Oh my goodness, I absolutely adore this Olive Garden Copycat Chicken Gnocchi Soup! If you’re anything like me, you have those days when you’re craving something comforting, hearty, and downright delicious. This soup checks all those boxes and more! I remember the first time I tasted this soup at Olive Garden – I was instantly hooked! The creamy texture paired with the fluffy gnocchi and tender chicken just wraps you in a warm embrace, like a cozy sweater on a chilly day. I’ve recreated this beauty at home, and now it’s one of my go-to recipes for family gatherings, lazy weekends, or when I need a little pick-me-up. It’s just too good not to share!
On top of being delicious, this soup is fairly simple to make! You can whip it up in about thirty minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner. The best part? The aroma that fills your kitchen while it’s cooking will have your family wandering in, asking, “What’s for dinner?” Believe me, they won’t be disappointed!
What’s in Olive Garden Copycat Chicken Gnocchi Soup?
Let’s dive into the ingredients that bring this scrumptious soup to life!
Olive Oil: Just a tablespoon is all you need to sauté the veggies and build that base flavor.
Onion: A medium onion, diced, adds sweetness and depth. It’s the aromatic foundation every good soup needs.
Garlic: Two cloves of minced garlic ensure this dish is bursting with flavor. You can never go wrong with garlic!
Carrots: Two medium carrots, shredded, offer a lovely sweetness and a pop of color.
Celery: Two stalks of diced celery provide crunch and earthiness. Who doesn’t love that classic mirepoix base?
Dried Thyme and Basil: One teaspoon each of these herbs enhances that cozy Italian flavor profile. Feel free to adjust to your taste!
All-Purpose Flour: A 1/4 cup for thickening the soup and giving it that creamy feel.
Chicken Broth: Six cups of rich, savory broth is key to the soup’s body. I recommend low-sodium for a healthier option.
Cooked Chicken: One cup of shredded chicken makes this soup hearty. Leftovers work perfectly, or you can grab a rotisserie chicken for a shortcut!
Potato Gnocchi: One cup of gnocchi here adds that delightful chewiness. Store-bought is convenient and delicious!
Fresh Spinach: Two cups of roughly chopped spinach add a fresh touch and boost the nutrition factor!
Heavy Cream: One cup to bring that rich, creamy texture we all love in a soup!
Salt and Pepper: Always to taste!
Fresh Parsley or Thyme: This optional garnish adds a pop of color and freshness, elevating your beautiful bowl of soup.
Is Olive Garden Copycat Chicken Gnocchi Soup Good for You?
I know what you’re thinking: soup can be comfort food, but is it good for you? Let’s break it down!
Chicken: Packed with protein, it’s great for muscle repair and keeping you feeling full longer.
Spinach: This leafy green is loaded with vitamins A and C, iron, and a good dose of fiber, making this soup a fantastic way to get your greens in!
Gnocchi: While flavorful, gnocchi is a bit higher in carbs, so portion control is key. But carbs can provide the energy you need, especially during colder months.
Heavy Cream: While it brings that lusciousness to the soup, it is calorie-dense. You can use half-and-half or even coconut milk for a lighter version if desired.
Overall, this soup is a balanced meal when enjoyed in moderation, and who doesn’t deserve a little comfort?
What You’ll Need
For a hearty bowl of Olive Garden Copycat Chicken Gnocchi Soup, gather the following ingredients to serve about 6 people:
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 medium carrots, shredded
– 2 celery stalks, diced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 6 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
– 1 cup potato gnocchi (store-bought)
– 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
– 1 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish (optional)
How to Make Olive Garden Copycat Chicken Gnocchi Soup?
Ready to dive into cooking this wonderful soup? Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you there!
1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add your diced onion and sauté until it’s translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Don’t walk away – the smell is heavenly!
2. Add the minced garlic, shredded carrots, and diced celery, continuing to cook for another 3-4 minutes until the veggies are nice and tender.
3. Who doesn’t love an herby smell? Stir in your dried thyme and basil, then sprinkle the flour over the mixture, stirring everything to combine. The flour helps thicken up the soup, so cook this for an additional 2 minutes to get rid of that raw flour taste.
4. Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring. This will help you avoid any pesky lumps from the flour. Get it bubbling nicely, bringing it to a simmer.
5. Add your shredded cooked chicken and potato gnocchi into the mix. Let it simmer until those little gnocchi float to the top, which should take about 5 minutes.
6. Stir in the fresh spinach and heavy cream for that lovely creamy consistency. Allow the soup to simmer for another 2-3 minutes until it’s all heated through. Make sure to season with salt and pepper to your liking!
7. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or thyme if you fancy! Grab a big spoon, and enjoy each delightful bite!
Creative Serving Suggestions
Now that you have this incredible soup ready to go, let’s talk about some ways to make it even more delightful.
– Pair it with a crusty loaf of bread or some garlic breadsticks for a satisfying meal.
– For added flavor, sprinkle on some grated Parmesan cheese before enjoying.
– If you’re feeling adventurous, toss in some mushrooms or swap out the spinach for kale to give it a fun twist!
There you have it, my friends! This Olive Garden Copycat Chicken Gnocchi Soup is your new kitchen companion for cozy evenings in. I can’t wait for you to try it and hear how much you love it as much as I do! Cooking is all about sharing, so don’t be shy to take a picture and let me know how it turns out. Happy cooking!
