Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
This Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a deliciously creamy and hearty soup packed with tender shredded chicken, pillowy gnocchi, fresh spinach, and a flavorful blend of herbs in a rich chicken broth. Perfect for cozy dinners, this homemade version brings comforting Italian flavors to your table in just about 30 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
Scale
Soup Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 6 cups chicken broth
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 package (16 oz) gnocchi
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream
Seasoning & Garnish
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the base: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery and sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened and translucent.
- Add garlic and herbs: Stir in the minced garlic, dried thyme, and dried basil. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant, careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add chicken broth: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Use a spoon to scrape the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits to enhance the flavor.
- Simmer with chicken and gnocchi: Reduce the heat to a simmer and add the shredded cooked chicken and gnocchi. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes or until the gnocchi float to the surface, indicating they are done.
- Incorporate spinach and cream: Stir in the fresh spinach and heavy cream, letting the soup simmer an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the spinach wilts and the soup is heated through.
- Season and serve: Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste. Ladle into bowls and top with grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot for a comforting meal.
Notes
- You can substitute fresh herbs for dried herbs if available; use 1 tablespoon fresh thyme and basil as a replacement.
- Shredded rotisserie chicken works well to save time.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or whole milk for heavy cream, though the soup will be less creamy.
- Gnocchi are delicate; stir gently when cooking to prevent breaking.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
Keywords: Chicken Gnocchi Soup, Olive Garden copycat soup, creamy chicken soup, Italian soup, comfort food, easy soup recipe
