Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup: Easy Homemade Recipe

Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a favorite dish that you can make at home in less than 30 minutes. It’s a comforting soup with tender potato dumplings, juicy chicken, and fresh veggies in a creamy broth. Making it at home saves money and lets you enjoy more of it.

This recipe is great because it’s easy to make. You can cook it on the stovetop or in a slow cooker. It’s perfect for when you want a cozy meal or to impress your friends. This soup is sure to become a favorite in your household.

Key Takeaways

Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup is an Olive Garden copycat dish that can be made at home in under 30 minutes.
The recipe features tender potato dumplings, juicy chicken, and fresh vegetables in a rich, creamy broth.
It’s a budget-friendly alternative to dining out, allowing you to enjoy larger portions and control the ingredients.
The soup can be prepared on the stovetop or in a slow cooker, making it a convenient option for busy schedules.
This comforting, homemade soup is sure to become a new family favorite.

Introduction to Olive Garden-Inspired Comfort Soup

Enjoy the comforting taste of Olive Garden’s Chicken Gnocchi Soup at home. This Italian-inspired recipe brings the taste of a restaurant-style soup to your kitchen. It’s a hearty meal that will fill your belly and warm your heart.

Make this soup your own by changing the ingredients and serving sizes. It’s great for family dinners or meal prep. The soup’s mix of savory flavors makes it a hit, just like Olive Garden’s dishes.

“This Chicken Gnocchi Soup recipe is a true Italian-inspired delight, capturing the essence of Olive Garden’s beloved dish in the comfort of your own home.”

Make this soup to enjoy a restaurant-quality dish at home. It’s a creamy, flavorful treat that will make you feel cozy and bring back memories of your favorite Italian restaurant.

Essential Ingredients for Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Making a delicious Chicken Gnocchi Soup requires the right ingredients. It’s a mix of fresh produce, dairy, and protein. Together, they create a creamy, comforting soup inspired by Olive Garden.

Fresh Vegetables and Herbs

The soup’s flavor starts with a mix of celery, onions, and carrots. These veggies add a savory taste and texture. Garlic and herbs like thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves make the soup smell and taste amazing.

Dairy Components

Dairy is key for the soup’s creamy texture. Half-and-half or heavy cream make it rich. Grated Parmesan cheese adds extra flavor.

Protein and Pasta Elements

The soup’s main ingredient is tender chicken, which can be shredded or diced. Potato gnocchi adds a fun texture. Chicken broth and a bit of flour thicken the soup perfectly.

With these ingredients, you can make a comforting Chicken Gnocchi Soup. It feels like a cozy visit to the Olive Garden.

Ingredient	Quantity
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts	1.5 lbs
Potato Gnocchi	16 oz package
Celery, diced	3 stalks
Yellow Onion, diced	1 medium
Carrots, diced	3 medium
Garlic, minced	4 cloves
Fresh Thyme	2 tbsp, chopped
Half-and-Half	1 cup
Grated Parmesan Cheese	1/2 cup
Chicken Broth	4 cups
All-Purpose Flour	3 tbsp
Kosher Salt and Black Pepper	to taste

Kitchen Tools and Equipment Needed

To make the tasty Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup, you’ll need some basic kitchen tools. You’ll need a large soup pot or Dutch oven, a sharp knife for chopping veggies, and a wooden spoon or silicone spatula for stirring. A cutting board is also needed for prepping the ingredients.

If you’re using a slow cooker, you’ll need a Crock-Pot or something similar. For shredding the chicken, a pair of forks is best. And don’t forget a ladle for serving the soup without spills.

Having these kitchen essentials ready will make cooking easier. It helps you get the soup’s perfect consistency and flavor.

“The right tools can make all the difference in the kitchen, especially when creating a delicious and comforting soup like this one.”

With the right cooking utensils ready, you’re set to enjoy a hearty and satisfying Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup.

Step-by-Step Preparation Guide

Making the perfect Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup is easy and fun. Follow this guide to make a soup that’s creamy and full of flavor.

Preparing the Vegetables

Start by cooking the diced onion, carrots, and celery in 2 tablespoons of olive oil or butter. Heat it over medium until they’re soft, about 5-7 minutes. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring often to avoid burning.

