Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

This Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a comforting, creamy, and hearty dish that feels like a hug in a bowl. Inspired by Olive Garden’s beloved classic, this soup combines tender potato gnocchi, juicy chicken, and fresh vegetables in a rich and creamy broth. The addition of spinach and herbs gives it a fresh and flavorful finish. Perfect for a cozy dinner or to impress guests with a restaurant-style dish at home, this soup is both easy to make and loaded with wholesome ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp olive oil (extra-virgin recommended)
• 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
• ½ cup celery, finely diced
• ½ cup carrots, finely diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced or pressed
• 1 carton (32 oz) chicken broth
• 2 cups half and half
• 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or chunked)
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• ½ tsp dried parsley
• ½ tsp kosher salt (or more to taste)
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1 package (16 oz) potato gnocchi
• 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
• Freshly grated parmesan cheese, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cook the Vegetables:
   In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion, celery, carrots, and garlic. Sauté for 5-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and aromatic.
2. Simmer the Broth:
   Stir in the chicken broth, half and half, cooked chicken, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. Bring the soup to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let the soup simmer for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
3. Prepare the Gnocchi:
   While the soup is simmering, cook the potato gnocchi in a separate pot according to the package directions. Be sure to add a pinch of salt to the boiling water for flavor. Drain the cooked gnocchi and set them aside.
4. Add Spinach & Gnocchi:
   Stir the chopped spinach into the soup and let it cook for about 5 minutes until the spinach wilts. Add the cooked gnocchi to the pot and allow everything to heat through for another 2-3 minutes.
5. Serve:
   Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish each serving with freshly grated parmesan cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy!

---

Tips:

• Customize the Chicken: You can use rotisserie chicken, leftover roasted chicken, or even grilled chicken for added flavor and convenience.
• Gnocchi Options: Traditional potato gnocchi works best, but you can experiment with other varieties like spinach gnocchi or cauliflower gnocchi for a twist.
• Spinach Substitutes: If you don’t have fresh spinach on hand, you can use baby kale or Swiss chard instead. Frozen spinach can also work, just make sure to thaw and squeeze out any excess water before adding it to the soup.
• Thickening the Soup: If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can make a simple roux (butter and flour mixture) and stir it in before adding the half and half. Alternatively, you can let the soup simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes to reduce and thicken naturally.
• Leftovers: Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The gnocchi may absorb some of the broth, so you may need to add a splash of broth or milk when reheating.

This Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a delightful blend of flavors and textures, perfect for chilly nights or when you’re craving something rich and satisfying!