Indulge in the comforting flavors of Olive Garden right in your own kitchen with this delightful copycat recipe for Chicken Gnocchi Soup. Rich and creamy, this soup features tender chicken, pillowy potato gnocchi, and a medley of vegetables, all simmered in a savory broth. With aromatic herbs and a touch of Parmesan cheese, each spoonful brings the warmth and satisfaction of a restaurant-quality dish. Perfect for cozy evenings or when you’re craving a taste of Italian-inspired comfort, this homemade version captures the essence of Olive Garden’s beloved Chicken Gnocchi Soup. Get ready to savor a bowl of pure comfort with this easy-to-follow recipe.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup finely diced onion
- 1/2 cup finely diced celery
- 1/2 cup finely diced carrots
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 4 cups half-and-half
- 16 oz potato gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions:
- Cook and shred the chicken breasts. Set aside.
- In a large pot, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, celery, and carrots. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add minced garlic, dried thyme, dried oregano, dried rosemary, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir well to coat. Cook for 2-3 minutes to remove the raw taste of the flour.
- Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, ensuring there are no lumps. Once the broth is incorporated, add the half-and-half, stirring continuously.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and then add the shredded chicken and gnocchi. Cook until the gnocchi is tender and cooked through, following the package instructions if store-bought.
- Add chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
- Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese.
Why You’ll Love it:
- Rich and Creamy Texture: The combination of half-and-half, butter, and olive oil creates a luxurious and creamy base that envelops each ingredient, delivering a satisfying and comforting texture.
- Hearty and Filling: Packed with shredded chicken, potato gnocchi, and fresh spinach, this soup is a wholesome and filling meal that will leave you satisfied and content.
- Homemade Goodness: There’s something special about preparing a beloved restaurant dish at home. This recipe allows you to enjoy the flavors of Olive Garden in the comfort of your own kitchen, with the added satisfaction of creating it from scratch.
- Aromatic Herb Blend: The infusion of dried thyme, oregano, rosemary, and basil provides a fragrant and savory backdrop, enhancing the overall flavor profile and adding depth to each spoonful.
- Versatility: Easily adaptable to your preferences, you can adjust the seasoning, add extra vegetables, or customize the broth to make it uniquely yours. It’s a versatile recipe that invites creativity.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re looking for a cozy weeknight dinner or an impressive soup to serve at gatherings, this Chicken Gnocchi Soup fits the bill. Its universal appeal makes it a go-to option for various occasions.
- Family-Friendly: Loved by both adults and kids, this soup is a family-friendly dish that can be enjoyed by everyone around the table. The combination of familiar ingredients makes it a crowd-pleaser.
- Easy to Make: While it captures the essence of a restaurant-quality soup, this recipe is straightforward and manageable for home cooks. The step-by-step instructions ensure a smooth cooking process, even for those with limited experience in the kitchen.
How to store it:
To store homemade Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup properly and maintain its freshness, follow these guidelines:
- Refrigeration:
- Allow the soup to cool to room temperature before refrigerating.
- Transfer the soup to an airtight container or cover the pot with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing:
- If you want to extend the storage time, consider freezing the soup.
- Portion the soup into individual airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion.
- Label the containers with the date for reference.
- Frozen Chicken Gnocchi Soup can be stored for about 2-3 months.
- Thawing and Reheating:
- When ready to enjoy the soup, transfer it from the freezer to the refrigerator and allow it to thaw overnight.
- Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. Alternatively, you can use a microwave, stirring intermittently.
- Ensure the soup reaches a safe and thorough internal temperature before serving.
- Note on Gnocchi:
- Keep in mind that the texture of the potato gnocchi may change slightly after freezing and reheating. If possible, you can add fresh gnocchi when reheating for a better texture.
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Avoid Repeated Freezing and Thawing:
- To maintain the quality of the soup, try to avoid repeatedly freezing and thawing the entire batch. Consider freezing in smaller portions that you plan to use at once.
