30-Minute Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe to Savor

Name: 30-Minute Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe to Savor
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breast, diced; 1 package (16 oz) potato gnocchi; 4 cups chicken broth; 2 cups heavy cream; 1 cup carrots, shredded; 1 cup spinach, chopped; 1/2 cup celery, diced; 1/2 cup onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/2 tsp dried thyme

Lynn

December 14, 2024

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Oh my goodness, have I got a treat for you today! If you’ve ever found yourself craving Olive Garden’s famous Chicken Gnocchi Soup but didn’t want to leave your cozy kitchen, I’ve got your back. This creamy, dreamy bowl of comfort has been my go-to recipe for years – ever since my sister-in-law (who used to work at Olive Garden, lucky duck!) spilled a few secrets about how they make theirs so irresistibly good.

What makes this version special? Well, first off – it comes together faster than you can say “unlimited breadsticks!” But more importantly, we’re using fresh ingredients and real techniques to recreate that signature velvety texture and rich flavor. Trust me, once you taste homemade Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup steaming hot from your own stove, you’ll wonder why you ever waited in line for a table.

I’ll never forget the winter I perfected this recipe – snowed in with nothing but pantry staples and a serious craving for comfort food. After three attempts (and one minor kitchen disaster involving overcooked gnocchi), I landed on this foolproof method that delivers restaurant-quality results every time. Now it’s my most-requested soup whenever friends come over!

Why You’ll Love This Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Let me tell you why this soup will become your new favorite comfort food. First, it’s creamy perfection without being overly heavy. The combination of tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and that silky broth? Absolute magic. Second, it’s so easy to make! You don’t need fancy skills or hours in the kitchen – just one pot and about 30 minutes. Plus, it’s packed with wholesome ingredients like fresh spinach and carrots, so you can feel good about serving it to your family. Oh, and did I mention it’s totally customizable? Add extra veggies, swap in turkey, or make it lighter with half-and-half. Trust me, this soup is a hug in a bowl!

Ingredients for Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Okay, let’s talk ingredients! The best part about this soup is how simple the list is – no weird, hard-to-find stuff here. You probably have most of these in your kitchen already. Here’s what you’ll need:

1 lb chicken breast, diced – I like to cut mine into bite-sized pieces so they cook quickly and evenly. You could use rotisserie chicken if you’re in a hurry!
1 package (16 oz) potato gnocchi – The star of the show! Store-bought works perfectly, but if you’re feeling fancy, homemade gnocchi is AMAZING here.
4 cups chicken broth – Go for low-sodium so you can control the saltiness.
2 cups heavy cream – This is what gives the soup its luxurious, creamy texture. Trust me, it’s worth it.
1 cup carrots, shredded – I shred mine on the medium holes of a box grater for that perfect texture.
1 cup spinach, chopped – Fresh spinach adds a pop of color and nutrients.
1/2 cup celery, diced – Don’t skip this! It adds a subtle crunch and flavor.
1/2 cup onion, diced – Yellow or white onions both work great.
2 cloves garlic, minced – Fresh garlic is a must for that deep, savory flavor.
1 tbsp olive oil – For sautéing the chicken and veggies.
1 tsp salt – Adjust to taste, but start with this amount.
1/2 tsp black pepper – Freshly ground is best!
1/2 tsp dried thyme – This little herb adds so much depth to the soup.

That’s it! Simple, fresh, and ready to transform into the coziest bowl of soup you’ll ever taste.

Equipment Needed for Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

You don’t need anything fancy for this soup – just a few kitchen basics. Grab a large pot (I use my trusty Dutch oven), a cutting board, and a sharp knife for prepping the veggies and chicken. A wooden spoon for stirring and a measuring cup for the liquids will have you all set. Simple tools, big flavor!

How to Make Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Let me walk you through making this dreamy soup step by step – it’s easier than you think! First, heat that olive oil in your big pot over medium heat. Toss in your diced chicken and let it cook until it’s no longer pink, about 5-6 minutes. Don’t crowd the pan – we want nice color on those pieces! Scoop the chicken out and set it aside (trust me, it’s coming back later).

