If you are craving a warm hug in a bowl, nothing hits the spot quite like this Creamy Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe. Imagine tender shredded chicken swimming alongside pillowy gnocchi, fresh spinach, and a delicate blend of vegetables all enveloped in a luscious, creamy broth that feels indulgent but is surprisingly simple to make at home. This recipe captures the comforting essence of the beloved restaurant version, making it perfect for cozy nights or when you want to impress guests with a flavorful, heartwarming dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this soup lies in its straightforward yet carefully chosen ingredients, each playing a vital role in crafting that authentic, creamy Olive Garden flavor and perfect texture. From fresh veggies to hearty gnocchi, every component brings something special to the table.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Adds a rich flavor to sauté your ingredients and prevents sticking.
- 1 medium onion, diced: Provides a sweet base that enhances the overall flavor complexity.
- 2 medium carrots, diced: Brings a touch of earthy sweetness and subtle texture.
- 2 stalks celery, diced: Introduces a fresh crunch and aromatic element for depth.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Offers a fragrant punch elevating the soup’s savory notes.
- 6 cups chicken broth: The flavorful foundation of your comforting soup; opt for low-sodium if preferred.
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded: Rotisserie chicken is an effortless time-saver that keeps the meat tender.
- 1 package (16 ounces) gnocchi: The heart of the dish, enhancing the creamy, pillowy texture you’ll love.
- 2 cups fresh spinach: Adds vibrant color and nutrients; fresh spinach works best for that pop of green.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Delivers the rich, velvety finish that makes this soup so indulgent.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Introduces a salty, savory note that perfectly complements the creamy broth.
- 1 tsp dried thyme: Enhances the herbal aroma; you can swap with Italian seasoning if you like.
- salt & pepper: To taste, essential for rounding out and balancing all the flavors beautifully.
How to Make Creamy Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Your Aromatics
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery, stirring occasionally until they soften and become fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. This step is crucial for building the soup’s rich flavor foundation so don’t rush it.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Herbs
Stir in the minced garlic and dried thyme, allowing the garlic to release its aroma for about 1 minute without browning. This ensures the garlic flavor is fresh and bright yet integrated into the savory base.
Step 3: Build the Broth
Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil. This broth will carry all the flavors we’ve prepared so far, making it the heart of the soup. Season lightly with salt and pepper, keeping in mind we’ll adjust at the end.
Step 4: Add Chicken and Gnocchi
Reduce heat to a simmer, then add shredded chicken and gnocchi directly into the broth. Let it cook until the gnocchi float to the top and are tender, usually about 3-4 minutes. This is where the soup really starts to come together.
Step 5: Incorporate Spinach and Cream
Stir in the fresh spinach and heavy cream carefully, allowing the spinach to wilt into the soup’s warmth. The cream transforms the broth, making it irresistibly luscious and comforting. Let everything meld for a couple more minutes.
Step 6: Final Touches with Parmesan
Remove the soup from heat and fold in grated Parmesan cheese. This step adds a salty, nutty flavor and gives the soup a silky finish. Taste and add more salt or pepper to your liking before serving.
How to Serve Creamy Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a few twists of black pepper takes this soup up a notch visually and flavor-wise. For an extra punch, a little grated Parmesan on top is always a winner.
Side Dishes
Pair this comforting soup with crusty garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal. The crunchy bread is perfect for dipping, soaking up every last drop of that creamy goodness.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this soup in rustic bowls or even hollowed-out bread bowls for a fun twist that doubles as presentation and an edible container. Adding a drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a touch of chili flakes can also personalize the experience for your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Creamy Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers a delight.
Freezing
This soup freezes well but keep in mind the gnocchi can change texture slightly after freezing. For best results, freeze the soup without gnocchi and add fresh gnocchi when reheating.
Reheating
Warm your soup gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent the cream from separating. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge first, then add fresh gnocchi and simmer until tender.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken makes this recipe incredibly easy without sacrificing flavor, plus it keeps the chicken tender and juicy.
Is it possible to make this soup dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan to keep the richness.
What if I can’t find fresh spinach?
Baby spinach or even kale works well as a substitute. Just chop kale finely and allow a bit more time to soften in the soup.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
You can swap chicken broth and chicken for vegetable broth and mushrooms or hearty vegetables to create a vegetarian version that’s still flavorful and filling.
How thick should the soup be?
The soup should be creamy and slightly thick but still pourable—think comfort food with body, not a stew. Adjust cream or broth quantity to achieve your preferred consistency.
Final Thoughts
Nothing beats cozying up with a bowl of this Creamy Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe when the weather cools down or when you simply need a comforting meal. Its luscious texture, rich flavors, and inviting aroma make it a recipe you’ll want to keep coming back to. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite homemade soup to share with friends and family!
Print
Creamy Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Creamy Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a comforting and hearty dish, perfect for cozying up on chilly days. Combining tender shredded chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and fresh spinach in a rich, creamy broth, this soup delivers layers of savory and fresh flavors. Inspired by the popular restaurant classic, this homemade version is easy to prepare and sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Soup Ingredients
- 6 cups chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken recommended)
- 1 package (16 ounces) gnocchi
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Sauté the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery, and cook until they soften, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
- Add Broth and Chicken: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add shredded cooked chicken and dried thyme. Let it simmer gently for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Cook the Gnocchi: Add the gnocchi to the simmering soup and cook according to package instructions, typically 2-3 minutes, until they float to the top and are tender.
- Add Spinach and Cream: Stir in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes. Lower the heat and add the heavy cream, stirring to combine and gently heat through without boiling.
- Finish with Cheese and Seasoning: Remove from heat and stir in grated Parmesan cheese. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot for a delicious and creamy experience.
Notes
- Using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds rich flavor.
- Be careful not to boil the soup after adding cream to prevent curdling.
- Fresh spinach can be substituted with kale or Swiss chard for variation.
- Low-sodium chicken broth is recommended for better control of saltiness.
- Parmesan cheese adds a savory umami kick, but can be reduced for lower sodium content.
