Are you craving a warm bowl of comfort? This Savory Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup recipe is your answer! Not only is it rich and creamy, but it’s also easy to make at home. I’ll guide you through every step, from gathering ingredients to perfecting those little dumplings. Soon, you’ll enjoy this favorite dish anytime you want, right in your kitchen. Let’s get started!
Ingredients
Essential Ingredients for Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
To make this delicious soup, you will need:
– 1 pound cooked chicken breast, shredded
– 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
– 1 medium onion, finely diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
– 2 cups heavy cream
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
– 1 cup carrots, diced small
– 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
– 1 pound gnocchi (fresh or refrigerated)
– Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
– Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
These ingredients come together to create a creamy, rich flavor that warms you up.
Optional Garnishes for Serving
To enhance your soup, consider these garnishes:
– Crusty bread for dipping
– A drizzle of olive oil on top
– Crushed red pepper flakes for a kick
These toppings add extra texture and flavor to the dish.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you don’t have all the ingredients, here are some swaps you can try:
– Use rotisserie chicken instead of cooked chicken breast for ease.
– Substitute half-and-half or milk for heavy cream if you want a lighter soup.
– Replace spinach with kale or Swiss chard for a different green.
These substitutions help you adapt the recipe to what you have on hand. For the full recipe, check out the detailed steps to make this comforting soup.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation of Base Ingredients
Start by gathering your ingredients. You will need:
– 1 pound cooked chicken breast, shredded
– 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
– 1 medium onion, finely diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
– 2 cups heavy cream
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
– 1 cup carrots, diced small
– 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
– 1 pound gnocchi (fresh or refrigerated)
– Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
– Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until the onion is soft and clear. Next, add the minced garlic. Sauté for another 1-2 minutes until the garlic smells great. Be careful not to burn it, as burnt garlic can ruin your dish.
Cooking the Soup
Now, it’s time to build the soup. Add the shredded chicken to the pot. Then pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Add the dried thyme and rosemary. Stir everything well with a wooden spoon.
Increase the heat slightly to bring the soup to a gentle simmer. Once it simmers, toss in the diced carrots. Cook them for about 5 minutes, just until they start to soften.
Next, gently add the gnocchi into the pot. Follow the package instructions, usually about 2-3 minutes. The gnocchi will float to the top when they are done.
After the gnocchi is cooked, stir in the chopped spinach. Cook for another minute until the spinach wilts and turns bright green.
Final Touches for Serving
Taste the soup and season it with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Adjust to your preference.
Now, you’re ready to serve! Ladle the creamy chicken gnocchi soup into bowls. Top each bowl with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of chopped parsley for a pop of color.
For a special touch, serve it with a piece of crusty bread. Enjoy this cozy dish that feels like a warm hug! For the complete recipe, refer to the Full Recipe section.
Tips & Tricks
How to Achieve the Perfect Creaminess
To get that rich and creamy texture, use heavy cream. It gives the soup a smooth finish. You can add the cream slowly while stirring. This helps to blend it well with the broth. If you want to lighten it, mix half heavy cream and half milk. You still get creaminess but with fewer calories.
Storing Leftovers Safely
When you have leftovers, cool the soup first. Use an airtight container to keep it fresh. Store it in the fridge for up to four days. If you want to save it longer, freeze it. Pour it into a freezer-safe bag and remove as much air as possible. It will last for three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight.
Preventing Gnocchi from Becoming Mushy
To keep your gnocchi firm, don’t cook it too long. Just follow the package instructions. They should float to the top when done. If you plan to store leftovers, consider cooking the gnocchi separately. Mix it in just before serving. This way, your gnocchi stays nice and tender.
These tips will help you enjoy a delicious bowl of Olive Garden chicken gnocchi soup every time! For the complete recipe, check the Full Recipe.
Variations
Healthier Adjustments for Chicken Gnocchi Soup
You can make simple changes to lighten up chicken gnocchi soup. Swap heavy cream for low-fat milk or a plant-based milk. This cuts calories without losing too much flavor. You can also add more veggies like zucchini or bell peppers. They boost nutrition and add great texture. Using less cheese, or a lighter cheese, can also help.
Vegetarian or Vegan Options
To create a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with mushrooms or chickpeas. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. For a vegan soup, swap heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream. This keeps the soup creamy while making it plant-based. Add tofu for protein and a nice bite. You can also throw in more greens like kale or Swiss chard.
Spicy Additions for a Flavor Kick
Want to spice things up? Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the pot. This gives the soup a nice kick. You can also mix in jalapeños or diced green chiles for more heat. If you like smoky flavors, try adding some smoked paprika. This adds depth and an exciting twist to the classic dish.
Nutritional Information
Caloric Breakdown per Serving
Each serving of Olive Garden chicken gnocchi soup has about 400 calories. This makes it a filling option without being overly heavy. The soup packs flavor and comfort without going overboard on calories.
Macronutrient Overview
This soup has balanced macronutrients. Here’s a quick look at what you’ll find in each serving:
– Protein: 25 grams from chicken and cream
– Carbohydrates: 35 grams, mainly from gnocchi and vegetables
– Fat: 18 grams, mainly from cream and olive oil
These numbers help you see that this dish can fit well into a balanced diet.
Key Vitamins and Minerals
Olive Garden chicken gnocchi soup is rich in important vitamins and minerals:
– Vitamin A: From carrots and spinach, helps with vision and skin health
– Calcium: Comes from cream and Parmesan, essential for strong bones
– Iron: Found in chicken and spinach, supports blood health
With this nutritional information, you can enjoy the rich flavors while knowing you’re getting some good nutrients too. For the full recipe, you can check out the detailed instructions and tips.
FAQs
What can I serve with Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup?
You can serve many tasty sides with this soup. A crusty piece of bread is perfect for dipping. A light salad with fresh greens and a simple vinaigrette also pairs well. If you want to add more flavor, garlic bread is a great choice. You can even serve some roasted vegetables for a nice crunch.
Can I freeze Chicken Gnocchi Soup?
Yes, you can freeze Chicken Gnocchi Soup! However, the gnocchi may become soft when reheated. If you plan to freeze it, consider adding the gnocchi later. You can cook them separately and add them just before serving. This keeps them nice and firm. Store the soup in airtight containers to avoid freezer burn.
How to make this soup gluten-free?
To make this soup gluten-free, use gluten-free gnocchi. Many brands offer gluten-free options made from potatoes or rice. Make sure to check the chicken broth too. Some broths may contain gluten, so choose a certified gluten-free brand. Follow the rest of the recipe as usual, and enjoy your gluten-free version!
For the full recipe, check out the details above.
This blog post covers making Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup from start to finish. You learned about key ingredients, handy tips, and fun variations. Remember, achieving the perfect creaminess is key. Store leftovers properly to keep them fresh. You can even tweak the recipe to suit your diet needs. Try it spicy or vegetarian! Enjoy your cooking journey and the warm, delicious soup you’ll create. Let your taste buds celebrate this simple yet tasty dish. Happy cooking!
