Name: Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 3-4 pieces boneless skinless chicken breasts (cooked and diced); 1 stalk celery (chopped); ½ cup white onion (diced); 2 teaspoons minced garlic; ½ cup shredded carrots; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 4 cups low sodium chicken broth; salt (to taste); pepper (to taste); 1 teaspoon thyme; 16 ounces potato gnocchi; 2 cups half and half (see note); 1 cup fresh spinach (roughly chopped)

Introduction to Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

When the chill of autumn settles in, there's nothing quite like a warm bowl of homemade soup to lift your spirits. Enter the Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup! This comforting dish captures the essence of the beloved restaurant recipe and brings it right to your kitchen in just 30 minutes. Imagine gathering your friends or family around the table, the tantalizing aroma wafting through your home, as you dish out this creamy delight.

Why is homemade soup a game changer?

Making soup at home opens up a world of flavor and creativity. Not only can you control the ingredients, allowing for healthier choices, but you also get the satisfying experience of crafting a comforting meal from scratch. Plus, there’s something particularly heartwarming about cooking together—it's a perfect opportunity for quality time!

Did you know that homemade soup can also be more economical? By using ingredients you likely have on hand, such as chicken, vegetables, and gnocchi, you save money and reduce food waste. And the best part? You can easily adjust flavors to your liking, making it as cozy and indulgent as you desire.

So grab your apron, and let’s dive into the delicious world of Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup! It’s a delightful way to cozy up and nourish your body and soul.

For more tips on creating delicious soups, check out this article on soup benefits.

Ingredients for Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

If you're ready to whip up a comforting and creamy Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup right in your kitchen, gathering the right ingredients is essential. Below, you’ll find everything you need to get started on this delicious recipe.

Essential ingredients you'll need

3-4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cooked and diced
1 stalk of celery, chopped
½ white onion, diced
2 teaspoons minced garlic
½ cup shredded carrots
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon thyme
16 ounces potato gnocchi
2 cups half and half
1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped

These ingredients come together to create a rich and hearty soup, perfect for any night of the week!

Optional ingredients for added flavor

While the essential ingredients create a delicious foundation, consider enhancing your soup with these optional additions:

Fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a burst of freshness
A splash of lemon juice for a zesty twist
Grated Parmesan cheese to sprinkle on top before serving

Experimenting with these optional ingredients can elevate your Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup even further. Why not give them a try? Happy cooking!

Preparing Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Making the delicious Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup at home is not just a treat for your taste buds but also a wonderful way to warm up your kitchen. This creamy, savory soup comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it the perfect weeknight meal. Let’s dive into the preparation process!

Gather and Prepare Ingredients

Before we get cooking, it’s essential to have all your ingredients ready. Gather the following:

3-4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cooked and diced
1 stalk of celery, chopped
½ white onion, diced
2 teaspoons minced garlic
½ cup shredded carrots
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 cups low sodium chicken broth
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon thyme
16 ounces potato gnocchi
2 cups half and half (consider swapping for heavy cream for richer flavor)
1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped

Make sure to chop everything beforehand, as it helps speed up the cooking process! Once you’ve prepped, you’ll be ready to embark on your culinary adventure.

Sauté the Vegetables

Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. It’s time for those veggies to shine! Add the chopped celery, diced onions, minced garlic, and shredded carrots to the pot. Sauté them for about 2-3 minutes, or until the onions become translucent. This step not only brings out the flavors but also creates a delightful aroma that’ll get everyone excited for dinner!

Combine Chicken and Broth

Next, stir in the diced chicken, chicken broth, salt, pepper, and thyme. Bring this comforting mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, carefully add the potato gnocchi. Let it boil for an additional 3-4 minutes. After that, reduce the heat to let it simmer for about 10 minutes. This process allows the gnocchi to absorb all those wonderful flavors, enhancing your olive garden chicken gnocchi soup!

Cook the Gnocchi

As the soup simmers, keep an eye on those gnocchi. They should float to the top, signaling that they’re perfectly cooked. The magic of gnocchi is that it’s quick to prepare, making it an excellent choice for a speedy weeknight meal.

Stir in Cream and Spinach

Finally, it’s time to elevate your soup with a splash of cream and a handful of fresh spinach. Add the half and half (or heavy cream if you opted for that) and chopped spinach to the pot. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the spinach is tender and beautifully wilted. This final touch not only enhances the richness of the soup but also adds a lovely pop of color.

Now serve your homemade Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup hot, maybe with some crusty bread on the side. Enjoy the comfort and warmth of this delightful meal, and don’t forget to share it with friends and family!

