Introduction
Experience the ultimate comfort food with this Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup! Creamy, dreamy, and packed with flavor, this dish is a warm embrace for your taste buds, especially on those chilly days. With tender gnocchi and hearty ingredients, it’s perfect for sharing with loved ones or indulging in alone.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup diced celery
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 cup finely shredded carrots
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 pound potato gnocchi
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Directions
1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions, celery, and garlic, sauté until softened and fragrant.
2. Sprinkle the flour over the veggies, stirring for about a minute to eliminate that raw flour taste.
3. Gradually add the chicken broth, whisking constantly to smoothen out any lumps.
4. Toss in the shredded chicken, carrots, and thyme, letting it simmer until the carrots become tender.
5. Stir in the spinach, nutmeg, salt, and pepper until the spinach wilts beautifully.
6. Gently mix in the cream and bring your soup to a light simmer.
7. Add in the gnocchi, cook until they float to the top, a joyful sign your soup is ready.
8. Serve hot and let your taste buds take a joyful leap!
Savor each delightful bowl of this creamy goodness, and enjoy the warmth it brings!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 cup of chopped onion, 1/2 cup of diced celery, and 1 tablespoon of minced garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
Step 2: Create the Roux
Sprinkle 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour over the sautéed vegetables. Stir for about a minute to eliminate the raw flour taste.
Step 3: Add the Chicken Broth
Gradually add 4 cups of chicken broth to the pot, whisking constantly to smooth out any lumps formed by the flour.
Step 4: Combine the Chicken and Vegetables
Toss in 2 cups of cooked shredded chicken, 1 cup of finely shredded carrots, and 1 teaspoon of dried thyme. Let the mixture simmer until the carrots are tender.
Step 5: Incorporate the Spinach
Stir in 2 cups of fresh spinach leaves, along with 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg, salt, and pepper to taste. Cook until the spinach has wilted.
Step 6: Add the Cream
Gently mix in 1 cup of heavy cream and bring the soup to a light simmer.
Step 7: Cook the Gnocchi
Add 1 pound of potato gnocchi to the pot. Cook until the gnocchi float to the top, indicating that your soup is ready.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Serve hot and let your taste buds take a joyful leap with this comforting dish!
Notes
Storage Tips
Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Substitutions
Feel free to substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version, or use a plant-based cream alternative for a dairy-free option.
Gnocchi Advice
If using frozen gnocchi, there is no need to thaw them before adding to the soup; simply toss them in straight from the freezer.
Serving Suggestions
Consider serving with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal experience.
Cook Techniques
Sauteing
Sauteing is a technique where ingredients are cooked quickly in a small amount of oil over medium to high heat. In this soup, onions, celery, and garlic are sautéed to enhance their flavors and create a fragrant base.
Whisking
Whisking is essential for creating a smooth mixture. After adding flour to the sautéed vegetables, whisking helps eliminate lumps and ensures the flour is well incorporated before adding the chicken broth.
Simmering
Simmering involves cooking food gently in liquid just below its boiling point. In this recipe, the soup is simmered after adding chicken broth and vegetables to allow the flavors to meld and the carrots to become tender.
Wilting
Wilting is the process of softening greens, such as spinach, by cooking them briefly. Adding spinach near the end of cooking allows it to wilt beautifully without losing its vibrant color and nutrients.
Floating Gnocchi
Cooking gnocchi until they float is an indicator that they are done. This technique ensures the gnocchi are cooked properly, resulting in a delightful texture in the soup.
FAQ
Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Yes, leftover rotisserie chicken works perfectly for this soup. Just shred it and add it to the pot.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a non-dairy milk alternative, but it may alter the creaminess of the soup.
Is there a way to make this soup lighter?
You can use low-fat milk instead of heavy cream and reduce the amount of gnocchi or use a lighter version of them.
Can I freeze the Chicken Gnocchi Soup?
While you can freeze the soup, the gnocchi may become mushy when reheated. It’s best to store the soup and gnocchi separately if you plan to freeze it.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
Conclusion
This Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a cozy dish you can easily prepare at home. With its creamy texture and wholesome ingredients, it’s not just a meal; it’s a warm embrace in a bowl. Enjoy!
