There’s nothing quite like the comforting embrace of a warm bowl of soup, especially as the chill of fall begins to set in. I first discovered this Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup recipe on a particularly grey day, seeking solace in my kitchen after a long week. The moment I added the creamy broth to the pot, the rich aroma instantly filled the room and transformed my mood. With its soft gnocchi, tender chicken, and a symphony of vibrant vegetables, this dish resembles a hug for your taste buds.
Whether it’s a weekend gathering with friends or a cozy night in, this hearty soup makes any occasion feel special. It’s a satisfying take on Italian comfort food that’s not just delicious but also surprisingly easy to whip up. Join me in exploring this delightful recipe that’s ready to warm your heart and home, one spoonful at a time!
Why is Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe so special?
Comforting and hearty, this soup wraps you in warmth, making it the perfect dish for chilly evenings. Easy to make, its straightforward method means you can enjoy it without fuss. Creamy richness combined with soft, pillowy gnocchi elevates every spoonful to a new level of indulgence. Versatile enough for gatherings or intimate dinners, this recipe is sure to impress guests and satisfy cravings alike. Plus, as an added bonus, you can prepare the vegetable mixture ahead of time, making mealtime a breeze!
Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Ingredients
Get ready to make this comforting dish!
-
For the Soup Base
-
Olive Oil – Adds richness and helps sauté vegetables; substitute with butter for a different flavor.
-
Medium Onion (diced) – Provides base flavor and enhances sweetness; yellow or white onion works well.
-
Garlic (2 cloves, minced) – Offers aromatic depth; pre-minced garlic or garlic powder is a good substitute.
-
Medium Carrots (diced) – Contributes natural sweetness and texture; try parsnips for a unique flavor.
-
Celery Stalks (diced) – Adds crunch and enhances overall flavor; bell peppers can be a tasty alternative.
-
For the Seasoning
-
Dried Thyme (1 tsp) – Adds earthiness to the soup; fresh thyme can substitute using about three times as much.
-
Dried Basil (1 tsp) – Imparts a sweet and aromatic flavor; swap for about three teaspoons of fresh basil.
-
For the Broth
-
Chicken Broth (6 cups) – Provides the savory base for the soup; vegetable broth can be used for a vegetarian option.
-
For the Main Ingredients
-
Cooked Chicken (2 cups, shredded) – Adds protein and heartiness; rotisserie chicken is a quick substitute.
-
Gnocchi (16 oz package) – The main substance providing chewy texture; alternatives include potato dumplings or homemade gnocchi.
-
Fresh Spinach (2 cups) – Offers color and nutrition; consider swapping in kale or Swiss chard for a nutrient boost.
-
For the Creaminess
-
Heavy Cream (1 cup) – Provides a rich, creamy texture; half-and-half can be a lighter substitute.
-
Salt & Black Pepper (to taste) – Enhances the overall flavor balance.
-
For Optional Garnish
-
Grated Parmesan Cheese – Adds flavor and richness when served; Pecorino Romano is a wonderful alternative.
Now that you’ve gathered all your ingredients, you’re just a few steps away from enjoying this delightful Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe and Guide!
How to Make Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
-
Heat the Oil: In a large pot, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Allow it to shimmer slightly, signaling it’s ready for the next ingredients.
-
Sauté the Vegetables: Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become softened and fragrant.
-
Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and continue to cook for an additional minute until the aroma fills your kitchen.
-
Season the Base: Mix in the dried thyme and basil, allowing the herbs to toast briefly. Then, pour in the chicken broth and bring this delightful mixture to a boil.
-
Simmer with Chicken and Gnocchi: Once boiling, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Add the shredded chicken and gnocchi, cooking for 5-7 minutes or until the gnocchi float to the top, indicating they’re cooked through.
-
Incorporate Spinach and Cream: Gently stir in the fresh spinach and heavy cream, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts and the soup is heated through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
-
Serve it Up: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy the warmth and comfort!
Optional: A sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper on top enhances the flavor beautifully.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To maintain the best texture, reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the soup in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Leave some space at the top for expansion, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: When reheating frozen soup, do so slowly on the stove. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the soup if needed, as the gnocchi will absorb some liquid during freezing.
Texture Preservation: For optimal texture, consider adding fresh spinach or a splash of heavy cream when reheating your Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup to rejuvenate its creamy goodness.
Make Ahead Options
This Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is perfect for meal prep! You can dice the vegetables (onion, carrots, celery) and store them in the refrigerator up to 3 days in advance, which not only saves you time but also allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. If you prefer, you can also cook the shredded chicken and refrigerate it up to 48 hours before you plan to make the soup. When you’re ready to serve, simply sauté the prepared vegetables, follow the recipe instructions, and add the cooked chicken and gnocchi. This way, you’ll enjoy a comforting, hearty meal with minimal effort, just as delicious as if made from scratch that day!
What to Serve with Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup?
