Homemade Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

This Homemade Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe is a delightful blend of flavors that brings comfort and warmth to any table. It’s perfect for cozy nights, family gatherings, or when you simply crave a bowl of creamy soup. With tender chicken, soft gnocchi, and vibrant spinach enveloped in a rich broth, this recipe stands out for its ease of preparation and scrumptious taste.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This soup comes together in under 35 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights.
• Family-Friendly: The creamy texture and mild flavors appeal to both kids and adults, ensuring everyone at the table will enjoy it.
• Hearty and Filling: With protein from chicken and carbohydrates from gnocchi, this soup is satisfying enough to be a meal on its own.
• Customizable Ingredients: Easily swap in your favorite vegetables or adjust the seasoning to match your taste preferences.
• Great for Meal Prep: Make a large batch and store leftovers in the fridge or freezer for quick meals later.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, having the right tools on hand is essential. This will streamline your preparation and ensure everything goes smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Whisk
• Ladle
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot or Dutch oven: Ideal for cooking soups as it provides ample space for simmering ingredients without spilling.
• Whisk: Perfect for combining ingredients smoothly, especially when working with flour and liquids to avoid lumps.

Ingredients

Base Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons Butter
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1 cup finely diced onion
• 1/2 cup finely diced celery
• 2 garlic cloves, minced

Thickening Agents

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 quart half-and-half

Soup Components

• 28 ounces chicken broth
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)

Fresh Additions

• 1 cup carrots (finely shredded)
• 1 cup spinach leaves (coarsely chopped)
• 1 cup chicken breast (cooked and diced)
• 16 ounces package ready-to-use gnocchi

How to Make Homemade Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Step 1: Create the Base

In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt 4 tablespoons of butter together with 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. This forms the flavorful base for your soup.

Step 2: Cook Aromatics

Add 1 cup finely diced onion, 1/2 cup finely diced celery, and 2 minced garlic cloves. Cook while stirring occasionally until the onion becomes translucent and softened, about 4-5 minutes.

Step 3: Add Flour & Half-and-Half

Whisk in 1/4 cup all-purpose flour and cook for about 1 minute to eliminate the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in 1 quart of half-and-half. Allow the mixture to simmer gently until it thickens slightly.

Step 4: Incorporate Broth & Seasonings

Pour in 28 ounces of chicken broth. Stir to combine and simmer until the soup thickens again, about 5-7 minutes. Add seasonings—1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley flakes, optional nutmeg, and salt—and mix well.

Step 5: Add Vegetables & Chicken

Stir in 1 cup of finely shredded carrots, 1 cup coarsely chopped spinach leaves, and 1 cup cooked diced chicken breast along with the ready-to-use gnocchi. Simmer gently until the gnocchi float and everything is heated through, approximately 3-5 minutes.

Step 6: Final Adjustments & Serve

Taste your soup! Adjust seasoning with additional salt if needed. Serve hot and enjoy your comforting homemade Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup!

How to Serve Homemade Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Serving your Homemade Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is all about enhancing its creamy, comforting flavors. Here are some delightful suggestions to make your meal even more enjoyable.

With Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Parsley: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and flavor.
• Thyme Sprigs: Garnish with a few thyme sprigs to complement the soup’s herbaceous notes.

Accompanied by Bread

• Crusty Bread: Serve with slices of crusty bread for dipping, perfect for soaking up the rich broth.
• Garlic Breadsticks: Pair with warm garlic breadsticks for a classic touch that everyone loves.

As a Light Meal

• Simple Salad: Offer a light side salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a vinaigrette dressing to balance the richness of the soup.
• Cheese Platter: Present a small cheese platter featuring mild cheeses like mozzarella or provolone to enhance your meal.

How to Perfect Homemade Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Perfecting this soup will ensure you have the most delicious and comforting bowl every time. Here are some key tips to take your soup to the next level.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh chicken and vegetables enhance the flavor and texture of the soup significantly.
• Adjust Thickness: If you prefer a thicker soup, let it simmer longer or add an extra tablespoon of flour at the beginning.
• Season Gradually: Taste and adjust seasoning throughout cooking for the best flavor integration.
• Gnocchi Cooking Time: Be careful not to overcook the gnocchi; they should float when done, which indicates they’re ready.
• Experiment with Spices: Feel free to add other herbs like basil or oregano for extra depth in flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Homemade Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Pairing your Homemade Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup with complementary side dishes can elevate your meal. Here are some excellent options.

1. Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad adds crunch and tanginess that contrasts beautifully with the creamy soup.
2. Caprese Salad: Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil provide a refreshing taste that pairs well with hearty soups.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Offer a mix of seasonal roasted vegetables for added nutrition and flavor diversity.
4. Cheesy Garlic Biscuits: These buttery biscuits are perfect for mopping up every last drop of soup.
5. Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory stuffed mushrooms bring an earthy element that enhances the overall dining experience.
6. Zucchini Fritters: Lightly fried zucchini fritters add a nice crunch and are easy to prepare alongside your soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making the Homemade Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to help you avoid them.

• Using cold chicken broth: Make sure your chicken broth is at room temperature or warmed before adding it to the pot. This helps maintain the temperature of your soup and ensures even cooking.

• Skipping the flour step: Do not skip whisking in the flour before adding the half-and-half. This step creates a roux that thickens your soup, giving it that rich texture.

• Overcooking vegetables: Be careful not to overcook your onions and garlic. You want them soft and translucent but not browned, as this can change the flavor profile of your soup.

• Ignoring seasoning adjustments: Always taste your soup before serving. You may need to adjust salt or other seasonings to suit your taste. Don’t forget that flavors can deepen as the soup sits.

• Not following ingredient measurements: Stick closely to ingredient measurements for best results. Adjusting too much can alter the consistency and flavor of your Homemade Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Homemade Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• It can last up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Homemade Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish until warmed through.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe container and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between until hot.
• Stovetop: Pour into a pot and heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about the Homemade Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup recipe.

Can I use frozen gnocchi for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen gnocchi. Just add them directly to the soup without thawing; they will cook as the soup simmers.

How do I make a vegetarian version of this soup?

To make a vegetarian version of this Homemade Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe, replace chicken with extra vegetables or beans and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

What if I don’t have half-and-half?

You can substitute half-and-half with a mixture of milk and heavy cream for a similar creamy texture in your Homemade Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe.

Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like peas or bell peppers for more flavor and nutrition in your soup.

Final Thoughts

This Homemade Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize it by adding different vegetables or adjusting seasonings based on your preferences. Give it a try, and enjoy this comforting dish any night of the week!