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Better Than Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Better Than Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
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This Better Than Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a rich, creamy, and comforting homemade soup featuring tender shredded chicken, soft potato gnocchi, fresh vegetables, and a luscious broth made from scratch. Perfect for a cozy meal, this soup is free from artificial ingredients, easy to prepare in under an hour, and customizable to suit your dietary preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken breasts

Dumplings

  • 1 package (about 16 oz) potato gnocchi

Dairy

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons butter

Vegetables

  • 1 cup diced carrots
  • 1 cup diced celery
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups fresh spinach or kale

Liquids

  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Thickener & Seasonings

  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour as substitution)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Italian herbs (dried basil, oregano, thyme blend)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Dice onions, carrots, and celery. Mince garlic and shred the cooked chicken breast. Having everything ready beforehand will make the cooking process smooth and stress-free.
  2. Sauté Vegetables to Build Flavor: In a large pot, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onions, carrots, and celery, cooking for about 5-7 minutes until softened and fragrant. Stir in minced garlic and cook another minute until aromatic.
  3. Make the Creamy Base: Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed vegetables and stir constantly for 2 minutes to fully cook the flour and avoid a raw taste. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, ensuring no lumps form, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer until the soup thickens slightly.
  4. Add Chicken, Gnocchi, and Greens: Stir in the shredded chicken and potato gnocchi. Cook the gnocchi according to package directions (usually about 3-4 minutes), stirring occasionally. Add fresh spinach or kale and stir until wilted and bright green.
  5. Stir in Cream and Cheese: Lower the heat and gently pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Add grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs to taste. Heat through gently without boiling to keep the cream from curdling.
  6. Serve Warm and Enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy the creamy, comforting flavors immediately.

Notes

  • Use homemade chicken broth for the richest flavor and depth.
  • Do not overcook the gnocchi; they should be tender but still hold their shape.
  • Temper the cream by mixing warm soup into it slowly before adding to prevent curdling.
  • Fresh herbs like thyme or basil add brightness and freshness to the soup.
  • Adjust the soup thickness by adding more broth to thin or cooking uncovered longer to thicken.
  • For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit chicken or add mushrooms.
  • To make it gluten-free, substitute flour with gluten-free flour or cornstarch.
  • Can be made in a slow cooker by cooking all ingredients (except cream and gnocchi) on low for 4-6 hours; add cream and gnocchi in the last 15 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken gnocchi soup, creamy chicken soup, homemade gnocchi soup, comfort food, Olive Garden copycat soup

Find it online: https://elenaglam.com/better-than-olive-garden-chicken-gnocchi-soup/