Cooking the Chicken

You can cook the chicken separately and then chop it, or add it raw to the pot. If you add it raw, it will cook in about 5 minutes.

Making the Creamy Base

To make the creamy base, start with a roux. Sprinkle 1/4 cup of flour over the cooked veggies and stir. Then, slowly add 6 cups of chicken broth, whisking to avoid lumps. Add 1 cup of half-and-half, 1 teaspoon of thyme, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper.

Let the soup simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring now and then. This will meld the flavors and cook the chicken. In the last 5 minutes, add the gnocchi and spinach. This will make the gnocchi tender and the spinach wilted, finishing your soup.

This whole process takes about 45 minutes. You’ll end up with a rich, velvety, and delicious Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup. It’s the perfect homemade comfort dish.

How to Cook Perfect Gnocchi

Mastering the art of cooking gnocchi is crucial for a creamy chicken gnocchi soup. Gnocchi, those delightful little dumplings, can elevate the texture and flavor of this beloved dish. Here’s how to ensure your gnocchi turns out perfectly every time:

Add the gnocchi directly to the simmering broth about 5 minutes before serving. Gnocchi cooks quickly, usually within 2-3 minutes, and is done when it floats to the surface.
Avoid overcooking the gnocchi, as this can cause it to become mushy and lose its delightful bite.
For a firmer texture, you can also cook the gnocchi separately in boiling water and then add it to individual bowls when serving the soup.
If using store-bought gnocchi, be sure to follow the package instructions for cooking time to achieve the best results.
For an extra-special touch, consider using homemade gnocchi, which will lend an authentic and flavorful element to your creamy chicken gnocchi soup. Just keep in mind that preparing homemade gnocchi does require additional time and effort.

By mastering the cooking of gnocchi, you’ll be well on your way to creating a soup with the perfect balance of tender dumplings, succulent chicken, and a rich, creamy broth. Elevate your soup game and impress your guests with this simple yet effective gnocchi preparation technique.

Ingredient	Quantity
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast	1 ½ pounds
Medium Carrots	3
Garlic Cloves	3
Fresh Baby Spinach	4 ounces
Calories per Serving	436 kcal
Carbohydrates per Serving	58 g
Protein per Serving	32 g
Fat per Serving	9 g
Saturated Fat per Serving	3 g
Cholesterol per Serving	65 mg
Potassium per Serving	888 mg
Fiber per Serving	4 g
Sugar per Serving	12 g

By following these gnocchi cooking tips, you’ll ensure your pasta preparation for the creamy chicken gnocchi soup results in the perfect soup texture that will have your guests raving.

“Gnocchi is the key to elevating the creaminess and texture of this comforting soup.”

Creating the Creamy Soup Base

To make this Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup irresistible, we use a classic roux technique. This method cooks butter and flour together. It creates the creamy soup base.

Making the Roux

Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in an equal amount of flour once it’s melted. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly, to get a smooth flavor.

Adding Liquids and Seasonings

Pour in chicken broth slowly, whisking to avoid lumps. Then, add half-and-half or heavy cream for creaminess. Season with thyme, mustard powder, salt, and pepper for flavor.

Simmer the mixture until it thickens. This creamy base is the foundation of the soup. It ensures a luxurious feel and balanced flavors.

Ingredient	Amount
Unsalted Butter	4 tbsp
All-Purpose Flour	4 tbsp
Chicken Broth	4 cups
Half-and-Half	2 cups
Heavy Cream (optional)	1 cup
Fresh Thyme	1 tsp
Mustard Powder	1/2 tsp
Salt	1/2 tsp
Black Pepper	1/4 tsp

The secret to a creamy soup base is mastering the roux technique. Balancing liquids and seasonings is key. This method creates a silky base that highlights the creamy soup base, roux technique, and flavor enhancement.

Chicken Gnocchi Soup: Classic Recipe

Indulge in the comforting flavors of a traditional homemade soup with this classic Chicken Gnocchi Soup recipe. It’s inspired by the beloved Olive Garden copycat. This creamy and delicious soup is a true crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make at home.

The recipe serves 4-6 people and takes about 30 minutes to prepare. It includes 3-4 chicken breasts, 16 oz of gnocchi, and fresh vegetables like onion, celery, and carrots. Garlic, chicken broth, half-and-half, spinach, and a variety of seasonings are also key ingredients.

