Description
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.
Ingredients
- 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
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.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Keywords: Chicken Gnocchi Soup