Print

Better Than Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Better Than Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Better Than Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a creamy, comforting, and hearty soup featuring tender chicken, soft potato gnocchi, fresh spinach, and a rich, flavorful broth. This recipe offers a homemade twist on the classic favorite, perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or entertaining guests with a warm and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 2 chicken breasts, seasoned with salt and pepper

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids & Dairy

  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream

Carbohydrates

  • 1 package (about 16 oz) potato gnocchi

Fats & Oils

  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Seasonings & Cheese

  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Parmesan cheese, freshly grated (optional, for serving)

Instructions

  1. Cook the chicken: Season chicken breasts lightly with salt and pepper, then cook them thoroughly in a skillet over medium heat until golden and no longer pink inside. Once done, shred or dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
  2. Sauté aromatics: In a large pot, heat butter and olive oil together. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking over medium heat until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Build the broth: Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the Italian seasoning and allow the flavors to meld for about 5 minutes.
  4. Add gnocchi and spinach: Carefully add the potato gnocchi to the simmering broth and cook until they float to the surface, indicating tenderness. Then stir in the fresh spinach leaves and cook just until wilted.
  5. Finish with cream and chicken: Lower the heat and slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring constantly to create a luscious, creamy soup. Add the cooked chicken back into the pot and warm through gently without boiling.
  6. Season and serve: Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning as needed. For a finishing touch, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the soup before serving.

Notes

  • Cook gnocchi carefully to keep them soft but not mushy.
  • Use homemade chicken broth if possible for extra depth and richness.
  • Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil to elevate flavor.
  • After adding cream, avoid boiling to prevent curdling.
  • Shred the chicken finely to disperse protein evenly throughout the soup.

Nutrition

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