Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

This Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a delightful blend of creamy goodness, tender chicken, and soft gnocchi. Perfect for chilly evenings or any gathering, this soup provides comfort in every spoonful. With its vibrant vegetables and rich flavors, it’s sure to impress family and friends alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comforting and Hearty: This soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for warming up on a cold day.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps and minimal prep time, you can whip up this delicious meal in no time.
• Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of fresh vegetables, chicken, and herbs creates a rich and satisfying taste.
• Versatile Dish: Great as a main course or served as an appetizer for larger gatherings.
• Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or adjust seasonings to suit your taste.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start making your Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup, gather the essential tools you’ll need. Having everything ready will make the cooking process smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Wooden spoon
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: This is essential for cooking the soup evenly without spilling.
• Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring ingredients without scratching your pot’s surface.
• Knife: A sharp knife makes chopping vegetables quick and safe.

Ingredients

To make this Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup, gather the following ingredients:

For the Base

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion (diced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 medium carrots (diced)
• 2 stalks celery (diced)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried basil

For the Soup

• 6 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded)
• 1 package (16 oz) gnocchi
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1 cup heavy cream

Seasonings

• to taste salt
• to taste black pepper

Optional Garnish

• for serving grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

How to Make Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
* Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery.
* Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Herbs

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
* Add dried thyme and basil.

Step 3: Incorporate Broth and Chicken

Pour in the chicken broth.
* Bring to a boil.

Step 4: Cook Gnocchi

Once boiling, reduce heat to a simmer.
* Add shredded chicken and gnocchi.
* Cook for about 5–7 minutes until the gnocchi float to the top and are tender.

Step 5: Finish with Spinach and Cream

Stir in fresh spinach and heavy cream.
* Cook for another 2–3 minutes.
* Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 6: Serve Warm

Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your comforting bowl of Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup!

How to Serve Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Serving Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup can elevate your dining experience. This creamy and hearty dish pairs well with various sides and garnishes that enhance its flavors.

With Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Parsley: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness.
• Thyme Leaves: Add a few thyme leaves to complement the soup’s herbal notes.

Accompanied by Bread

• Garlic Bread: Serve warm garlic bread on the side for dipping into the rich soup.
• Crusty Baguette: A slice of crusty baguette adds texture and is perfect for soaking up the broth.

Topped with Cheese

• Grated Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese enhances the soup’s creaminess and flavor.
• Mozzarella Shreds: Top with mozzarella for a gooey, cheesy finish.

How to Perfect Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

To achieve the best version of Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup, consider these helpful tips:

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs make a noticeable difference in flavor.
• Adjust Creaminess: For a lighter soup, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
• Cook Gnocchi Separately: For firmer gnocchi, cook them separately and add them just before serving.
• Season Gradually: Taste as you go to ensure the right balance of salt and spices.
• Let it Rest: Allowing the soup to sit for 10 minutes before serving enhances the flavors.

Best Side Dishes for Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Pairing Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup with the right sides can complete your meal. Here are some excellent options:

1. Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze add a refreshing touch.
2. Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce tossed with Caesar dressing offers a crunchy contrast to the creamy soup.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies bring depth and nutrition to your meal.
4. Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory stuffed mushrooms provide an elegant bite-sized option.
5. Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes, garlic, and basil acts as a light accompaniment.
6. Mixed Greens Salad: A simple salad with mixed greens dressed lightly complements the richness of the soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup can be easy, but avoiding common mistakes will enhance your dish.

• Using too much cream: Adding excessive cream can overwhelm the soup. Stick to the recipe’s amount for a balanced flavor.
• Not cooking the gnocchi properly: Undercooked gnocchi can be chewy. Ensure they float and are tender before serving.
• Skipping fresh herbs: Fresh herbs add vibrant flavors. Don’t skip them; use dried herbs only as a last resort.
• Overcooking spinach: Overcooked spinach loses its vibrant color and nutrients. Add it at the end of cooking for the best results.
• Ignoring seasoning: Under-seasoned soup lacks depth. Taste and adjust salt and pepper before serving for optimal flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Allow the soup to cool completely before sealing.

Freezing Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months.
• Portion out servings for easy reheating later.

Reheating Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover, and heat for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through until hot.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until heated thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup.

Can I use homemade chicken broth?

Yes! Homemade chicken broth adds great flavor to Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup.

Is there a vegetarian version of this soup?

Absolutely! Replace chicken with extra vegetables or plant-based protein and use vegetable broth.

How can I customize Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup?

Feel free to add other vegetables like peas or mushrooms based on your preferences!

What type of gnocchi should I use?

You can use store-bought potato gnocchi or make your own for this recipe.

Final Thoughts

This Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is not just comforting, but it’s also versatile. With its creamy texture and rich flavors, you can easily customize it to fit your taste. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or experiment with different ingredients, it’s sure to be a hit at your dinner table. Give it a try today!