Now, in that same pot (hello, flavor!), toss in your onion, celery, and garlic. Sauté until they’re soft and fragrant – about 3 minutes should do it. This is where all the magic starts! Pour in your chicken broth, then add the carrots, thyme, salt, and pepper. Crank the heat up to bring it all to a boil – this takes about 5 minutes.

Here comes the fun part! Gently stir in your gnocchi. They’ll sink at first, but in 3-4 minutes they’ll float to the top like little fluffy clouds – that’s when you know they’re perfect. Reduce the heat to low and pour in that glorious heavy cream. Toss in your spinach and cooked chicken, give it all a good stir, and let it simmer for about 5 minutes to let all those flavors get to know each other.

That’s it! Your kitchen smells amazing, and you’ve got the creamiest, most comforting soup ready to devour. Ladle it into bowls and watch everyone’s faces light up. Pro tip: The soup thickens as it sits, so if you like it extra creamy, let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Oh, and don’t forget the crusty bread for dipping!

Tips for Perfect Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Want to make sure your soup turns out just like the restaurant’s? Here are my best tricks! First, don’t overcook the gnocchi – they should be tender but still have a slight bite when you pull them out. Taste one at the 3-minute mark to check. Second, use fresh garlic and thyme if you can – dried works, but fresh makes all the difference. And here’s my secret: let the soup rest for 5 minutes after cooking. It thickens up beautifully! Finally, always adjust the seasoning at the end – sometimes it needs an extra pinch of salt or pepper to really sing.

Ingredient Substitutions for Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Don’t stress if you’re missing an ingredient – this soup is super flexible! If you’re watching calories, swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or even whole milk (just keep in mind it won’t be quite as creamy). Not a fan of spinach? Toss in kale or Swiss chard instead – they add a nice earthy flavor. Out of fresh garlic? Garlic powder works in a pinch (use 1/2 tsp). And if you’re feeling adventurous, try adding mushrooms or zucchini for extra veggies. The beauty of this soup is how easily you can make it your own!

Serving Suggestions for Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Oh, but what to serve with this creamy masterpiece? You can’t go wrong with a hunk of crusty bread for dipping – it’s practically mandatory! If you’re feeling fancy, add a simple side salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness. And for the ultimate comfort meal? Pair it with a glass of white wine – trust me, it’s a match made in heaven!

Storage and Reheating Instructions for Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Here’s the good news – this soup keeps beautifully! Just let it cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the fridge (it’ll stay perfect for about 3 days). When reheating, go low and slow – warm it on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. The gnocchi might soak up some broth, so add a splash of chicken stock or milk if it needs loosening. Quick tip: I don’t recommend freezing this one – the dairy can separate and the gnocchi gets mushy. Better to enjoy it fresh or within a few days!

Frequently Asked Questions About Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Can I freeze this soup? Honestly, I don’t recommend it. The dairy tends to separate when frozen and thawed, and the gnocchi can get mushy. It’s so quick to make fresh – better to enjoy it within a few days of cooking!

Can I use homemade gnocchi? Absolutely! Homemade gnocchi makes this soup extra special. Just add them in the same way you would store-bought, but keep an eye on them – fresh gnocchi cooks faster, usually in about 2 minutes.

Is there a lighter version of this soup? You bet! Swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk, and use low-fat chicken broth. It won’t be quite as rich, but still delicious. I sometimes add an extra handful of spinach for more nutrients too.

How can I make this soup thicker? Easy! Let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce. If you want it really thick, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water and stir it in during the last minute of cooking.

Can I make this in a slow cooker? While I prefer stovetop for best texture, you can adapt it. Just add everything except the gnocchi and cream, cook on low 4 hours, then stir in those last two ingredients for the final 30 minutes. The gnocchi will be softer though!

Nutritional Information for Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Here’s a heads-up about the nutrition in this soup – it’s pretty hearty, but oh-so-worth it! Keep in mind that the exact numbers can vary depending on the brands of ingredients you use and any tweaks you make (like swapping heavy cream for half-and-half). I’ve included rough estimates to give you an idea, but always double-check your specific products if you’re tracking closely. Enjoy every creamy, comforting bite guilt-free – it’s all about balance, right?