Description
This Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a creamy, hearty delight that brings the flavors of the iconic restaurant straight to your kitchen. It’s loaded with tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, fresh vegetables, and a rich, flavorful broth. Perfect for cozy nights or a comforting meal any time of the year, this soup is easy to make, budget-friendly, and tastes just like the real deal—if not better! Whether you’re a fan of Olive Garden or just love a good creamy soup, this recipe is bound to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
- Chicken: 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works perfectly).
- Gnocchi: 1 pound (store-bought or homemade).
- Vegetables:
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 cup diced onion
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Spinach: 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped.
- Chicken Broth: 4 cups for the soup base.
- Heavy Cream: 2 cups for that rich, creamy texture.
- Flour: 2 tablespoons for thickening.
- Butter: 2 tablespoons for sautéing.
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon.
- Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 teaspoon parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish.
Instructions
Sauté Vegetables:
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add diced onion, celery, carrots, and garlic. Cook until the vegetables are soft and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
Prepare the Base:
- Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir to coat.
- Gradually pour in the chicken broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Cook the Chicken and Gnocchi:
- Add the shredded chicken, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper to the pot.
- Let it simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Stir in the gnocchi and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the gnocchi float to the top.
Finish with Cream and Spinach:
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream.
- Add the spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
- Serve warm with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- Calories and Fat: The heavy cream and butter contribute to the richness of the soup but can be reduced by using lighter substitutes if needed.
- Protein: Chicken provides a healthy dose of protein, making this soup filling and satisfying.
- Carbohydrates: Gnocchi is the main source of carbs, so swapping it with a low-carb alternative can cater to specific dietary preferences.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg