Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup onion, diced
• 1/2 cup celery, diced
• 1/2 cup carrots, shredded
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lb cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup half-and-half or heavy cream
• 1 cup spinach, chopped
• 1 package potato gnocchi (about 16 ounces)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon thyme (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)

Instructions

1. Sauté the Veggies: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, celery, and garlic, and cook until softened (about 5 minutes).
2. Add Carrots and Chicken: Add the shredded carrots and cooked chicken to the pot, stirring well.
3. Add Broth and Seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth, thyme, and Italian seasoning, and bring to a gentle boil.
4. Add Gnocchi: Reduce heat, add gnocchi, and let cook for 3-4 minutes until the gnocchi floats to the top and is tender.
5. Add Cream and Spinach: Stir in half-and-half (or cream) and spinach. Allow soup to simmer for another 3-5 minutes, until spinach wilts and soup is warmed through.
6. Season and Serve: Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot with crusty bread or salad on the side.

20 Popular Questions and Answers

1. Can I use frozen gnocchi?
   Yes, you can! Just add a few extra minutes of cook time to make sure it’s tender.
2. How long does this soup last in the fridge?
   It stays fresh for up to 3 days. Just reheat gently so the cream doesn’t separate.
3. Can I freeze this soup?
   Cream-based soups don’t freeze well as they may separate. It’s best enjoyed fresh.
4. Can I make it dairy-free?
   Yes, you can substitute with coconut milk or a non-dairy creamer, but it will alter the flavor slightly.
5. How can I thicken the soup if needed?
   Add a slurry of 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water, or let it simmer to reduce.
6. Is fresh spinach necessary?
   Fresh is best, but frozen spinach will work in a pinch—just drain it well.
7. Can I add more vegetables?
   Absolutely! Mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini make great additions.
8. What kind of chicken works best?
   Rotisserie chicken is easy and adds great flavor, but any cooked, shredded chicken will work.
9. How do I make it gluten-free?
   Use gluten-free gnocchi and double-check all ingredient labels.
10. Can I make this soup vegetarian?
    Yes! Omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead.
11. Can I substitute the gnocchi with pasta?
    Sure! Small pasta shapes like orzo or ditalini work well.
12. What type of cream should I use?
    Heavy cream makes it rich, but half-and-half works too for a lighter version.
13. Is this recipe keto-friendly?
    Not with gnocchi, but you can substitute with cauliflower gnocchi for a lower-carb option.
14. Can I use dried spinach?
    Fresh or frozen spinach is better, but you can use dried if necessary.
15. Does it matter what kind of broth I use?
    Chicken broth gives the best flavor, but vegetable broth is a good alternative.
16. Will this work in a slow cooker?
    Yes! Add all ingredients except the cream, gnocchi, and spinach and cook on low for 4 hours. Add the remaining ingredients in the last 30 minutes.
17. Can I use pre-cooked gnocchi?
    Yes! Just warm it up before adding, or it may get mushy.
18. Can I make it spicy?
    Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a kick.
19. What’s the best way to reheat it?
    Reheat slowly on the stove, stirring frequently to keep the cream from separating.
20. Can I double the recipe?
    Definitely! Just use a larger pot and adjust the seasonings to taste.

30 Tips for Making It Even More Delightful

1. Use fresh garlic for the best flavor.
2. Add a dash of nutmeg for warmth.
3. Roast the gnocchi before adding for extra texture.
4. Try smoked chicken for added depth.
5. Add chopped parsley for a fresh finish.
6. Substitute some broth with white wine for richness.
7. Sprinkle parmesan on top for a savory finish.
8. Add extra garlic if you love garlicky flavors.
9. Stir in a handful of kale instead of spinach for extra nutrients.
10. Caramelize onions first for a sweeter base.
11. Top with crumbled bacon for a savory garnish.
12. Squeeze in a little lemon juice for brightness.
13. Add a few sun-dried tomatoes for added depth.
14. Try homemade gnocchi for a fresher taste.
15. Add cooked crumbled sausage for more protein.
16. Experiment with Italian herbs for extra flavor.
17. Add cream cheese to make it even richer.
18. Use sweet potatoes instead of regular for added sweetness.
19. Add a handful of corn kernels for texture.
20. Try using turkey instead of chicken for a twist.
21. Garnish with chives for a fresh bite.
22. Add a teaspoon of pesto for an herby note.
23. Try cauliflower gnocchi for a lighter option.
24. Add a pinch of cayenne for a little heat.
25. Use a blend of milk and cream for a balanced richness.
26. Add a spoonful of sour cream when serving for tanginess.
27. Sprinkle with croutons for a crunchy topping.
28. Try adding green onions for a fresh onion flavor.
29. Use bone broth for added nutrients and depth.
30. Serve with crusty garlic bread for an extra cozy touch.

30 Secrets to the Perfect Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

1. Use high-quality gnocchi to prevent sogginess.
2. Let the onions cook until golden for added sweetness.
3. Add the garlic at the end to avoid burning.
4. Be generous with seasonings—gnocchi can be bland.
5. Use heavy cream for a truly rich texture.
6. Let the soup rest for a few minutes for flavors to meld.
7. Stir often to keep cream from separating.
8. If using fresh chicken, cook it directly in the soup for added flavor.
9. Add the spinach just before serving for a fresh taste.
10. Don’t overcook the gnocchi; it can turn mushy.
11. A splash of white wine can add complexity.
12. Simmer the soup gently to avoid curdling the cream.
13. Season the chicken before cooking for extra flavor.
14. Let the soup cool slightly before adding cream to prevent separation.
15. Add an extra tablespoon of butter for a silkier texture.
16. Let it cook a little longer for thicker, richer broth.
17. Stir in a bit of parmesan at the end for more depth.
18. Use homemade chicken broth if possible for the best flavor.
19. Keep the lid off while simmering to reduce and intensify the broth.
20. Sauté celery with onions for a savory base.
21. Use roasted garlic for a milder garlic flavor.
22. Add gnocchi only at the last minute for the best texture.
23. Try using leeks instead of onions for a lighter taste.
24. Experiment with almond milk if you’re dairy-free.
25. Add a handful of grated mozzarella for a cheesy twist.
26. Add a few red pepper flakes for gentle heat.
27. Use fresh thyme and rosemary for an herbal boost.
28. Stir in frozen peas or chopped broccoli for more veggies.
29. Garnish with basil for an aromatic touch.
30. Serve hot with garlic toast for the ultimate comfort meal!