I have to say, there’s just something cozy and downright magical about a warm bowl of soup, especially when it’s a copycat of my favorite dish from Olive Garden—Chicken Gnocchi Soup! This comforting classic never fails to send me straight to my happy place. I still remember the first time I ordered it; I took one sip and felt like I was being embraced by a fluffy cloud of flavors. Since then, I’ve made it my mission to recreate that creamy, savory deliciousness at home. It’s become an absolute go-to for chilly evenings, and I can’t wait to share the recipe with you!
I love making this soup not only because it’s delicious, but also because it’s surprisingly simple. Just a few ingredients and you’ll have a heartwarming dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Whether you’re having a cozy night in or are looking to impress some guests, this Chicken Gnocchi Soup is always a winner!
What’s in Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup?
Let’s dive into what makes this soup so scrumptious:
Olive Oil: Just a splash of this liquid gold is perfect for sautéing the veggies and giving them a delightful flavor as they soften.
Onion: Diced to perfection, the onion adds a savory base to the soup that complements every bite.
Garlic: Is there anything better than the aroma of garlic sizzling in olive oil? It packs a punch of flavor that makes everything just a tad more delicious.
Carrots: Both diced and shredded carrots are used for a pop of color and sweetness. Who doesn’t love a bit of crunch alongside that creamy base?
Celery: Adds a delightful freshness and a little bit of texture—plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some extra veggies!
Italian Seasoning: A must-have for that authentic Italian flavor. It brings together the herby goodness of basil, oregano, and thyme seamlessly.
Salt and Black Pepper: Simple yet essential to enhance all the flavors.
Chicken Broth: The soul of the soup! I like to use low-sodium broth so I can control the saltiness.
Cooked Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken is my go-to. It makes things super easy, and that juicy flavor is unbeatable!
Heavy Cream: The secret for that rich, velvety texture. It’s definitely worth it for the creaminess!
Fresh Spinach: A pop of green that not only looks great but also adds a burst of freshness to each spoonful.
Potato Gnocchi: These little pillows of heaven are the star of the dish! They cook up beautifully in the broth and soak in all the flavors.
Shredded Carrots (for garnish): Because when you think you’re done, why not throw on an extra bit of zest?
Parmesan Cheese (for serving): The cherry on top! Grated Parmesan adds a nutty flavor that simply cannot be missed.
Is Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Good for You?
This soup can actually be a pretty wholesome choice! It’s loaded with vegetables like carrots and spinach, which are rich in vitamins. The **chicken** provides lean protein, making it filling and satisfying. The **heavy cream**, while indulgent, adds creaminess and flavor, but if you’re looking to lighten it up, you could substitute half-and-half or even milk—although it won’t be as rich.
That said, keep in mind that the **potato gnocchi** can be a bit carb-heavy, so balance it out by loading up on those veggies! And let’s not kid ourselves; while this soup is tasty, moderation is key. I like to enjoy it with a side salad for a refreshing contrast!
Ingredients:
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 medium carrots, diced
– 2 celery stalks, diced
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works well)
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
– 1 package (16 oz) potato gnocchi
– 1/2 cup shredded carrots (for garnish)
– Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
This recipe serves about 6 people, so it’s perfect for feeding the family or stashing some away for later!
How to Make Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup?
1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until translucent.
2. Add the minced garlic, diced carrots, and celery. Sauté for another 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
3. Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Cook for about 10 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
5. Add the shredded chicken and heavy cream to the pot. Stir to combine.
6. Add the chopped spinach and gnocchi, and cook for another 5 minutes, or until the gnocchi are cooked through and float to the top.
7. Serve hot, garnished with additional shredded carrots and grated Parmesan cheese on top. Enjoy!
Serving Suggestions and Fun Tips!
Here are a couple of ideas to jazz things up a bit! You can easily adapt this soup to your liking by adding in some mushrooms or using a different protein like sausage. For a bit of zing, try adding a dash of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Don’t forget about the bread! Pair your delicious soup with some garlic breadsticks or a fresh baguette to soak up all that creamy goodness.
Honestly, guys, this Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a hug in a bowl, and I can’t wait for you to make it! I’d love to hear how yours turned out, so take a moment to drop me a comment and share your experience. Happy cooking!
