Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

This creamy and comforting soup is just like the one from Olive Garden! It has soft potato gnocchi, tender chicken, fresh spinach, and a rich, flavorful broth. Perfect for a cozy meal, and it’s ready in just 35 minutes!

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Ingredients Needed:

• 4 tablespoons Butter
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1 cup finely diced onion
• 1/2 cup finely diced celery
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1-quart half-and-half
• 28 ounces chicken broth
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
• 1 cup carrots
• 1 cup spinach leaves 
• 1 cup chicken breast 
• 16 ounces package ready-to-use gnocchi

How To Make Chicken Gnocchi Soup?

1. Sauté the vegetables: Melt butter with olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, celery, and garlic, and cook until the onion turns soft and clear.
2. Make the soup base: Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly pour in the half-and-half while whisking. Let it simmer until it thickens.
3. Add broth and seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth, then let it simmer until slightly thickened. Stir in salt, thyme, parsley, and nutmeg (if using).
4. Add chicken and gnocchi: Mix in the shredded carrots, chopped spinach, diced chicken, and gnocchi. Let everything cook until heated through.
5. Taste and serve: Adjust the salt if needed, then serve warm and enjoy!

Recipe Tips:

• Use Fresh Gnocchi for Best Texture: If possible, use fresh gnocchi instead of packaged ones. Fresh gnocchi stays soft and tender, while some store-bought gnocchi can turn chewy or break apart in the soup.
• Simmer Gently to Avoid Curdling: Half-and-half can curdle if boiled too hard. Keep the heat on low or medium and stir often to prevent the soup from breaking.
• Thicken the Soup If Needed: If the soup is too thin, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water, then stir it into the soup and let it simmer for a few more minutes.
• Add Gnocchi at the End: Gnocchi cooks very fast, usually in just a few minutes. Add it at the end to prevent it from becoming too soft or mushy.
• Season at the End for Perfect Flavor: Chicken broth and store-bought gnocchi can already have salt, so wait until the soup is finished to add extra seasoning. Taste first, then adjust as needed.

How To Store & Reheat Leftovers?

• Refrigerate: Let the soup cool down before storing. Put it in a sealed container and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: If you want to freeze it, store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
• Reheat: Pour the soup into a pot and warm it over low heat, stirring often. Add a splash of broth or milk if it seems too thick.

Nutrition Facts:

• Calories: 369 kcal
• Total Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Cholesterol: 70mg
• Sodium: 695mg
• Potassium: 420mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 32g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 1g
• Protein: 11g