Looking to create a delightful, well-rounded meal that perfectly complements the creamy goodness of your soup?
- Crusty Bread: The perfect sidekick for this soup, crusty bread is ideal for dipping and soaking up all the flavorful broth.
- Fresh Garden Salad: A light, crisp salad with mixed greens and a tangy vinaigrette adds a refreshing counterbalance to the rich soup.
- Garlic Breadsticks: Classic and beloved, these warm breadsticks with a hint of garlic amplify the Italian charm of your meal.
- Parmesan Roasted Asparagus: Tender roasted asparagus drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with Parmesan provides a delightful crunch and adds a touch of sophistication.
- Italian Herb Roasted Potatoes: Crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, these potatoes seasoned with Italian herbs complement the soup’s flavors beautifully.
- Red Wine: A glass of smooth red wine, such as Chianti, pairs harmoniously with the hearty chicken gnocchi, enhancing the overall dining experience.
- Lemon Sorbet: For dessert, a refreshing lemon sorbet cleanses the palate after the rich and creamy soup, making it a delightful ending to your meal.
Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Variations
Feel free to explore these delightful twists and substitutions for a personalized touch to your soup.
-
Turkey Substitute: Swap out chicken for shredded turkey to lighten the dish and add a new flavor profile that’s equally comforting.
-
Sweet Potato Addition: Replace regular potatoes with sweet potatoes for a natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with the creamy broth.
-
Vegetarian Delight: Omit the chicken entirely and double the veggies for a hearty vegetarian version packed with flavors and nutrients.
-
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a spicy version that warms you from the inside out.
-
Creamy Coconut Option: Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free and tropical twist that gives your soup a rich flavor.
-
Quinoa Boost: Stir in cooked quinoa for added protein and texture. This blend elevates the heartiness of the soup, making it even more satisfying.
-
Herb Overload: Experiment with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro in addition to thyme and basil for a fragrant and aromatic flavor explosion.
-
Cheesy Goodness: Incorporate mozzarella or cheddar cheese into the soup during the last few minutes of cooking for an extra creamy and cheesy experience.
Expert Tips for Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
-
Ingredient Freshness: Use fresh vegetables and herbs to enhance the flavor. Stale or pre-packaged ingredients can lead to a bland soup.
-
Broth Selection: Choose a high-quality chicken broth for the best taste. Homemade broth yields deeper flavors, but a good store-bought option will work too.
-
Gnocchi Cooking Tip: Avoid overcooking the gnocchi, as they can become mushy. Cook only until they float to the surface of the soup.
-
Creamy Consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, reduce the amount of chicken broth or add an extra splash of heavy cream to achieve your desired texture.
-
Adjust Seasoning: Always taste and adjust seasonings at the end. A sprinkle of salt and pepper can elevate the entire Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup recipe!
Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe FAQs
What type of gnocchi should I use for this soup?
You can use store-bought gnocchi for convenience, but I often recommend fresh or homemade gnocchi if you want to elevate your dish. The texture and flavor of freshly made gnocchi truly make the soup special!
How should I store leftovers of the Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to maintain its luscious texture.
Can I freeze Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup?
Absolutely! You can freeze this soup in airtight containers for up to 3 months. When freezing, make sure to leave some space at the top of the container, as the soup will expand. To thaw, simply place it in the fridge overnight. When you reheat, you might need to add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the soup.
Advertisement
How can I make this soup vegetarian?
To create a vegetarian version of the Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup, skip the chicken entirely and increase the amount of vegetables used. Use vegetable broth as a base and consider adding more leafy greens like kale or Swiss chard for added nutrition and flavor.
What should I do if my soup is too thick?
If you find that your soup has become thicker than you’d like, simply add a bit of chicken broth or water until you reach your desired consistency. Stir over medium heat until everything is warmed through. This will help regain its wonderful, creamy texture that we all love.
How can I adjust the flavors if they seem bland?
Taste your soup before serving, and if it seems a bit flat, add salt, pepper, and maybe even a dash of lemon juice or a splash of vinegar to brighten the flavors. Fresh herbs can also elevate the dish, so feel free to sprinkle in some more basil or thyme!
Comforting Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe You’ll Love
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat the Oil: In a large pot, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Allow it to shimmer slightly, signaling it's ready for the next ingredients.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become softened and fragrant.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and continue to cook for an additional minute until the aroma fills your kitchen.
- Season the Base: Mix in the dried thyme and basil, allowing the herbs to toast briefly. Then, pour in the chicken broth and bring this delightful mixture to a boil.
- Simmer with Chicken and Gnocchi: Once boiling, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Add the shredded chicken and gnocchi, cooking for 5-7 minutes or until the gnocchi float to the top, indicating they’re cooked through.
- Incorporate Spinach and Cream: Gently stir in the fresh spinach and heavy cream, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts and the soup is heated through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve it Up: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy the warmth and comfort!