Description
This Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a creamy, comforting dish that features tender shredded chicken, soft potato gnocchi, and fresh spinach in a savory broth enriched with half-and-half. Infused with the subtle flavors of thyme and nutmeg, this soup is perfect for a warming meal any time of the year.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
Liquids and Dairy
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup half-and-half or heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Protein and Starch
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 pound potato gnocchi
Seasonings and Thickener
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, cooking for 5-7 minutes until they are softened. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add Flour: Sprinkle the 1/4 cup all-purpose flour over the sautéed vegetables. Stir thoroughly to coat all the vegetables evenly and cook this mixture for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
- Add Broth and Thicken: Gradually whisk in the 4 cups of chicken broth to the pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally, which will allow the soup base to thicken slightly.
- Add Chicken and Dairy: Stir in the 2 cups of cooked shredded chicken, 1 cup half-and-half or heavy cream, 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, and 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg if using. Let the soup simmer gently to blend the flavors.
- Cook Gnocchi: Add the 1 pound of potato gnocchi to the pot and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the gnocchi float to the surface, indicating they are cooked through.
- Add Spinach: Stir in the 2 cups of chopped fresh spinach and cook for about 1-2 minutes until the spinach has wilted into the soup.
- Season and Serve: Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Serve the soup warm and enjoy your comforting meal!
Notes
- For a thicker soup, allow it to simmer a little longer after adding the broth and chicken.
- Substitute half-and-half with heavy cream for a richer flavor or milk for a lighter version.
- Use fresh gnocchi if available for the best texture, but frozen gnocchi also works well.
- Leftover soup can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stove.
