Olive Garden is one of those spots folks hit up when they want a taste of italy without all the fuss. They got this Chicken Gnocchi Soup thats super creamy, filled with soft gnocchi, bits of chicken, fresh spinach and some herbs that kinda make your mouth happy. It’s like a warm hug on a chilly day, and people cant seem to get enough of it.
What is Chicken Gnocchi Soup?
Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a cozy dish thats both hearty and light at the same time, much like a comforting chicken tortellini soup. You got chunks of chicken, pillowy gnocchi dumplings, and bright green spinach all swimming in a creamy broth. Every bite is sorta soft from the gnocchi but also juicy from the chicken.
The normal ingrediants you’ll find in this soup are:
- Chicken: Usually they use shredded rotisserie chicken or cubes of cooked chicken breast.
- Gnocchi: Soft dumplings made from potatoes, flour and egg that kinda melt in your mouth.
- Vegetables: Carrots, celery, onions and garlic for flavour and crunch.
- Spinach: Fresh leaves that add colour and vitamins.
- Cream: Makes the soup thick and rich.
- Chicken broth: The liquid base that gives it a savoury taste.
- Italian seasonings: Herbs like thyme, parsley and basil to boost the flavour.
- Parmesan cheese: Sprinkled on top for extra yumminess.
The soup’s texture is kinda a mix of creamy and chewy. The gnocchi gives you a soft bite and the broth is smooth. They mix in spices and fresh stuff so it tastes like home cooking. It’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or even just a snack if you’re really hungry.
Origin and Background
Gnocchi dates back to old Roman times when people mashed grains and water into tiny dumplings. Over the years they started adding potatoes and eggs to make them fluffier. Now gnocchi is all over Italy, served with sauces or in soups like this one.
Olive Garden took that old recipe and gave it an american twist to please their guests. They kept it simple so you can find the ingredients easy at any grocery store. By making it creamy and adding chicken, they turned it into a signature soup that lots of diners love. It’s affordable, approachable and it hits the spot every time.
Nutritional Information
Even though it feels like comfort food, you should know what’s inside your bowl. Here’s a rough idea of what one serving has and why some of the ingrediants are good for you.
- Calories: About 350–400 calories per bowl.
- Fat: Around 15–20 grams depending on how much cream you use.
- Protein: Roughly 25 grams from the chicken.
- Carbs: Close to 30 grams from the gnocchi and veggies.
Key health perks:
- Chicken: Lean protein thats good for muscles and repairing tissues.
- Spinach: Packed with vitamins A, C and K plus iron and calcium.
- Gnocchi: Higher in carbs but gives you vitamin B6 and potassium.
All together it makes a pretty balanced meal. Of course, dont overdo it on the cream or cheese if you’re watching your fat intake.
The Appeal of Olive Garden’s Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Lots of things make this soup a hit with diners. From the taste to the comfort factor, here’s why people cant stop talking about it.
Flavorful Ingredients
They mix fresh herbs like thyme, parsley and basil so each spoonful has layers of flavor. The creamy broth plus tender chicken is just the right combo to keep you comin back for more.
Comfort Food Factor
Soup in general feels like home, and this one’s no different. The richness of the broth and the soft gnocchi sorta remind you of mom’s cooking. If you love hearty soups, try this instant pot chicken noodle soup for another easy option.
Popularity Among Diners
Regulars at Olive Garden often rave about this soup in reviews. It’s consistent, satisfying and you can even take home leftovers to enjoy later. No wonder it’s one of their top menu picks.
Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Equipment
- 1 large pot
- 1 wooden spoon
- 1 cutting board
- 1 set measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 medium carrots diced
- 2 stalks celery diced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked chicken shredded
- 1 package (16 oz) gnocchi
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
- for serving grated Parmesan cheese optional
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add the dried thyme and basil, then pour in the chicken broth. Bring to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer, and add the shredded chicken and gnocchi. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, until the gnocchi float to the top and are tender.
- Stir in the fresh spinach and heavy cream, cooking for another 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
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