Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

This Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a delicious, creamy, and comforting dish that captures the essence of the popular restaurant recipe. It features tender pieces of chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and fresh spinach in a rich and velvety broth. The combination of garlic, thyme, and oregano enhances the flavors, while the heavy cream gives the soup its smooth and satisfying texture. It’s the perfect meal to warm you up on a chilly day or to enjoy with a piece of crusty bread!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Comforting & Hearty: The creamy broth combined with soft gnocchi and tender chicken makes this soup feel like a warm hug in a bowl.
2. Quick & Easy: With just a few ingredients and simple steps, this soup comes together in under 30 minutes.
3. One-Pot Meal: Everything is made in one pot, making cleanup a breeze!
4. Customizable: You can easily add extra veggies, change up the seasonings, or use a different type of meat.
5. Perfect for Meal Prep: This soup stores well in the fridge for a few days, making it a great option for meal prepping.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups fresh or frozen gnocchi
• 2 cups fresh spinach

Directions

1. Cook the Chicken: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Add the Broth & Seasonings: Stir in the chicken broth, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing the flavors to meld together.
4. Cook the Gnocchi: Add the heavy cream and gnocchi to the pot. Cook for about 4-5 minutes, or until the gnocchi are tender and floating to the surface.
5. Add the Spinach: Stir in the fresh spinach and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until the spinach is wilted and the soup is heated through.
6. Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve the soup hot, garnished with extra spinach if desired, and enjoy!

Tips for Making the Perfect Chicken Gnocchi Soup

• For a Thicker Soup: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can reduce the amount of broth or cook it for a few extra minutes to let it reduce. Adding a slurry of cornstarch and water will also thicken the soup.
• Chicken Substitutes: If you prefer dark meat, you can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts. Alternatively, shredded rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut for an even quicker version.
• Gnocchi Variations: You can use fresh or frozen gnocchi, depending on what’s available. Fresh gnocchi cooks faster than frozen, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Make it Dairy-Free: To make this soup dairy-free, substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative.
• Add Extra Veggies: You can add carrots, celery, or mushrooms for more depth of flavor and additional nutrients.

How to Serve

This Chicken Gnocchi Soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a side salad. For extra flavor, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving. You can also drizzle a little bit of olive oil or balsamic vinegar over the soup for an added touch of flavor.

Storage & Leftovers

• Storage: This soup keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply store it in an airtight container and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
• Freezing: While the soup can be frozen, gnocchi may lose its texture after freezing and thawing. If you plan to freeze it, consider storing the soup without the gnocchi and adding fresh gnocchi when you reheat it.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of cream?
   Yes, you can use half-and-half, light cream, or even a dairy-free cream alternative.
2. Can I add other vegetables?
   Absolutely! Carrots, celery, or peas would be great additions to this soup.
3. Can I use frozen chicken?
   While fresh chicken is ideal, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just be sure to cook them fully before adding the other ingredients.
4. Can I make this soup in advance?
   Yes, this soup stores well in the fridge for a few days. You can also freeze it (without the gnocchi) for later use.
5. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
   Yes, you can substitute cooked or rotisserie chicken for the raw chicken. Add it in during step 3 with the broth and seasonings.

Conclusion

This Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a rich, creamy, and comforting dish that you can easily make at home. It’s perfect for cozy nights or when you’re craving something hearty and flavorful. With minimal ingredients and a short cooking time, it’s sure to become a family favorite in no time! Enjoy the warm, rich flavors with every spoonful.

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