Easy & Hearty: Our Best Chicken Gnocchi Soup Olive Garden Recipe Creamy Copycat

I’ve refined this Chicken Gnocchi Soup Olive Garden Recipe Creamy Copycat to be even better than you remember. Imagine that comforting aroma filling your kitchen and each spoonful delivering creamy chicken, tender gnocchi, and fresh vegetables. Perfect for busy families, this easy dinner idea brings restaurant-quality comfort straight to your table, saving time and money without sacrificing flavor. It’s my go-to when I want a hearty, healthy meal that satisfies everyone after a long day, capturing the essence of that beloved Chicken Gnocchi Soup Olive Garden Recipe Creamy Copycat.

Ingredients With Functional Roles

Crafting the perfect Chicken Gnocchi Soup Olive Garden Recipe Creamy Copycat begins with quality ingredients, each playing a crucial role in flavor and texture. This recipe ensures a wholesome, family-friendly meal.

• Chicken broth (6 cups / 1.4 L): savory base (I’ve found low-sodium broth works best for controlling saltiness).
• Heavy cream (1/2 cup / 120 ml): rich creaminess (or unsweetened full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free option).
• Chicken breast (1.5 lbs / 680 g): lean protein (boneless, skinless thighs also work beautifully).
• Potato gnocchi (16 oz / 450 g): hearty bite (use gluten-free gnocchi if preferred).
• Fresh spinach (5 oz / 140 g): nutrition & vibrant color.
• Carrots (2 medium / 150 g): sweetness & vitamins.
• Celery (2 stalks / 100 g): aromatic depth.
• Yellow onion (1 small / 110 g): flavor foundation.
• Garlic (3 cloves / 15 g): pungent flavor, minced.
• Italian seasoning (1 tbsp / 15 ml): classic taste blend.
• Olive oil (1 tbsp / 15 ml): sautéing agent.
• Salt & pepper (to taste): essential seasoning.

For a truly healthy eating experience, consider low-sodium broth and organic chicken. Fresh local veggies and whole wheat gnocchi enhance nutrition.

For dietary swaps in this Chicken Gnocchi Soup Olive Garden Recipe Creamy Copycat, full-fat coconut milk works for dairy-free. Ground turkey or cannellini beans offer high-protein, vegetarian alternatives, or use gluten-free gnocchi for a specific dietary need.

Fresh spinach in season provides the best flavor. Convenient frozen gnocchi is a pantry staple, while carrots, celery, and onion are readily available year-round for this easy dinner idea.

Preparation & Cooking Method

Follow these precise steps to achieve a rich, flavorful Chicken Gnocchi Soup Olive Garden Recipe Creamy Copycat, perfect for a quick meal.

1. Prep your ingredients: Dice carrots, celery, and onion; mince the garlic; cut chicken into 1-inch pieces. This prep takes about 15 minutes.
2. Cook chicken: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add chicken pieces, season generously with salt and pepper. Cook until golden brown and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes), stirring occasionally until no pink remains. Remove chicken and set aside.
3. Sauté aromatics: To the same pot, add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened and slightly translucent, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Deglaze & Simmer: Pour in chicken broth and Italian seasoning. Bring to a gentle simmer, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Cook for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the broth to warm through.
5. Creamy base: Reduce heat to low. Stir in heavy cream and the cooked chicken. Heat through gently, allowing the flavors to combine; do not boil. If the soup looks too thin, let it simmer gently for another 5 minutes to reduce slightly before adding cream.
6. Add gnocchi: Carefully add the potato gnocchi to the simmering soup. Cook according to package directions, usually 2-3 minutes, until gnocchi float to the surface and are tender. Don’t overcook the gnocchi; they’ll turn mushy.
7. Wilting greens: Stir in fresh spinach and cook just until wilted (about 1-2 minutes). The spinach should be bright green.
8. Taste & Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve your hearty Chicken Gnocchi Soup Olive Garden Recipe Creamy Copycat warm in bowls, a delightful family dinner.

For a speedier easy dinner, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken, significantly reducing the active cooking time for your homemade Chicken Gnocchi Soup Olive Garden Recipe Creamy Copycat. If using an Instant Pot, use sauté mode for chicken and veggies, then pressure cook with broth for 5 minutes (quick release), then add cream, gnocchi, and spinach to simmer gently. Avoid rapidly boiling the soup after adding cream to prevent curdling. Add spinach at the very end to maintain its bright color and nutrients, supporting healthy eating.

Serving Ideas & Best Uses of Chicken Gnocchi Soup

• Occasions: This Chicken Gnocchi Soup Olive Garden Recipe Creamy Copycat is perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or a delightful family gathering. It can also be an easy party starter or a warm, satisfying office lunch.
• Creative serving ideas: Enhance your meal by serving this creamy soup with warm, crusty bread or soft garlic knots. For a special touch, consider ladling the soup into hollowed-out bread bowls. A light green salad makes a great accompaniment.
• Storage/reheating advice: Store any cooled Chicken Gnocchi Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, or use the microwave, adding a splash of extra broth if the soup seems too thick.

