This Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a comforting dish that brings the flavors of the beloved restaurant right into your kitchen. Perfect for any occasion, this soup is hearty enough to serve as a meal on its own. With tender chicken, fluffy gnocchi, and a creamy broth, it’s not only delicious but also easy to prepare. Whether it’s a chilly evening or a gathering with friends, this recipe will surely impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe can be made in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful Comfort: Enjoy a rich and creamy soup that combines savory chicken with delightful gnocchi.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can easily customize the soup by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the seasoning to your liking.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for family dinners or gatherings, everyone loves a warm bowl of chicken gnocchi soup.
- Leftover Friendly: This soup tastes even better the next day, making it great for meal prep.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, gather your essential tools. Having everything ready will make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large dutch oven or stock pot
- Whisk
- Cooking spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Large dutch oven or stock pot: Ideal for simmering soups evenly without splatters.
- Whisk: Helps in mixing ingredients smoothly without clumps, especially when incorporating flour into the broth.
- Knife and cutting board: Essential for chopping vegetables quickly and efficiently.
Ingredients
For this Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup, you will need:
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts (cooked and shredded)
- 1 Tbs olive oil
- 4 Tbs butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 small onion (chopped)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup carrots (shredded)
- 2 tsp parsley flakes
- Salt and pepper for seasoning
- 1 package (16 ounces mini potato gnocchi)
- 1 cup fresh spinach (chopped)
How to Make Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Step 1: Melt Butter and Oil
In a large dutch oven or stock pot, melt butter and olive oil together over medium heat.
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
Add your onions, carrots, and garlic to the pot. Cook until the onions become translucent.
Step 3: Thicken the Broth
Whisk in your flour and let it cook for about one minute. Slowly stir in your chicken broth. Simmer until the mixture starts to thicken.
Step 4: Cook Gnocchi
Meanwhile, cook your gnocchi according to package directions. Once cooked, drain them and set aside.
Step 5: Add Milk
Pour your milk into the vegetable and chicken broth mixture. Bring it to a boil while stirring in your seasonings.
Step 6: Combine Ingredients
Once boiling, reduce heat. Add your gnocchi, chopped spinach, and shredded chicken. Simmer until everything is heated through and thickened properly.
Now you’re ready to serve this delicious Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup! Enjoy every comforting bite!
How to Serve Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Serving Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is all about enhancing its comforting flavors. Whether you enjoy it as a main dish or a starter, there are several ways to make this delicious soup even more enjoyable.
With Fresh Bread
- Crusty Baguette: Perfect for dipping, a warm baguette adds a delightful crunch.
- Garlic Breadsticks: Pairing this soup with garlic breadsticks complements the savory broth wonderfully.
Topped with Cheese
- Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan on top for an extra layer of flavor.
- Mozzarella: Add a handful of mozzarella for a creamy, gooey texture that melts beautifully in the soup.
Garnished with Herbs
- Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of chopped parsley brightens the dish and adds freshness.
- Chives: Finely chopped chives offer a mild onion flavor that enhances the overall taste.
Accompanied by Salad
- Caesar Salad: The crisp romaine and tangy dressing provide a great contrast to the creamy soup.
- Garden Salad: A light garden salad can balance the richness of the soup nicely.
How to Perfect Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
To achieve the best version of Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup, follow these helpful tips. They will elevate your cooking experience and ensure your soup is perfect every time.
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: For quicker preparation, shred rotisserie chicken instead of cooking raw chicken.
- Adjust Consistency: If your soup is too thick, add more chicken broth or milk until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Fresh Spinach Option: Substitute fresh spinach with kale for added nutrients and a different texture.
- Flavor Boosting: Enhance flavor with additional herbs like thyme or rosemary during cooking.
Best Side Dishes for Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Pairing side dishes with Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup can enhance your meal. Here are some great options to consider.
- Garlic Breadsticks: Classic and always a hit; they’re ideal for sopping up every last drop of soup.
- Caesar Salad: This crunchy salad adds freshness and pairs well with the rich flavors of the soup.
- Bruschetta: Topped with fresh tomatoes and basil, bruschetta offers a refreshing contrast.
- Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze complement the creaminess of the soup.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add color and nutrition to your meal.
- Stuffed Mushrooms: These bite-sized treats filled with herbed cheese make for a flavorful addition.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup, it’s important to avoid common pitfalls that can affect the flavor and texture.
- Skipping the sauté step: Skipping the initial sauté of vegetables can lead to a lack of depth in flavor. Always cook your onions, garlic, and carrots until they are soft and fragrant.
- Using pre-cooked chicken: While convenient, using pre-cooked chicken can result in a bland soup. Opt for fresh chicken breasts for better taste and texture.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately: Baking is an exact science, but cooking is about balance. Use measuring cups and spoons for flour and broth to ensure a consistent thickness.
- Overcooking the gnocchi: Overcooked gnocchi can become mushy and lose their shape. Follow package instructions carefully for perfect texture.
- Neglecting seasoning adjustments: Tasting your soup while cooking is essential. Adjust salt and pepper according to your preference for the best results.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container.
- The soup can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
- Freeze the soup in freezer-safe containers or bags.
- It is best used within 2 months for optimal flavor.
Reheating Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the soup in an oven-safe dish until heated through, about 20 minutes.
- Microwave: Place the soup in a microwave-safe bowl and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Reheat over medium heat in a saucepan, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup that may help you prepare this dish perfectly.
What makes Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup special?
This soup combines tender chicken with pillowy gnocchi and vibrant veggies, creating a comforting dish that’s perfect for any season.
Can I customize ingredients in Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup?
Absolutely! Feel free to add different vegetables or use other proteins like shrimp or sausage based on your preference.
How can I make Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup healthier?
You can substitute whole milk with low-fat milk or add more spinach for extra nutrients without compromising flavor.
Is Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free gnocchi and check that your flour is certified gluten-free as well.
Final Thoughts
Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is not only delicious but also versatile. It’s perfect for cozy nights or gatherings with family. You can easily customize this recipe by adding whatever vegetables you have on hand. Give it a try, and enjoy a bowl of warmth that everyone will love!
Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a heartwarming dish that brings the beloved flavors of the restaurant straight to your kitchen. This creamy and savory soup features tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and vibrant vegetables, making it a perfect meal for any occasion. With its rich, comforting broth and easy preparation, this recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings with friends. Just 30 minutes stands between you and a delicious bowl of homemade goodness that will impress everyone at the table.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts (cooked and shredded)
- 1 Tbs olive oil
- 4 Tbs butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 small onion (chopped)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup carrots (shredded)
- 2 tsp parsley flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 package (16 ounces mini potato gnocchi)
- 1 cup fresh spinach (chopped)
Instructions
- In a large dutch oven or stock pot, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat.
- Add onions, carrots, and garlic; sauté until onions are translucent.
- Whisk in flour and cook for one minute. Slowly stir in chicken broth; simmer until thickened.
- Cook gnocchi according to package directions; drain and set aside.
- Pour in milk and bring to a boil while stirring in seasonings.
- Reduce heat, then add gnocchi, spinach, and shredded chicken. Simmer until heated through.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (300g)
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 830mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
