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Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

A cozy and creamy chicken gnocchi soup inspired by the beloved Olive Garden version, perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Comfort Food, Main Course, Soup
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the soup base
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
  • 1 medium onion, diced A sweet yellow onion works beautifully here.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced Fresh garlic adds a rich aroma; if you prefer, garlic powder can be used.
  • 2 medium carrots, diced Fresh carrots bring sweetness; substitute with parsnips for a unique twist.
  • 2 stalks celery, diced Don't skip this; it adds a beautiful texture.
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme For that herbaceous depth.
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil Dried herbs work well, but fresh basil provides an even stronger flavor.
  • 6 cups chicken broth Aim for low-sodium for better control over seasoning.
For the main ingredients
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded Use rotisserie chicken for an easy shortcut or grill some seasoned chicken breasts.
  • 1 package gnocchi (16 oz) Fresh or store-bought, potato gnocchi is delightful.
  • 2 cups fresh spinach A perfect addition for color and nutrition; feel free to substitute with kale if desired.
  • 1 cup heavy cream For that luxurious texture; half-and-half can be a lighter option.
  • to taste Salt and black pepper Adjust based on your preferences.
  • for serving Grated Parmesan cheese A sprinkle of fresh Parmesan elevates the dish!

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add your diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook down for about 5 minutes until softened and fragrant, stirring occasionally.
  2. Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for another minute until it becomes fragrant. Add the dried thyme and basil, giving it a good stir to combine everything.
  3. Add the chicken broth to the pot and bring it to a gentle boil.
Cooking
  1. Reduce the heat to a simmer and toss in your shredded chicken and gnocchi. Simmer for 5-7 minutes or until the gnocchi float to the top, indicating that they’re cooked through.
  2. Add the fresh spinach and pour in the heavy cream. Let everything cook together for another 2-3 minutes until it thickens.
  3. Season to taste with salt and black pepper. Ladle into bowls, top with Parmesan if desired, and serve hot!

Notes

Keep an eye on the pot; if using fresh gnocchi, they tend to cook quickly. For a creamier soup, allow it to simmer a bit longer after adding the cream.