Health & Lifestyle Benefits

• Nutritional impact: This Chicken Gnocchi Soup offers a balanced and satisfying meal, high in lean protein from the chicken. It’s also a good source of fiber from the vegetables and gnocchi, and rich in essential vitamins from ingredients like spinach and carrots.
• Supports lifestyle goals: This easy healthy meal is a fantastic option for quick dinner ideas and serves as a hearty, family-friendly dinner. It provides a balanced, satisfying meal that supports wellness-focused families without the expense of restaurant dining, encouraging more home cooking.

Time & Money Value

• Prep and cooking times: With just 15 minutes of prep time and 25 minutes of cooking, you can have a delicious homemade Chicken Gnocchi Soup Olive Garden Recipe Creamy Copycat ready in a total of 40 minutes.
• Cost per serving plus budget tips: Making this soup at home is significantly more budget-friendly than ordering out. Save money by purchasing chicken when it’s on sale, opting for store-brand gnocchi, and using frozen vegetables if fresh aren’t on offer.
• Batch cooking or “meal prep for the week” guidance: This recipe is excellent for meal prepping. Prepare a larger batch on Sunday and portion it into containers for easy lunches or quick dinners throughout the week. Gnocchi can soak up liquid, so add a splash of extra broth or water when reheating.

Ingredient Sourcing & Shopping Options

• Where to buy Chicken Gnocchi Soup ingredients: All the components for this soup are easily found. Check your local grocery store’s dairy, produce, and meat aisles. Farmers markets offer fresh, seasonal vegetables, and online grocery delivery services provide ultimate convenience.
• When organic makes a difference: For a higher quality meal, consider organic chicken to avoid antibiotics and hormones, and organic spinach and carrots to reduce pesticide exposure.
• Tie-in mentions: Utilize grocery delivery for a convenient option, explore bulk sections for savings on items like chicken broth, and consider subscription food boxes for sourcing high-quality proteins for your Chicken Gnocchi Soup.

Chef Tips & Dietary Adjustments

• Cooking refinements: Sautéing your vegetables until they have a slight caramelization adds a much deeper, richer flavor to the soup. Always season the chicken generously before cooking. For an extra layer of sophisticated flavor, I sometimes add a tiny pinch of freshly grated nutmeg when stirring in the cream.
• Adjustments for kids, spice lovers, or mild flavors: For young eaters, cut the chicken into smaller pieces and ensure the gnocchi is very soft. Spice lovers can add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. For mild palates, stick to the classic Italian seasoning.
• Allergy-friendly adaptations: This Chicken Gnocchi Soup Olive Garden Recipe Creamy Copycat is generally nut-free. For a dairy-free version, swap heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk or an unsweetened dairy-free cream alternative. If an egg allergy is a concern, select egg-free gnocchi.

FAQs

Is this Chicken Gnocchi Soup good for meal prep or weight loss?

Yes, this Chicken Gnocchi Soup is excellent for meal prep, making healthy eating easy throughout the week. For weight loss, you can adapt it by using low-fat cream or milk and adding extra vegetables for increased fiber and nutrients.

What’s the best substitute for gnocchi in this creamy copycat recipe?

If you don’t have gnocchi, small pasta shapes like ditalini or mini shells work well. For a different texture, cheese tortellini also makes a good substitute, keeping this a satisfying and easy dinner idea.

Can I order Chicken Gnocchi Soup ingredients from online grocery delivery?

Absolutely! Most major online grocery delivery services carry all the necessary components for this Chicken Gnocchi Soup Olive Garden Recipe Creamy Copycat, bringing convenience right to your door.

How long can Chicken Gnocchi Soup last once cooked?

This delicious Chicken Gnocchi Soup keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container. This makes it a great option for meal prep throughout the week.

Can I make this Chicken Gnocchi Soup vegetarian?

Yes, easily! Simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. For added protein in your vegetarian version, consider stirring in white beans or chickpeas.

What kind of chicken is best for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs work best for this recipe. Cutting them into bite-sized pieces ensures quick and even cooking, contributing to a flavorful soup every time.

Does this taste like the Olive Garden recipe?

Our creamy copycat recipe is designed to capture that familiar, comforting taste of the Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup, so you can enjoy a similar experience right in your own kitchen. I’ve found that using good quality Italian seasoning really helps nail the flavor profile.

Enjoy the comfort, convenience, and savings of making this incredible creamy gnocchi soup at home. It’s a hearty, healthy, and family-friendly meal that truly delivers. Pin this recipe now and add it to your quick dinner ideas rotation for next week!

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