Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
A creamy and comforting Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup, made with tender chicken, soft potato gnocchi, spinach, and a rich broth. An easy one-pot meal, ready in 30 minutes—perfect for cozy dinners.
6 Servings
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion finely chopped
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 2 stalks celery finely diced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1½ teaspoons kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth 32 ounces
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 pound refrigerated potato gnocchi avoid frozen for best results
- 1 5-ounce bag baby spinach
- 1½ cups half-and-half
Instructions
Sauté the Aromatics
- In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat until shimmering. Add the chopped onion, shredded carrots, diced celery, and minced garlic. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Sauté the vegetables for approximately 5 minutes, or until softened and aromatic.
Add Broth and Chicken
- Pour in the chicken broth, followed by the cooked, shredded chicken and fresh thyme leaves. Stir well to combine. Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and allow the soup to simmer gently for 10 minutes, enabling the flavors to meld.
Incorporate Gnocchi and Spinach
- Add the potato gnocchi, baby spinach, and half-and-half to the pot. Stir gently to integrate all ingredients. Simmer for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, or until the gnocchi is tender and the spinach has wilted. Avoid overcooking the gnocchi to preserve their delicate texture.
Serve
- Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. Optionally, garnish with freshly ground black pepper or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for added flavor. This dish pairs well with crusty bread or a light garden salad.
Notes
To make this Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup gluten-free, substitute the traditional potato gnocchi with a certified gluten-free variety. Additionally, ensure that your chicken broth is labeled gluten-free, as some commercially prepared broths may contain gluten additives or thickeners.