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
Scale
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.
