Description
This Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a creamy, comforting Italian-American favorite made with tender chicken, pillowy potato gnocchi, fresh spinach, and a flavorful blend of vegetables simmered in a rich broth. It’s perfect for a cozy meal any time of the year.
Ingredients
Scale
Soup Base
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 1 cup celery, sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup half-and-half
- 1 cup milk
Vegetables & Protein
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 1/2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
Other
- 1 package (16 oz) potato gnocchi
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon thyme
- Optional: grated Parmesan for serving
Instructions
- Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter with olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Make the Roux: Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute to create a light roux, which will help thicken the soup.
- Add Liquids: Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, followed by the half-and-half and milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Add Carrots and Chicken: Stir in the shredded carrots and cooked chicken, then let the soup simmer for 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Cook the Gnocchi: Add the potato gnocchi to the pot and cook according to package instructions, typically 3–4 minutes, until the gnocchi float to the top indicating they are done.
- Finish with Spinach and Seasonings: Stir in the chopped spinach, salt, pepper, and thyme. Simmer for another 2–3 minutes until the spinach wilts and the soup is heated through.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with optional grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor. Serve hot and enjoy.
Notes
- For a thicker soup, substitute heavy cream for half-and-half.
- Use rotisserie chicken for a convenient shortcut.
- The soup thickens as it sits; add a splash of broth when reheating to thin it out if desired.
