Name: Comfort Food
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Ingredients: 3-4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cooked and diced.; 1 stalk celery, chopped.; 1/2 white onion, diced.; 2 teaspoons minced garlic.; 1/2 cup shredded carrots.; 1 tablespoon olive oil.; 4 cups low sodium chicken broth.; Salt and pepper, to taste.; 1 teaspoon thyme.; 16 ounces potato gnocchi.; 2 cups half and half.; 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped.

This Easy Homemade Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup brings together tender chicken, soft gnocchi, fresh spinach, and a creamy broth for a comforting dinner. Simple to make and perfect for family dinners, this soup is a cozy, delicious choice for any night of the week. Serve with breadsticks or a side salad!

This Easy Homemade Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is the perfect cozy meal for any night of the week. Filled with tender chicken, fluffy potato gnocchi, and fresh spinach, this creamy soup brings all the comforting flavors of Olive Garden right to your kitchen.

INGREDIENTS

Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts (cooked and diced): Adds a hearty and tender protein base to the soup.

Celery (chopped): Adds a mild, slightly sweet flavor and a bit of crunch.
White Onion (diced): Provides sweetness and depth to the broth, enhancing the overall flavor.
Garlic (minced): Adds a subtle, aromatic flavor that elevates the taste of the soup.

Shredded Carrots: Adds a slight sweetness and color, making the soup even more appealing.
Olive Oil: Used to sauté the vegetables, providing a base flavor for the soup.

Additional Ingredients

Chicken Broth (low sodium): Forms the liquid base of the soup, enhancing the savory flavors without being overly salty.

Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out the flavors of the other ingredients.
Thyme: Adds an herbal note that complements the creaminess of the soup.
Potato Gnocchi: Soft, pillowy gnocchi adds a satisfying texture and heartiness to the soup.
Half and Half: Provides creaminess without being too heavy, balancing the flavors and making the soup rich and comforting.

Fresh Spinach (roughly chopped): Adds a pop of color and freshness, making the soup more nutritious.

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped celery, diced onion, minced garlic, and shredded carrots. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onions are translucent, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Add Chicken and Broth: Add the cooked, diced chicken to the pot, followed by the chicken broth, salt, pepper, and thyme. Stir well and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
Step 3: Add Gnocchi: Gently stir in the potato gnocchi, allowing it to boil for 3-4 minutes. The gnocchi will start to float as it cooks, signaling that it’s ready.
Step 4: Simmer the Soup: Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Stir occasionally to prevent any sticking.
Step 5: Add Cream and Spinach: Stir in the half and half and the chopped spinach. Continue cooking for another 1-2 minutes until the spinach has wilted and the soup is creamy and well-blended.
Step 6: Taste and Adjust Seasonings: Before serving, taste the soup and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh herbs if desired.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serve this Chicken Gnocchi Soup hot, ideally with a side of crusty bread or breadsticks for a complete meal.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat, warm the soup gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if it has thickened.

Helpful Notes

If you prefer a thicker soup, add an extra tablespoon of flour when sautéing the vegetables to create a thicker base.
For a richer flavor, substitute half and half with heavy cream, but be cautious as this will make the soup more indulgent.
For added flavor, garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Tips from Well-Known Chefs

Chef Lidia Bastianich suggests using high-quality gnocchi or making your own for a softer texture.
Chef Ina Garten recommends using fresh herbs if available, such as thyme and basil, to elevate the flavor.
Chef Giada De Laurentiis advises cooking the gnocchi only until they float to avoid a mushy texture.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This soup is creamy, filling, and packed with comforting flavors that make it a perfect choice for a cozy dinner.
The combination of chicken, gnocchi, and fresh spinach creates a balanced meal with protein, carbs, and greens.
It’s an easy, homemade version of the Olive Garden classic, ideal for recreating restaurant flavors at home.

Variations

For a dairy-free option, substitute half and half with coconut milk for a creamy texture.
Add mushrooms for extra umami flavor, or swap chicken for turkey for a different twist.
Use kale instead of spinach for a more robust texture that holds up well in soups.