Olive Garden Style Chicken and Gnocchi Soup
This is very close to the Olive Garden soup. Another recipe on the web was the basis of this recipe, however, I have changed it to use less cream. Still tastes good! I did end up using a little cornstarch to thicken. I guess you could substitute heavy cream for the half-and-half to make it a little thicker without using cornstarch. The gnocchi is usually in the spaghetti section of the grocery store.
This is very close to the Olive Garden soup. Another recipe on the web was the basis of this recipe, however, I have changed it to use less cream. Still tastes good! I did end up using a little cornstarch to thicken. I guess you could substitute heavy cream for the half-and-half to make it a little thicker without using cornstarch. The gnocchi is usually in the spaghetti section of the grocery store.
- salt and pepper
- 2 cups half-and-half
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cups chicken stock
- 1 garlic clove chopped
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1/2 onion diced
- 1 stalk celery diced
- 1 cup fresh spinach chopped
- 3 -4 chicken breasts cooked and diced
- 1/2 carrot shredded
- 16 ounces potato gnocchi
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional)
- Carbohydrate 28.1184437725561 g
- Cholesterol 163.895000138549 mg
- Fat 52.0477219187862 g
- Fiber 0.405562504082918 g
- Protein 18.8631281407097 g
- Saturated Fat 31.1527300263023 g
- Serving Size 1 1 -10 serving(s) (740g)
- Sodium 536.002572051494 mg
- Sugar 27.7128812684731 g
- Trans Fat 2.74135062730187 g
- Calories 647 calories
Step-by-step
- Sauté the onion, celery, garlic, and carrot in oil over medium heat until the onion is translucent.
- Add chicken, chicken stock, half-and-half, salt, pepper, and thyme.
- Heat to boiling, then add gnocchi.
- Gently boil for 4 minutes, then turn down to a simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add spinach and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the spinach is wilted.
- (Heat to boiling and add cornstarch dissolved in 1-2 Tbsp water at this point if you want a thicker soup.)
- Ladle into bowls and serve!
My Olive Garden Chicken and Gnocchi Soup Adventure
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook delicious, comforting meals can feel like a Herculean task. Weeknights are a whirlwind of school pick-ups, homework battles, and the ever-present struggle to get dinner on the table before everyone collapses from exhaustion. So when I crave a restaurant-quality meal without the restaurant prices or the hassle of a reservation, I turn to my trusty kitchen and my favorite recipes – like this Olive Garden-inspired chicken and gnocchi soup.
I first discovered a similar recipe online, but I tweaked it to fit my lifestyle and preferences. Let me tell you, there’s nothing quite like the warmth of a hearty bowl of soup on a chilly evening, and this recipe delivers that warmth tenfold. It’s creamy, savory, and packed with flavor – a true taste of home, even if that “home” is my slightly chaotic but deeply loved kitchen. The best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make, even on my busiest days. The key is using pre-cooked chicken to save precious time. I usually roast a large batch on the weekend and portion it out for quick weeknight meals.
The original recipe called for a heavier cream base, but I adjusted it to use less, opting for half-and-half instead. The result is a lighter, equally satisfying soup that doesn't leave me feeling overly full or sluggish. Sometimes, I even skip the optional cornstarch for a thinner consistency, depending on my mood and how much time I have. The gnocchi adds a delightful pillowy texture and a touch of heartiness that perfectly complements the tender chicken and vibrant spinach. Finding the gnocchi is always a fun little scavenger hunt; they're usually nestled in the pasta aisle amongst the other shapes and sizes.
This soup is more than just a meal; it's a ritual. It's the comforting aroma that fills my home as it simmers on the stove, the happy sounds of family gathered around the table, sharing stories and laughter. It's a testament to the power of simple ingredients transformed into something extraordinary. This recipe is about more than just following instructions; it’s about creating memories and sharing a delicious, wholesome meal with the people you love.
And the best part? Clean-up is a breeze! I often double the recipe so we have leftovers for lunch the next day, making my already busy mornings a little bit easier. This soup is a true weeknight winner – a simple yet satisfying culinary adventure that even a busy mom can conquer. The key is planning and using shortcuts whenever possible. This recipe allows for creativity and flexibility – feel free to experiment with different vegetables or add a pinch of your favorite spice to personalize it even more.
So, if you're looking for a quick, easy, and incredibly delicious soup recipe that will become a staple in your family's repertoire, give my Olive Garden-inspired chicken and gnocchi soup a try. You might even discover your new favorite weeknight meal. And who knows, maybe you’ll even impress yourself with your culinary prowess! I know I have, time and time again.
Beyond the practicalities, this soup holds a special place in my heart. It’s a symbol of coming home, of family, and of finding joy in the simplest things. And in the midst of the chaos of everyday life, that's a feeling worth savoring, one delicious spoonful at a time.