Variations on Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Creamy Mushroom Chicken Gnocchi Soup

If you love the original Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup, why not try a creamy mushroom twist? Simply add sliced mushrooms to the sauté along with the celery and onions. Their earthy flavor complements the rich broth beautifully. For added nutrition, consider using cremini or shiitake mushrooms, which also bring unique textures to the table. This variation not only elevates the soup's creaminess but also introduces a luscious depth of flavor that mushroom lovers will adore!

Spinach and Chicken Gnocchi Soup

For a fresh and vibrant spin, toss in more spinach! You can even swap out some of the half and half for a splash of lemon juice to brighten each spoonful, giving it a delightful zesty kick. This version boosts the nutrient profile with added vitamins while keeping the comforting essence of the original recipe. Feel free to experiment with other greens, like kale or Swiss chard, to keep your rendition exciting!

Exploring these variations will keep your Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup nights fresh and fun!

Cooking notes for Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Tips for achieving the perfect creaminess

To make your Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup irresistibly creamy, start with half-and-half for a balanced richness. If you want to elevate the creaminess further, consider swapping out one cup of half-and-half for heavy cream. This small adjustment makes a big difference!

DON'T BOIL: Avoid boiling the soup after adding the cream to prevent curdling.
THICKER TEXTURE: For an even thicker soup, you can mix a bit of cornstarch in cold water and add it towards the end.
STIR GENTLY: When you add the spinach and cream, stir gently to retain that luscious texture.

Each step ensures your soup is velvety and comforting, perfect for any occasion!

Serving suggestions for Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

What to Pair with Your Soup

When enjoying your Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup, think about complementing it with vibrant and crispy options. A fresh house salad, tossed with a light vinaigrette, perfectly balances the creamy soup's richness. For an added flavor kick, consider garnishing your salad with sliced cherry tomatoes or kalamata olives.

Ideal Bread or Salad Accompaniments

Nothing pairs quite like warm, crusty breadsticks or Italian bread. For an extra layer of zest, spread some garlic butter on your breadsticks. Alternatively, you can serve the soup with a side of cheesy garlic bread to soak up the delicious broth! Wanna know more about salad options? Check out this guide on perfect salad accompaniments. Your dining experience will surely be elevated!

Time details for Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Preparation time

Getting your ingredients ready for this delicious Olive Garden chicken gnocchi soup takes about 10 minutes. Gather your diced chicken, chopped veggies, and those fluffy gnocchi to streamline the cooking process!

Cooking time

Once you're prepped, the cooking process is quick! The soup simmers for 20 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld beautifully. It’s perfect for a busy weeknight when you want something hearty and satisfying without hours in the kitchen.

Total time

In just 30 minutes, you can have a warm bowl of creamy chicken gnocchi soup ready to enjoy. It’s an ideal option for anyone looking to whip up a comforting dish without the wait. Don't you love meals that fit so easily into your schedule?

With this quick timeline, you’ll find that making this Olive Garden chicken gnocchi soup is not only doable but also enjoyable! Want to learn more about the benefits of enjoying homemade soups? Check out sources like Healthline for inspiration!

Nutritional Information for Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

When you're savoring a warm bowl of Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup, knowing the nutritional breakdown can enhance your dining experience. Here's a quick look at what you’ll find in each serving:

Calories

Packed with flavor, this soup contains approximately 523 calories per serving, making it a satisfying meal without going overboard on the calorie count.

Protein

As a protein powerhouse, the soup offers about 31 grams of protein. This high protein content comes from the chicken and contributes to a balanced meal, helping you feel full longer.

Sodium

For those watching their sodium intake, this soup has about 622 mg of sodium. Opting for low-sodium chicken broth can help lower this number while still retaining that delicious taste!

Enjoying Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup not only satiates your taste buds but also keeps you informed about what you're nourishing your body with. For more details on the benefits of the ingredients, you can explore nutrition articles from the USDA or Healthline.

FAQs about Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup ahead of time. Simply complete the cooking process and let the soup cool before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you're ready to enjoy it, reheat over low heat on the stove, adding a splash of broth or half and half to achieve the perfect consistency.

How can I make it lighter?

If you're looking to lighten up your Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup, simple substitutions can make a big difference. You can replace half the half-and-half with low-fat milk or even use almond milk for a dairy-free option. Additionally, choosing lean chicken breast and loading up on extra vegetables can keep the meal nutritious without losing flavor.

Is gnocchi gluten-free?

Traditional gnocchi is made with wheat flour, which means it’s not gluten-free. However, many brands now offer gluten-free variants made with potato or rice flour. If you or someone you’re serving has dietary restrictions, check the packaging before purchasing to ensure you’re using gluten-free gnocchi! For more information on gluten-free cooking, check out resources from the Celiac Disease Foundation.

Conclusion on Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

In conclusion, this Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is the perfect addition to your weeknight dinner rotation. Its creamy texture and delightful blend of flavors make it a comforting choice for busy professionals. Try making it at home for a quick, satisfying meal that rivals your favorite restaurant!