Homemade Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Introduction

This Homemade Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a creamy, comforting dish perfect for any day. Packed with tender chicken, fresh spinach, and pillowy gnocchi, it’s a hearty meal that’s easy to make at home.

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
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 quart half-and-half
• 28 ounces chicken broth
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
• 1 cup carrots, finely shredded
• 1 cup spinach leaves, coarsely chopped
• 1 cup cooked chicken breast, diced
• 16 ounces package ready-to-use gnocchi

Instructions

1. Step 1: Melt the butter and olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Step 2: Add the diced onion, celery, and minced garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent.
3. Step 3: Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute. Slowly whisk in the half-and-half and simmer until the mixture thickens.
4. Step 4: Add the chicken broth and simmer until the soup thickens again. Stir in salt, thyme, parsley, nutmeg (if using), shredded carrots, chopped spinach, diced chicken, and gnocchi.
5. Step 5: Simmer the soup until heated through and the gnocchi is tender. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt if needed before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, sauté the vegetables in garlic butter before adding flour.
• Substitute half-and-half with heavy cream for a richer soup.
• Add freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top when serving for added depth.
• Use kale instead of spinach for a different green and texture.

Storage

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Because gnocchi can soften over time, it’s best enjoyed fresh but will still be tasty after reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen gnocchi for this soup?

Yes, frozen gnocchi works well. Just add it directly to the simmering soup and cook until tender, following the package instructions for timing.

Is it possible to make this soup dairy-free?

You can replace the half-and-half with a dairy-free milk alternative like coconut milk or almond milk, but the soup will be less creamy. Using a dairy-free butter substitute also helps maintain flavor.

Homemade Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 83 reviews

• Author: lina
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Halal

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Description

This Homemade Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a creamy and comforting dish inspired by the beloved restaurant favorite. Featuring tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, fresh spinach, and shredded carrots in a rich, flavorful broth thickened with a touch of butter, flour, and half-and-half, this soup is perfect for cozy nights and family dinners.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Sauté Base

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

Thickener and Dairy

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

Broth and Seasonings

• 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 additional for seasoning

Vegetables and Protein

• 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

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Instructions

1. Heat the Butter and Olive Oil: Melt the butter and olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. This combination provides a flavorful base for the soup.
2. Sauté Aromatics: Add the diced onion, celery, and minced garlic to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
3. Add Flour and Half-and-Half: Whisk in the all-purpose flour to coat the sautéed vegetables and cook for about 1 minute to eliminate the raw flour taste. Slowly whisk in the half-and-half, stirring continuously, then let the mixture simmer until it thickens slightly.
4. Incorporate Chicken Broth and Seasonings: Gradually whisk in the chicken broth. Allow the soup to simmer again until it thickens to a creamy consistency. Stir in salt, dried thyme, dried parsley flakes, and nutmeg if using.
5. Add Vegetables, Chicken, and Gnocchi: Stir in the shredded carrots, chopped spinach, diced cooked chicken, and gnocchi. Continue to simmer the soup until everything is heated through and the gnocchi is tender, about 3 to 5 minutes.
6. Final Seasoning and Serve: Taste the soup and season with additional salt if needed. Serve hot, enjoying the comforting, creamy flavors.

Notes

• You can substitute half-and-half with heavy cream or whole milk for a richer or lighter soup, respectively.
• Use store-bought cooked rotisserie chicken to save time.
• Fresh spinach can be swapped for kale or Swiss chard for variation.
• If gnocchi is not readily available, small pasta like mini shells or tortellini can be used instead.
• For a thicker soup, simmer a few extra minutes; to thin, add more chicken broth.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Keywords: Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup, creamy chicken soup, homemade chicken gnocchi soup, comfort food soup