To start, the vegetables are sautéed in butter until tender. Then, flour is added to create a roux. This roux is the foundation for the creamy soup base.

Chicken broth and half-and-half are gradually incorporated, along with the seasonings. This develops the rich and velvety texture of the soup.

Once the base is ready, the cooked and diced chicken, as well as the gnocchi, are added to the pot. The mixture is simmered until the gnocchi are tender and the flavors have melded together. Finally, fresh spinach is folded in, and the seasoning is adjusted to taste.

Ingredient	Quantity
Chicken Breasts	3-4
Gnocchi	16 oz
Onion	1 medium
Celery	2 stalks
Carrots	2 medium
Garlic	3 cloves
Chicken Broth	1 can (14.5 oz)
Half-and-Half	2 cups
Spinach	2 cups
Seasonings	To Taste

This classic Chicken Gnocchi Soup recipe closely mimics the popular Olive Garden version. It offers a restaurant-quality meal that can be easily prepared at home. Enjoy this traditional recipe, a comforting homemade soup that’s sure to satisfy your cravings for an Olive Garden copycat dish.

Tips for Achieving the Perfect Consistency

Getting the right consistency in your Chicken Gnocchi Soup is crucial. Start by making a perfect roux, a mix of butter and flour. Slowly add your liquids while stirring constantly to avoid lumps.

As the soup cooks, it will thicken. Watch it closely and adjust as needed. If it’s too thick, add more chicken broth. If it’s too thin, mix a slurry of cornstarch and cold water, then stir it in.

For slow cooker users, a slurry is often needed to get the right texture adjustment. Don’t overcook the gnocchi to prevent it from breaking down and thickening the soup too much. Also, experiment with the cream or half-and-half ratio to find your perfect creaminess.

“The key to a velvety Chicken Gnocchi Soup is all in the cooking techniques used to control the thickness and texture.”

By following these tips, you’ll make a Chicken Gnocchi Soup that looks great and tastes amazing.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Enjoy the comforting flavors of Chicken Gnocchi Soup, even after the initial meal. With proper storage and reheating techniques, you can savor the leftovers for days to come.

Refrigeration Guidelines

Store leftover Chicken Gnocchi Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For best results, remove the gnocchi before storing and add fresh gnocchi when reheating to prevent it from becoming mushy.

Freezing Methods

When freezing the soup, omit the dairy and gnocchi. Add them fresh upon reheating for a delightful texture.
Freeze the base soup for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop, stirring occasionally and adding fresh cream and gnocchi. Avoid boiling to prevent the creamy base from separating.
Adjust the consistency with additional broth or cream as needed to achieve your desired thickness.

By following these storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy the delicious leftovers storage, soup preservation, and reheating tips of Chicken Gnocchi Soup for days to come.

Slow Cooker Adaptation Method

If you love Crock-Pot recipes, you’ll enjoy this Chicken Gnocchi Soup in the slow cooker. Start by putting the diced chicken, veggies, and herbs in the Crock-Pot. Don’t add the cream, gnocchi, or spinach yet.

Cook it on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. This lets the flavors mix and the chicken get tender. Before serving, mix half-and-half with cornstarch to thicken the soup. Then, add the gnocchi and cook for 30 minutes more to soften the pasta.

Just before serving, add fresh spinach. This set-and-forget cooking makes a comforting, easy meal prep for busy nights. If it’s too thin, add more cornstarch slurry to thicken it.

Ingredient	Amount
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts	1 lb
Mirepoix (Onions, Celery, Carrots)	1 cup
Dried Basil	1 tsp
Italian Seasoning	1 tsp
Poultry Seasoning	1/2 tsp
Salt	1/2 tsp
Chicken Broth	4 cups
Cornstarch	2 tbsp
Evaporated Milk	1 cup
Gnocchi	16 oz
Bacon, Cooked and Crumbled	1/2 cup
Garlic, Minced	3 cloves
Fresh Spinach	2 cups

“This Crock-Pot recipe for Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a game-changer for easy meal prep. The hands-off set-and-forget cooking ensures a delicious, comforting soup with minimal effort.”

