Homemade Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Introduction

This Homemade Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a creamy, comforting dish that’s perfect for cozy evenings. Packed with tender chicken, soft gnocchi, and fresh vegetables, it’s a delicious way to enjoy a restaurant favorite at home.

Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1 cup finely diced onion
• 1/2 cup finely diced celery
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 quart half-and-half
• 28 ounces chicken broth
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
• 1 cup carrots, finely shredded
• 1 cup spinach leaves, coarsely chopped
• 1 cup cooked chicken breast, diced
• 16 ounces package ready-to-use gnocchi

Instructions

1. Step 1: Melt the butter and olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Step 2: Add the diced onion, celery, and minced garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent.
3. Step 3: Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the half-and-half and simmer until the mixture thickens.
4. Step 4: Pour in the chicken broth and simmer again until the soup thickens slightly. Stir in salt, thyme, parsley, nutmeg if using, shredded carrots, chopped spinach, diced chicken, and gnocchi.
5. Step 5: Simmer the soup until heated through and the gnocchi is tender. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half with whole milk or use a lower fat option.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a gentle spicy kick.
• Use fresh gnocchi if available for a softer texture, but frozen works well too.
• Swap spinach with kale for a different leafy green variation.

Storage

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup thickens too much upon cooling, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the soup in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Add the gnocchi right before reheating to prevent it from becoming too soft.

Can I use a different type of meat?

Absolutely! This recipe works well with cooked turkey or even ham. Just make sure the meat is diced and cooked before adding it to the soup.

Homemade Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 70 reviews

This Homemade Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a creamy, comforting soup that combines tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, fresh spinach, and shredded carrots in a rich broth. Inspired by the popular Olive Garden recipe, it’s perfect for a cozy meal and easy to prepare on the stovetop.

• Author: Rico
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Soup Base

• 4 tablespoons Butter
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1 cup finely diced onion
• 1/2 cup finely diced celery
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 quart half-and-half
• 28 ounces chicken broth
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)

Vegetables and Protein

• 1 cup carrots (finely shredded)
• 1 cup spinach leaves (coarsely chopped)
• 1 cup chicken breast (cooked and diced)

Pasta

• 16 ounces package ready-to-use gnocchi

Instructions

1. Prepare the Base: Melt the butter and olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. This combination of fats provides a flavorful start and helps soften the vegetables.
2. Sauté Vegetables: Add the finely diced onion, celery, and minced garlic to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions become translucent, about 5 minutes. This step builds the aromatic foundation for the soup.
3. Make the Roux: Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for about 1 minute to eliminate the raw flour taste. Then gradually whisk in the half-and-half. Continue simmering the mixture until it thickens, creating a creamy base for the soup.
4. Incorporate Broth and Herbs: Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and bring the soup back to a simmer until it thickens again. Stir in salt (start with 1/2 teaspoon), dried thyme, dried parsley flakes, and optional ground nutmeg to enhance the flavor profile.
5. Add Vegetables and Meat: Stir in shredded carrots, chopped spinach, cooked diced chicken breast, and the package of ready-to-use gnocchi. These ingredients add texture, nutrition, and heartiness to the soup.
6. Simmer and Finish: Continue to simmer the soup until everything is heated through and the gnocchi are tender, about 5 to 7 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt if necessary before serving.

Notes

• Use fresh spinach for best flavor, but frozen chopped spinach may be used if drained well.
• Cook chicken breast ahead of time by boiling or roasting for ease and flavor.
• If you prefer a thicker soup, increase the flour slightly or allow it to simmer longer.
• For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half with whole milk or a milk alternative.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.

Keywords: Chicken Gnocchi Soup, Olive Garden Copycat, Creamy Chicken Soup, Comfort Food, Easy Soup Recipe