Introduction to Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Olive Garden’s Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a beloved dish known for its creamy texture, robust flavor, and comforting warmth. This soup, featuring tender chunks of chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and fresh spinach, has become a staple in American comfort cuisine. Here’s a simplified version of this iconic recipe that you can make right in your own kitchen.
Ingredients for Chicken Gnocchi Soup
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1⁄4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups half and half
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 1⁄2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1⁄4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1⁄2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (optional)
- 1 pound gnocchi
- 1 cup diced cooked chicken breast
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions for Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Before you start cooking, dice the onions, mince the garlic, chop the spinach, dice the celery, shred the carrots, and cut the sun-dried tomatoes into small pieces if you’re using them. Having all these ingredients ready will streamline the cooking process.
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
Heat the olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and celery, sautéing until the onions are translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Step 3: Make the Roux
Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir continuously to create a roux. Cook for about 2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
Step 4: Add Broth and Dairy
Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring to combine with the roux. Add the half and half, thyme, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Let the soup come to a gentle simmer, ensuring to stir often to prevent sticking.
Step 5: Cook the Gnocchi
Add the gnocchi to the simmering soup. Cook according to package instructions, usually about 2-3 minutes, or until they float to the top. This step is crucial as you want the gnocchi to be perfectly cooked, soft, and pillowy.
Step 6: Add Chicken and Spinach
Incorporate the cooked chicken and chopped spinach into the soup. If you’re using sun-dried tomatoes, add them now as well. Allow everything to cook together for another 2-3 minutes, so the flavors meld and the spinach wilts.
Step 7: Adjust Seasonings
Taste your soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
🍲 Note: If the soup is too thick for your liking, you can add more broth or half and half to reach the desired consistency.
Tips for the Perfect Chicken Gnocchi Soup
- Use Fresh Gnocchi: Fresh gnocchi from the deli section of your grocery store provides the best texture. If you’re using dried or shelf-stable gnocchi, cook it until it’s just slightly underdone as it will continue to cook in the hot soup.
- Balance the Flavors: The nutmeg can give a nice depth to the soup, but use it sparingly as its flavor can be overwhelming if too much is added.
- Don’t Overcook the Gnocchi: Overcooked gnocchi can become mushy and disintegrate in the soup.
- Adjust to Taste: Feel free to adjust the quantity of ingredients to suit your taste. Some might prefer more or less spinach, or even add more chicken.
⚠️ Note: When reheating the soup, do so on low heat to prevent the dairy from separating.
The Nutritional Aspect
This soup offers a hearty meal with a balance of proteins, carbs, and vegetables:
| Calories | Fat | Carbs | Protein |
|---|---|---|---|
| ~450 | 25g | 30g | 25g |
Final Thoughts
Making Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup at home not only brings the warmth of a restaurant-style dish into your kitchen but also allows you to control the ingredients, adjust to dietary preferences, and enjoy the act of cooking. From sautéing the base to achieving that perfect balance of creamy and savory, each step builds toward a delightful culinary experience. This homemade version, while not identical to the original, captures the essence of comfort food that Olive Garden is known for, with the added personal touch of home cooking.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
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Yes, you can easily make this soup vegetarian by omitting the chicken and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
What can I use if I don’t have gnocchi?
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If you don’t have gnocchi, you can substitute with pasta like small shell or orzo. Keep in mind that the texture and flavor will be slightly different.
How long can I store this soup in the fridge?
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Stored properly in an airtight container, the soup can last in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Is it possible to freeze this soup?
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You can freeze this soup, but keep in mind that the texture of the gnocchi might change after thawing. It’s best to freeze without the gnocchi and add them when reheating.
Can I use coconut milk for a dairy-free version?
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Coconut milk can be used as a dairy substitute, but it will alter the flavor profile slightly, giving it a hint of coconut. Ensure you use unsweetened, full-fat coconut milk for the best results.
