Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Introduction
The Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a well-loved dish that combines tender chicken, soft potato gnocchi, and a creamy broth loaded with vegetables like spinach, carrots, and celery. This rich and hearty soup offers the perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it a popular choice for comfort food.
Making this recipe at home is surprisingly simple, and you can enjoy this warm, creamy, and filling soup any time you want. Plus, when you prepare it yourself, you can adjust the ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs. Let’s dive into this rich and creamy soup recipe!
Equipment Needed
- Large pot or Dutch oven: For cooking the soup.
- Cutting board and knife: For chopping the vegetables.
- Wooden spoon or spatula: For stirring the soup.
- Ladle: For serving.
- Cheese grater: If you plan to use fresh Parmesan.
Preparing the Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create a creamy and delicious Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup at home:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Begin by cooking the chicken breasts. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides, then cook them for about 5-6 minutes per side or until fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pot, allow it to rest, then dice or shred it into bite-sized pieces. Set it aside for later.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pot, add another tablespoon of olive oil, then sauté the diced onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions become soft and translucent, and the vegetables are tender.
Step 3: Add the Broth and Seasonings
Once the vegetables are tender, pour in the 4 cups of chicken broth. Stir in dried thyme and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it simmer for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 4: Cook the Gnocchi
While the soup is simmering, add the potato gnocchi directly to the pot. Let them cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until the gnocchi float to the top. This means they are fully cooked and ready to eat.
Step 5: Add the Cream and Spinach
Stir in the half-and-half or heavy cream to give the soup its rich and creamy texture. Next, add the chopped spinach, stirring it into the soup until it wilts. This will take about 1-2 minutes.
Step 6: Return the Chicken to the Pot
Now, add the cooked diced or shredded chicken back into the soup. Let it warm through for a few more minutes. If the soup seems too thick, you can add more chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.
Step 7: Final Seasoning and Serve
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed. For an extra touch of richness, you can stir in grated Parmesan cheese just before serving. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with additional Parmesan, parsley, or croutons if desired.
Customizing Your Soup
This Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup recipe is versatile and can be customized to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas:
1. Different Meats
- Instead of chicken, you can use turkey, especially around the holidays.
- For a richer flavor, use chicken thighs instead of breasts.
2. Vegetarian Version
- Skip the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Add more vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers to make it hearty.
- You can also add plant-based chicken substitutes if you want to keep the texture of chicken in the soup.
3. Dairy-Free Option
- Replace the half-and-half with coconut milk or another plant-based cream alternative like almond milk or soy cream to make a dairy-free version of this soup.
4. Gnocchi Variations
- While traditional potato gnocchi works perfectly, you can experiment with different flavors like whole wheat gnocchi or cauliflower gnocchi for a healthier twist.
Tips for Success
1. Don’t Overcook the Gnocchi
Gnocchi cooks quickly, and overcooking them can make them mushy. They are ready as soon as they float to the surface of the soup.
2. Use Fresh Spinach
For the best flavor and texture, use fresh spinach. Frozen spinach can be used in a pinch but be sure to thaw and drain it before adding it to the soup to prevent excess moisture.
3. Shredded or Diced Chicken
If you prefer a smoother texture, shred the chicken before adding it to the soup. For a heartier bite, dice the chicken into small cubes.
4. Adjust the Consistency
If the soup becomes too thick after adding the cream and gnocchi, thin it out by adding more chicken broth. On the other hand, if you prefer a thicker soup, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce and thicken.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy chicken gnocchi soup pairs well with a variety of sides to make a complete meal:
- Garlic bread: Serve alongside for dipping into the creamy broth.
- Salad: A simple garden salad or Caesar salad complements the richness of the soup.
- Croutons: Add some crunch to the soup by topping it with homemade or store-bought croutons.
Storing and Reheating
Storage
- Store any leftover chicken gnocchi soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating
- To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes or on the stove over medium heat until warmed through. You may need to add a bit of extra broth or cream if the soup has thickened in the fridge.
Freezing
- While this soup can be frozen, the texture of the gnocchi may change after thawing. If you plan to freeze it, consider cooking the gnocchi separately and adding it fresh when reheating.
Conclusion
This Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a perfect blend of creamy, savory, and satisfying ingredients that will bring comfort to your kitchen table. The combination of tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and fresh vegetables creates a hearty dish that’s perfect for any time of the year.
By following this recipe, you’ll be able to enjoy the rich flavors of Olive Garden’s famous chicken gnocchi soup right at home, with the flexibility to customize it to your taste.
FAQs
1. Can I use store-bought gnocchi?
Yes, store-bought gnocchi works perfectly for this recipe, and it’s a great time-saver.
2. Can I make this soup gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, use gluten-free gnocchi and make sure your broth and other ingredients are also gluten-free.
3. How can I thicken the soup?
If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can make a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) and stir it into the soup while it’s simmering.
4. What’s the best way to reheat the soup?
Reheat gently on the stove over medium heat, adding a bit of broth or cream to maintain the soup’s creamy texture.
Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and diced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup celery, diced
- 1/2 cup carrots, diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 tsp rosemary
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 package (16 oz) potato gnocchi
- 2 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 2 tbsp cold water (optional, for thickening)
Instructions
1. Cook the Chicken:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add the diced chicken breasts, season with salt and black pepper, and cook for 6-8 minutes until fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
2. Sauté Vegetables:
- In the same pot, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil.
- Sauté the diced onion, garlic, celery, and carrots for about 5-7 minutes until softened and fragrant.
3. Add Broth and Spices:
- Pour in the chicken broth and stir in the thyme, rosemary, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
4. Cook Gnocchi and Add Chicken:
- Stir in the potato gnocchi and cooked chicken. Let the soup simmer for 4-5 minutes, or until the gnocchi start to float to the top, indicating they’re done.
5. Add Cream and Spinach:
- Pour in the heavy cream and stir in the chopped spinach. Allow the soup to simmer for another 2-3 minutes, until the spinach wilts and the soup becomes creamy.
6. Optional Thickening:
- If you prefer a thicker soup, mix the cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the soup and cook for another 2 minutes, until the soup thickens.
7. Serve:
- Remove the soup from heat and ladle into bowls.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, if desired.