Homemade Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
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.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
