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My kitchen fills with incredible smells whenever I whip up this chicken gnocchi soup inspired by Olive Garden. You'll fall in love with how the soft gnocchi, juicy chicken chunks, and fresh veggies swim in that creamy, rich broth. It's turned into our go-to comfort meal, especially when it's cold outside.
Tastier Than Dining Out
The best thing about making this soup is how fast it comes together while tasting like you spent all day cooking it. Those plump gnocchi and hearty chicken bits make it really filling. I serve it with some crunchy bread for dinner, or pack it for next-day lunch, and everyone always wants another bowl.
Grocery Needs
- 4 tablespoons butter: Works great whether you pick salted or unsalted.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Creates the perfect base when cooking.
- 1 large white onion: Cut into tiny cubes for extra flavor.
- 3 celery stalks: Chop them evenly for the right crunch.
- 4 garlic cloves: Mince them fresh for the best taste.
- 1/3 cup flour: This makes your broth thick and velvety.
- 2 cups half and half: The secret to that dreamy creaminess.
- 4 cups chicken broth: Go for low sodium so you can add salt as needed.
- 1 teaspoon each: Dried parsley flakes and thyme.
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg: Just a touch gives amazing depth.
- 2 cups carrots: Cut into matchsticks so they cook quickly.
- 2 cups chicken: Grab a rotisserie chicken to save time.
- 1 pound potato gnocchi: The store-bought kind works wonders.
- 2 cups fresh spinach: Brings nice green color and goodness.
Easy Cooking Guide
- Get Your Foundation Ready
- Drop butter into a big soup pot, add olive oil with the onions and celery. Cook for 3-4 minutes until everything gets soft and smells good.
- Make It Thicken
- Dust the flour over your cooked veggies, keep stirring for 1-2 minutes. This trick helps your soup get nice and thick.
- Mix Your Liquids
- Pour in your chicken broth and half and half, let it bubble gently then turn down the heat. Let it cook about 10 minutes until it starts thickening up.
- Throw In The Good Stuff
- Mix in your spinach, chicken, carrots, and gnocchi. Cook another 10-12 minutes until the gnocchi floats and feels tender.
- Season It Up
- Add your nutmeg, thyme, parsley, pepper and salt. Serve it hot with some fresh parsley on top if you want.
Crockpot Method
Got a slow cooker? First cook those veggies in a pan, then dump everything into your crockpot except the spinach and gnocchi. Let it cook on low for 4 hours, then add the gnocchi and spinach during the last hour. If it's not thick enough, stir in some cornstarch mixed with water at the end.
Keeping It Fresh
After dinner, put any leftover soup in a sealed container and keep it in your fridge for up to 5 days. When you want more, warm it up slowly on low heat so the cream doesn't break apart. You can even freeze it for a few months just let it thaw in the fridge overnight before heating it back up.
Fan Favorites
My buddy Don thinks it's basically a full meal in one dish. Erin can't get enough of it topped with fresh parmesan cheese. And Krystal got smart after Thanksgiving by using leftover turkey instead of chicken she swears it tasted fantastic. These personal touches really make the soup something special.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why cook flour with butter first?
This step creates a roux that thickens the soup and prevents clumps. It also gets rid of the raw flour taste.
- → Is heavy cream a good substitute for half-and-half?
You can use heavy cream, but it will make the soup richer. To mimic half-and-half, mix it with some milk.
- → Why are the vegetables chopped so small?
Small pieces cook faster and blend better with the gnocchi and chicken, giving the soup a well-balanced texture.
- → Can I swap fresh spinach with dried?
Fresh spinach keeps its texture and vibrant color. Dried spinach could turn too soft and lose flavor.
- → Why is salt added based on taste?
Depending on the broth you use, the soup might be salty enough. Adjust it gradually to suit your preference.
Conclusion
Enjoy a creamy bowl of chicken gnocchi soup, loaded with fluffy dumplings, fresh vegetables, and tender chicken, all in a luscious broth. Simple to make and ready in only 35 minutes, this dish is perfect for family dinners or special gatherings.