Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a rich and creamy soup that has become a fan favorite for good reason. This comforting dish combines tender chunks of chicken, pillowy gnocchi, fresh vegetables, and a luscious, creamy broth that’s perfect for any season. Its flavor profile is a delicate balance of savory chicken, aromatic garlic, and fresh spinach, all brought together with the creamy texture of half-and-half and a flavorful chicken broth. It’s a satisfying meal in a bowl, perfect for cozy nights in or when you want to impress your guests with something homemade but simple.
With just a handful of ingredients and a short cooking time, this soup brings the warmth and heartiness of a restaurant dish into your kitchen. Whether you’re familiar with Olive Garden’s version or trying it for the first time, this recipe offers a homemade touch that’s easy to make and full of flavor. Plus, the addition of gnocchi makes it extra comforting and filling, offering a satisfying bite that elevates this soup from a simple dish to a hearty meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
1. Comforting and Hearty
With a creamy base, tender chicken, and pillowy gnocchi, this soup is the ultimate comfort food. It’s perfect for chilly days when you need something warm and filling.
2. Quick and Easy
This soup comes together quickly, with only 30 minutes of cooking time. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need a delicious meal in no time.
3. Flavorful and Savory
The combination of chicken broth, garlic, and spinach infuses the soup with rich flavors that will make your taste buds sing.
4. Family-Friendly
Even picky eaters will love the soft gnocchi and creamy texture of this soup. It’s a hit with both kids and adults alike.
5. Customizable
You can adjust the recipe by adding more vegetables or using a different type of protein, like turkey or sausage, to suit your family’s preferences.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound chicken breast, diced
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 quart half and half
- 1 14 oz can chicken broth
- 2 cups spinach, chopped
- 1 cup carrots, shredded
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 16 oz potato gnocchi
Variations
Add Other Vegetables
Feel free to incorporate other vegetables, such as celery or zucchini, for added texture and nutrition.
Make It Dairy-Free
For a dairy-free version, substitute the half-and-half with coconut milk or a plant-based cream and use dairy-free butter.
Spice It Up
Add some red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper for a little heat in your soup. This will add a nice kick to balance the creaminess.
Swap Chicken for Sausage
For a twist, use Italian sausage instead of chicken for a more savory, slightly spicy flavor.
Use Store-Bought Gnocchi
If you’re short on time, feel free to use store-bought gnocchi instead of homemade, as it will still give you that comforting, pillowy texture.
How to Make the Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breast and cook until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 2: Make the Roux
Add the butter and flour to the pot. Stir continuously to create a roux, cooking for about 2-3 minutes until the flour is lightly golden.
Step 3: Add the Liquids
Slowly whisk in the half-and-half, followed by the chicken broth, ensuring there are no lumps in the mixture.
Step 4: Add Vegetables and Seasonings
Stir in the chopped spinach, shredded carrots, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Let the soup simmer for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step 5: Cook the Gnocchi
Add the gnocchi to the soup and cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the gnocchi is tender and floating on top of the soup.
Step 6: Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. Enjoy the creamy, savory goodness!
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Don’t Overcook the Gnocchi: Gnocchi only needs a few minutes to cook. If overcooked, they may become mushy, so add them towards the end of the cooking time.
- Use Fresh Spinach: Fresh spinach wilts perfectly in the soup, adding color and nutrition. If you use frozen spinach, be sure to drain any excess liquid.
- Adjust the Consistency: If the soup is too thick, simply add more chicken broth or half-and-half to reach your desired consistency.
- Season to Taste: Taste the soup before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or garlic for extra flavor.
How to Serve
This Olive Garden-inspired Chicken Gnocchi Soup is filling on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a fresh side salad or warm crusty bread for dipping. You could also serve it with a light appetizer, such as bruschetta or stuffed mushrooms, for a well-rounded meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove over medium heat, adding a little extra broth or half-and-half if the soup has thickened too much.
Freezing
This soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove.
Reheating
To reheat, place the soup in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup has thickened too much during storage, add a bit of broth or half-and-half to reach your preferred consistency.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen gnocchi?
Yes, frozen gnocchi works just as well in this recipe. Just add it directly to the soup and cook until tender.
2. Can I use heavy cream instead of half-and-half?
Yes, you can use heavy cream for a richer and creamier soup. If you prefer a lighter version, half-and-half is ideal.
3. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the soup ahead of time. Just store it in the fridge and reheat when ready to serve.
4. How can I make this soup vegetarian?
Simply omit the chicken and add more vegetables, like mushrooms or zucchini, for a hearty, vegetarian version.
5. What if I don’t have spinach?
You can substitute the spinach with kale or Swiss chard for a different green, or omit it entirely if you prefer a simpler soup.
6. Can I use store-bought chicken broth?
Yes, using store-bought chicken broth is perfectly fine and will still give your soup great flavor.
7. How do I prevent the soup from getting too thick?
If your soup gets too thick, simply add more chicken broth or half-and-half to thin it out. Stir occasionally to avoid clumps.
8. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, you can use pre-cooked chicken, such as rotisserie chicken, to save time. Just add it after the roux is made and simmer it until heated through.
9. Can I freeze the soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well. Just make sure to add the gnocchi after you reheat the soup, as they can become mushy when frozen.
10. What can I serve with this soup?
This soup pairs well with a fresh side salad, garlic bread, or any crusty bread for dipping.
Conclusion
Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup brings the cozy, creamy goodness of your favorite restaurant dish right into your kitchen. This easy-to-make recipe delivers layers of flavor with a comforting texture that’s perfect for any season. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, this soup will quickly become a go-to favorite. It’s simple, satisfying, and full of flavor—everything you need in a comforting bowl of soup.