Nutritional Information and Benefits

A warm bowl of Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup is comforting and nutritious. It has about 235 calories per serving, which is low for a filling meal. The soup is rich in protein, with 20 grams per serving, or 40% of your daily needs. This protein helps you feel full and satisfied.

The soup also has 30 grams of carbohydrates per serving, which is 10% of your daily needs. These carbs come from potato gnocchi, providing complex carbs for energy. It has 5 grams of fat per serving, which is 7% of your daily intake.

The soup is also packed with vitamins and minerals. It’s a good source of vitamins A and C, which are vital for your vision, immune system, and skin. Fresh veggies like carrots and spinach add fiber and more nutrients.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	235	–
Protein	20g	40%
Carbohydrates	30g	10%
Fat	5g	7%

While the Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup is nutritious, it has a bit more sodium. This is because of the broth and seasonings. If you’re watching your sodium, use low-sodium broth and adjust the seasonings for a healthier soup.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Make your Chicken Gnocchi Soup even better by adding some tasty sides. Try dipping crusty bread like focaccia, ciabatta, or a warm baguette. It’s perfect for soaking up the soup’s creamy broth. For a light touch, a side salad with an Italian vinaigrette can balance the soup’s richness.

Bread Options

Here are some bread choices to enhance your Chicken Gnocchi Soup:

Focaccia: Its herbal, chewy texture pairs well with Italian soups.
Ciabatta: This airy, crusty bread is great for dipping in the broth.
Baguette: A fresh French baguette adds a timeless touch.

Side Dish Recommendations

Here are some side dishes that go well with Chicken Gnocchi Soup:

Roasted Vegetables: Zucchini, bell peppers, or a mix of roasted veggies are healthy and tasty.
Caprese Salad: A caprese salad with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil adds a fresh contrast.
Garlic Bread: This crispy, garlicky bread adds a nice crunch.

For a heartier meal, try pairing the soup with an Italian-inspired side dish. Options like eggplant parmesan or an antipasto platter are great. You can create a full and satisfying soup accompaniments and meal planning experience.

Conclusion

Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a comforting dish that’s easy to make at home. It’s perfect for family meals and can be cooked on the stovetop or in a slow cooker. This soup has a great mix of protein, veggies, and carbs, making it very satisfying.

This soup is loved for its rich flavors and creamy texture. It’s great for a cozy night or a big family dinner. Its ease and taste make it a top choice for any meal.

In short, Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a delicious and satisfying dish. It’s perfect for anyone looking for a comforting and tasty meal. Its flexibility, health benefits, and amazing taste make it a must-try.

FAQ

What is Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup?

Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a dish inspired by Olive Garden. It’s quick to make, under 30 minutes. It has tender potato dumplings, juicy chicken, and fresh veggies in a creamy broth.

What are the key ingredients in Chicken Gnocchi Soup?

Key ingredients are boneless chicken breasts, potato gnocchi, and veggies like celery, onions, and carrots. Garlic and spinach add flavor. Thyme and dairy like half-and-half make it creamy.

What kitchen tools are essential for making Chicken Gnocchi Soup?

You’ll need a large pot, a knife for chopping, and a spoon for stirring. Also, measuring cups, a cutting board, and a ladle are important. For slow cooking, a Crock-Pot is needed.

How do you cook the gnocchi in the soup?

Add gnocchi to the broth 5 minutes before serving. It cooks fast, floating in 2-3 minutes. Don’t overcook to keep it soft.

How do you create the creamy base for Chicken Gnocchi Soup?

Start with a roux of butter and flour, cooking for 2 minutes. Then, add broth and half-and-half slowly, stirring well. Heavy cream adds extra creaminess.

What is the typical serving size and nutritional information for Chicken Gnocchi Soup?

A serving (1 cup) has 300-400 calories. It’s balanced with carbs, protein, and veggies. It’s rich in vitamins A and C.

How can Chicken Gnocchi Soup be adapted for a slow cooker?

Place raw chicken, veggies, and spices in the Crock-Pot. Add broth but not cream, gnocchi, or spinach. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Before serving, mix half-and-half and cornstarch, then add gnocchi and spinach.

What are some serving suggestions and pairings for Chicken Gnocchi Soup?

Serve with crusty bread or garlic breadsticks. A side salad with Italian dressing is good too. Roasted veggies, antipasto, or steamed broccoli also pair well.