Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Recipe

I just have to share my favorite Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi recipe with you.

This dish features tender chicken, fluffy gnocchi, and a rich, creamy broth.

I recommend using fresh spinach to add a pop of color and freshness.

And don’t forget to let the soup simmer gently to meld all the flavors together.

How to Make Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 lb Chicken Breast (chopped)
• 1 tbsp Olive Oil
• 2 tbsp Butter
• 4 cloves Garlic (minced)
• 1 cup Carrots (shredded)
• 1 cup Spinach (chopped)
• 1 medium Onion (diced)
• 4 cups Chicken Broth
• 2 cups Half-and-Half
• 2 cups Potato Gnocchi
• 1 tsp Thyme (dried)
• 1 tsp Parsley (dried)
• 1/2 tsp Nutmeg (optional)
• Salt and Pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

In a large pot, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-high heat.

Add the chopped chicken breast to the pot and cook until fully cooked and lightly browned.

Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.

Step 2:

In the same pot, add minced garlic and diced onion.

Sauté until the onion becomes translucent, about 2-3 minutes.

Add shredded carrots and cook for an additional 2 minutes.

Step 3:

Stir in flour to the pot and mix well with the vegetables.

This will help thicken the soup.

Allow the flour to cook for about 2 minutes.

Step 4:

Gradually pour in the chicken broth while continuously whisking to prevent lumps.

Add the cooked chicken back into the pot.

Add the gnocchi and bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 5:

Reduce the heat to medium-low and pour in the half-and-half.

Add the chopped spinach, thyme, parsley, and nutmeg.

Simmer the soup until the gnocchi is tender, about 5-7 minutes.

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

Prep Ingredients Ahead of Time

Chopping and preparing all your ingredients before starting can make the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.

Use Fresh Herbs If Available

Fresh thyme and parsley can add more vibrant flavors to your soup compared to dried herbs.

Taste Before Serving

Always taste the soup before serving to adjust salt and pepper levels according to your preference.

Store Leftovers Properly

Keep any extra soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.

Cooking the Chicken

Ensure the chicken is fully cooked before adding it to the soup to keep it tender and flavorful.

What to Serve with Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Recipe

Fresh Garden Salad

A fresh garden salad is always a great choice to pair with this creamy chicken gnocchi soup.

You can toss together some mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and a light vinaigrette.

This is a classic combination that complements the richness of the soup.

Garlic Breadsticks

Garlic breadsticks are a perfect addition and a fan favorite.

They are ideal for dipping into that creamy broth.

You can bake your own or pick some up from the store for convenience.

Roasted Vegetables

Roasted vegetables like asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or bell peppers make a flavorful and healthy side.

Drizzle them with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and roast them in the oven until tender.

They add a nice contrast to the soup’s creaminess.

Caprese Salad

A Caprese salad with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil offers a light and refreshing side.

Drizzle it with balsamic glaze for extra flavor.

This salad’s simplicity highlights and balances out the hearty gnocchi soup.

Zucchini Noodles

Zucchini noodles, also known as zoodles, are a unique and healthy addition.

You can quickly sauté them with a little garlic and olive oil.

They add a fun twist and a bit of crunch to your meal.

Variations and Substitutions

Using a Different Protein

Instead of chicken, you can use turkey or even ham for a delicious twist.

This adds a unique flavor while keeping the dish hearty.

Using turkey is especially great if you have leftovers from holiday meals.

Vegetarian Option

Omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Add more vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or peas to make it more filling.

You can even add white beans for extra protein.

Different Greens

Kale can be used in place of spinach if you prefer a slightly different taste and texture.

Collard greens or Swiss chard are also great alternatives that work well in this soup.

All of these options bring a unique twist while keeping the soup delicious.

Dairy-Free

Replace half-and-half with coconut milk or almond milk.

Check that your chicken broth is dairy-free as well.

This option is perfect if you’re lactose intolerant or prefer non-dairy ingredients.

Gluten-Free

Use gluten-free flour to thicken the soup in place of regular flour.

You can also find gluten-free gnocchi at most supermarkets.

This keeps the recipe accessible for everyone without sacrificing any flavor.

How to Store Leftover Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Step-by-Step Storage Tips

Let the soup cool completely before you store it in the refrigerator.

Use an airtight container to store your leftover soup; this keeps it fresh and prevents spillage.

Store the soup in the refrigerator where it should last for up to 3 days.

Label and Date

Label your container with the date the soup was made.

This helps you keep track of how long it has been stored.

Proper labeling prevents accidentally consuming potentially spoiled soup.

Freezing for Longer Storage

If you want to store the soup for a longer period, consider freezing it.

Pour the cooled soup into a freezer-safe container but leave some space as the soup will expand when frozen.

The soup can be safely frozen for up to 2 months.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overloading the Pot

When cooking the vegetables and chicken, avoid crowding the pot.

Crowding can prevent even cooking and make your veggies mushy.

Work in batches if necessary to keep your ingredients cooking properly.

Ignoring the Gnocchi

It’s easy to forget about the gnocchi once it’s added to the soup!

Cook the gnocchi according to package directions and add it near the end.

Overcooked gnocchi can become too soft and lose its delightful texture.

Skipping the Seasonings

Don’t skip on the seasonings like thyme, parsley, or garlic.

They bring essential flavors to your soup, transforming it from bland to sensational.

Taste as you go and adjust the seasonings to suit your preferences!