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Better Than Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Better Than Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Better Than Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a creamy, comforting soup featuring tender chicken, soft potato gnocchi, fresh spinach, and a rich, savory broth infused with fresh herbs and vegetables. This easy-to-make recipe combines simple ingredients to create a flavorful, velvety dish perfect for cozy meals or impressing guests with a homemade restaurant favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

Proteins

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

Vegetables

  • 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
  • 2 medium carrots, finely chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Broth and Dairy

  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream

Carbohydrates

  • 1 package (about 16 ounces) potato gnocchi (fresh recommended)

Herbs and Seasonings

  • 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tsp dried thyme)
  • 1 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1/2 tsp dried rosemary)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Fats

  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Vegetables and Chicken: Finely chop the onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and good flavor absorption.
  2. Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot, melt butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are soft and fragrant, forming a flavorful base for the soup.
  3. Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the pot and sauté until lightly browned on the outside but not completely cooked through. This helps seal in the juices and prevents overcooking later.
  4. Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth along with fresh thyme and rosemary. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes to develop deep flavors.
  5. Incorporate Gnocchi and Spinach: Add the potato gnocchi and fresh spinach leaves to the pot. Cook according to the gnocchi package instructions, typically 2-3 minutes, until the gnocchi float to the top and the spinach wilts.
  6. Stir in Cream and Seasonings: Lower the heat to low and slowly stir in the heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Heat gently without boiling to keep the soup creamy and smooth.
  7. Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the hot soup into bowls, garnish with optional toppings if desired, and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Use fresh gnocchi for the best texture; it cooks quicker and yields a softer bite.
  • Do not overcook the chicken initially, as it will finish cooking during simmering.
  • Add cream slowly on low heat to prevent curdling and maintain creaminess.
  • Season gradually, tasting as you go to maintain a balanced flavor.
  • Use fresh thyme and rosemary for enhanced aroma and deeper broth flavor.
  • Stir often after adding gnocchi to prevent sticking to the pot.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken gnocchi soup, creamy chicken soup, better than olive garden, comfort food soup, easy chicken soup, creamy gnocchi soup