This homemade version of Olive Garden’s famous Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a hearty and creamy dish that’s perfect for cozy nights in. Packed with tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a rich, flavorful broth, this soup comes together in just 30 minutes and will warm you from the inside out.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Simple: With a total prep and cook time of only 30 minutes, this soup is easy enough for a weeknight meal.
- Comfort in a Bowl: The combination of creamy broth, chicken, and gnocchi makes this soup both satisfying and comforting.
- Nutritious: With fresh spinach and lean chicken, this soup has a good balance of protein and vegetables.
- Customizable: Feel free to add extra vegetables or even substitute the spinach with kale for a different twist.
- Family-Friendly: Everyone will love the rich, creamy flavors, making it a hit for family meals.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups fresh or frozen gnocchi
- 2 cups fresh spinach
Directions
1. Cook the Chicken
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Remove any excess oil.
2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the onion softens and becomes translucent.
3. Simmer the Broth
Stir in the chicken broth, dried thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring the soup to a simmer and let it cook for about 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
4. Add the Cream and Gnocchi
Pour in the heavy cream and add the gnocchi to the pot. Stir well and continue to cook for 4-5 minutes, or until the gnocchi are tender and float to the surface.
5. Stir in the Spinach
Add the spinach and stir it into the soup until it wilts down, about 1-2 minutes.
6. Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot, garnished with optional fresh herbs or grated Parmesan.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Use Fresh or Frozen Gnocchi: Fresh gnocchi cooks faster than frozen, but both work equally well. If using frozen gnocchi, you might need to adjust the cooking time slightly.
- Add Veggies: You can add carrots or celery for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Make It Creamier: For an even richer soup, increase the amount of cream.
- For a Shortcut: Use rotisserie chicken to save time on cooking the chicken.
How to Serve
- With Garlic Bread: Serve alongside crispy, buttery garlic bread for dipping.
- With a Side Salad: A fresh green salad with vinaigrette pairs perfectly to balance out the creamy soup.
- With Parmesan: Grate fresh Parmesan cheese on top of the soup for added richness.
Make Ahead and Storage
- Storing Leftovers: This soup can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: While the soup can be frozen, the texture of the gnocchi may change slightly when reheated. Store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month.
- Reheating: Reheat the soup over low heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally.
FAQs
1. Can I use other types of pasta instead of gnocchi?
Yes, you can substitute gnocchi with small pasta shapes, like penne or rotini.
2. Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative.
3. Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen spinach works just as well—just be sure to thaw and drain it before adding it to the soup.
4. Can I use bone-in chicken?
You can use bone-in chicken, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time, and it may take longer for the chicken to cook through.
5. Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, you can omit the chicken and use vegetable broth to make the soup vegetarian.
6. What other herbs can I add?
You can experiment with herbs like rosemary or bay leaves for a different flavor.
7. How do I prevent the gnocchi from getting mushy?
Avoid overcooking the gnocchi by adding them towards the end of the cooking process.
8. Can I add cheese to the soup?
Yes, you can sprinkle some shredded mozzarella or Parmesan on top for extra flavor.
9. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can cook the chicken and broth in a slow cooker for 3-4 hours on low, then add the gnocchi and spinach during the last 30 minutes.
10. How do I make the soup thicker?
To thicken the soup, you can add a cornstarch slurry or blend a small portion of the soup and stir it back in.
Conclusion
This Olive Garden-inspired Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a comforting, easy-to-make dish that brings together creamy broth, tender chicken, and soft gnocchi in a way that’s perfect for any season. With a few simple ingredients, you can enjoy a restaurant-quality soup right at home. Enjoy it as a hearty meal for the whole family!
Print
Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This hearty, creamy, and flavorful Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a copycat of the beloved Olive Garden favorite. Tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and fresh spinach come together in a rich, comforting broth with the perfect balance of seasonings. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying soup for a cozy day, this recipe is sure to become a go-to in your kitchen. It’s easy to make, full of flavor, and guaranteed to warm you up!
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups fresh or frozen gnocchi
- 2 cups fresh spinach
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot, cooking until the onion is softened and translucent.
- Stir in the chicken broth, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes to combine the flavors.
- Add the heavy cream and gnocchi to the pot, stirring to combine. Let the soup simmer for an additional 4-5 minutes, or until the gnocchi are tender and cooked through.
- Stir in the fresh spinach and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until the spinach wilts and the soup is heated through.
- Serve hot and enjoy the rich, creamy goodness!
Notes
- For an extra creamy soup, you can add more heavy cream or even a bit of cream cheese.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash some of the gnocchi with a spoon to thicken the broth.
- This soup can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently on the stove before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes