Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup brings the warmth and comfort of Italian cuisine right to your kitchen. This delightful dish is hearty and rich, with flavors that evoke cherished memories of family gatherings and evenings spent indulging in cozy meals. The combination of tender gnocchi, juicy rotisserie chicken, and fresh spinach in a creamy broth makes this recipe a perfect choice for any occasion. In just a few simple steps, you’ll have a bowl of goodness that warms the heart and satisfies the soul.

Ingredients

To make this creamy, savory soup, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil: This fragrant oil adds a rich layer of flavor to the dish.
• 2 Tbsp butter: Creamy and aromatic, butter enriches the base of the soup.
• 1/2 onion, finely diced: Sweet and tender, onions provide the foundation of the soup’s flavor.
• 2 tsp minced garlic: Aromatic and zesty, garlic elevates the dish to new heights.
• 1 cup shredded carrots: These add a crisp sweetness and vibrant color to the soup.
• 1/4 cup flour: To thicken the soup, flour creates a satisfying texture.
• 6-1/2 cups chicken broth: A savory base that brings all the flavors together.
• 2-3 cups chopped rotisserie chicken: Juicy and convenient, cooked chicken adds depth and heartiness.
• 1 tsp thyme: Earthy and fragrant, thyme enhances the overall aroma of the soup.
• 1/2 tsp rosemary: A hint of piney flavor that complements the other herbs beautifully.
• 1 tsp salt & 1/2 tsp black pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing the flavors.
• 1 cup chopped fresh spinach: This adds a pop of color and a nutritious boost.
• 16 oz gnocchi: Tender and fluffy, gnocchi serves as a delightful addition.
• 1 cup heavy cream: Rich and velvety, cream provides luxurious creaminess to the soup.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. In a non-stick stock pot, melt the butter and olive oil together over medium-high heat. The butter should foam and bubble harmoniously.
2. Next, add the finely diced onions and minced garlic. Stir them gently for about 2-3 minutes until the onions become translucent and fragrant.
3. Once the onions are ready, sprinkle in the flour. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring continuously to ensure it doesn’t clump together.
4. Gradually add the chicken broth, stirring to combine with the flour mixture. Next, introduce the shredded rotisserie chicken, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. Stir it frequently to prevent sticking and to meld the flavors together.
6. After 15 minutes, add the chopped spinach and gnocchi to the pot. Return the soup to a simmer for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the gnocchi to cook through.
7. Finally, drizzle in the heavy cream. Stir the soup well and bring it to a gentle simmer one last time before serving. Enjoy the aroma wafting through your kitchen!

Tips & Tricks

• For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of lemon juice just before serving. This brightens the dish significantly.
• Customize the soup by adding your favorite vegetables, such as peas or mushrooms.
• If you prefer a thicker soup, simply let it simmer longer or add a bit more flour.
• Adjust the seasoning to suit your palate; more salt or pepper can enhance the flavors.
• Make this soup ahead of time; the flavors deepen as it sits!

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is best served hot and fresh. Pair it with a crusty loaf of bread for dipping or a fresh side salad for a complete meal. This soup is perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or even a comforting lunch. Additionally, consider serving it with a glass of sparkling water or a light, non-alcoholic beverage to balance the richness of the soup.

Nutritional Information

This delicious soup typically contains around 450 calories per serving, making it a filling and comforting meal option. It provides a good source of protein from the chicken, while the vegetables offer essential vitamins and minerals. Balancing it with additional healthy sides will create a well-rounded meal.

Storing Tips & Variations

To store Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth to restore its creamy consistency.

For variations, consider substituting the chicken with shredded turkey for a post-holiday meal, or make it vegetarian by omitting the chicken and adding more veggies, beans, or tofu for protein.

Conclusion

With its rich flavors and cozy textures, Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a dish your family is sure to love. We encourage you to recreate this delightful recipe at home and enjoy these heartwarming flavors together. Don’t forget to share your experience and let us know how your version turned out!

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen gnocchi for this recipe?
   Yes, frozen gnocchi can be used; just add them directly to the soup without thawing.

2. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
   Absolutely! Substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative.

3. How can I make this soup gluten-free?
   Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch as a thickening agent instead of regular flour.

4. Can I add other proteins like sausage?
   Yes, Italian sausage or even shrimp can be great additions to this soup for extra flavor.

5. What should I do if my soup is too thick?
   You can easily adjust the consistency by adding more chicken broth or water until it reaches your desired thickness.

Chicken Gnocchi Soup

A creamy and savory soup featuring tender gnocchi, juicy rotisserie chicken, and fresh spinach in a rich broth, perfect for any occasion.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Main Course, Soup

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 450

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Base Ingredients

• 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil Adds a rich layer of flavor.
• 2 Tbsp butter Enriches the soup base.
• 1/2 cup onion, finely diced Provides the foundation flavor.
• 2 tsp minced garlic Elevates the flavor.
• 1 cup shredded carrots Adds sweetness and color.
• 1/4 cup flour Thickens the soup.
• 6.5 cups chicken broth Savory base for the soup.
• 2-3 cups chopped rotisserie chicken Adds heartiness and convenience.
• 1 tsp thyme Enhances the aroma.
• 1/2 tsp rosemary Complements other herbs.
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper Essential for seasoning.
• 1 cup chopped fresh spinach Adds nutrition and color.
• 16 oz gnocchi Tender addition to the soup.
• 1 cup heavy cream Provides creaminess.

Method

 

Preparation

1. In a non-stick stock pot, melt the butter and olive oil together over medium-high heat.
2. Add the finely diced onions and minced garlic. Stir for about 2-3 minutes until the onions become translucent.
3. Sprinkle in the flour and cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring continuously to avoid clumping.
4. Gradually add the chicken broth, stirring to combine with the flour mixture, then add the shredded chicken, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium and let it simmer for about 15 minutes.
6. Add the chopped spinach and gnocchi, returning the soup to a simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
7. Drizzle in the heavy cream, stir well, and bring to a gentle simmer before serving.

Notes

For extra flavor, add a splash of lemon juice just before serving. Customize with your favorite vegetables or proteins. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge or 2 months in the freezer.