’ll Love This Soup
Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is the ultimate comfort food. With its creamy broth, tender chicken, and soft gnocchi, it’s like a warm hug in a bowl. The combination of flavors is both satisfying and wholesome, and it’s a dish that will please everyone at your table.
Whether you’re craving a cozy weeknight dinner or looking for a way to impress your guests, this soup checks all the boxes. It’s simple to make, packed with flavor, and makes for great leftovers, too!
🍽️ Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about a bowl of homemade soup, and Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup truly delivers. From the rich and creamy broth to the tender chicken and soft gnocchi, every spoonful is bursting with flavor. It’s the kind of soup that you’ll crave on cold days, and once you make it, you’ll want to keep it in your regular meal rotation.
So why not skip the restaurant and bring this warm, cozy soup to your kitchen? It’s easier than you think and more satisfying than you can imagine. Grab your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and enjoy a hearty, comforting bowl of Chicken Gnocchi Soup today!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yields: 6 servings
Calories: 360 kcal per serving
Enjoy your homemade bowl of comfort! 🍲