Description
Olive Garden’s legendary Chicken Gnocchi Soup brings Italian comfort straight to your kitchen with creamy, hearty goodness. Rich potato dumplings and tender chicken create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 cup cooked, diced chicken breast
- 1 (16-ounce) package potato gnocchi
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 cup diced white onion
- ½ cup diced celery
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
Liquids, Fats, and Seasonings:
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups half-and-half
- 1 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Warm olive oil and butter in a spacious cooking vessel over medium temperature, creating a fragrant base for the soup’s foundation.
- Introduce chopped onions, minced garlic, and diced celery into the pot, allowing them to become translucent and release their aromatic essence, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Incorporate julienned carrots into the vegetable medley, continuing to sauté until they soften and develop a subtle caramelized edge.
- Delicately dust the sautéed vegetables with flour, whisking continuously to create a smooth, lump-free roux that will thicken the soup’s consistency.
- Gradually pour in chicken broth, stirring methodically to integrate the liquid with the vegetable and flour mixture, creating a silky, flavorful base.
- Bring the developing broth to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to harmonize and the liquid to slightly thicken.
- Fold in tender shredded chicken and pillowy gnocchi, letting them nestle into the simmering broth and cook until the gnocchi gracefully rises to the surface.
- Gently cascade fresh spinach leaves into the soup, watching them wilt and infuse the liquid with their vibrant green color and earthy flavor.
- Stream in luxurious heavy cream, transforming the soup into a rich, velvety concoction that coats the palate with warmth.
- Season the soup with a delicate balance of salt, freshly ground black pepper, and aromatic Italian seasoning, adjusting to personal taste preferences.
- Allow the soup to rest momentarily, enabling the flavors to intermingle and deepen.
- Ladle the soup into warm bowls, optionally garnishing with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese or a twist of black pepper for an elegant finishing touch.
Notes
- Swap gnocchi for zucchini noodles or cauliflower gnocchi to create a low-carb version that’s equally delicious and satisfying.
- Use gluten-free flour and ensure chicken broth is gluten-free to make this recipe completely celiac-friendly without compromising taste.
- Quickly shred rotisserie chicken for a time-saving shortcut that adds extra flavor and reduces overall cooking preparation time.
- Opt for milk alternatives like coconut or almond milk to create a dairy-free adaptation while maintaining the soup’s creamy texture and rich profile.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 29 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg