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Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

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Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a rich and creamy comfort food that’s packed with tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a velvety broth. Inspired by the popular soup served at Olive Garden, this homemade version is easy to make and just as delicious. With a perfect balance of creamy, savory, and comforting flavors, it’s an ideal soup for chilly days, family dinners, or whenever you’re craving something hearty and satisfying.

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cooked and shredded

1 small onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

4 cups chicken broth

2 cups heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)

1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)

1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for a little heat)

1 bag (16 oz) potato gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)

2 cups fresh spinach, chopped (or more if desired)

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)

Instructions

  1. Sauté the Chicken: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the cooked and shredded chicken, onion, and garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, until the onion softens and the chicken begins to brown slightly.
  2. Add the Broth and Seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, dried thyme, salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer.
  3. Cook the Gnocchi: Add the gnocchi to the soup and cook according to package instructions (usually about 2-3 minutes). The gnocchi will rise to the top when cooked through.
  4. Add the Spinach: Once the gnocchi is cooked, stir in the chopped spinach and cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the spinach is wilted and the soup is heated through.
  5. Finish the Soup: If desired, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese for extra creaminess and flavor. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.
  6. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and freshly ground black pepper, if desired.

Notes

Add More Vegetables: You can add carrots, celery, or zucchini to the soup for extra flavor and nutrition. Just sauté them with the onions and garlic in step 1.

Spicy Version: Add more crushed red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño for a spicier kick.

Lighter Version: Use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream for a lighter version of the soup.

Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken and replace it with extra vegetables or plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian option.

Make It Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free gnocchi if you need a gluten-free version of the soup.

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