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Better Than Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Better Than Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
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Better Than Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup delivers a rich, creamy, and comforting bowl filled with tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, fresh spinach, and a velvety broth enriched with Parmesan cheese and Italian herbs. This homemade Italian-inspired soup is simple to prepare, endlessly customizable, and perfect for cozy family dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 2 cups cooked chicken breasts, shredded or diced

Carbohydrates

  • 1 package (16 oz) potato gnocchi

Vegetables & Herbs

  • 3 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil (or substitute with oregano)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Liquids & Dairy

  • 4 cups chicken broth (homemade or high-quality store-bought)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Fats & Seasonings

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the Chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side. Remove from pan and shred or dice into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, melt butter and add finely chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté until translucent and fragrant, about 4-5 minutes, forming the flavorful base of the soup.
  3. Build the Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil. Stir in dried Italian herbs (thyme, basil) and simmer for 10 minutes to develop deep, savory flavors.
  4. Cook the Gnocchi: Slowly add potato gnocchi to the simmering broth. Cook just until they float to the surface, about 2-3 minutes, ensuring they remain soft but not mushy.
  5. Add Spinach and Cream: Stir in fresh spinach until wilted. Pour in heavy cream and return shredded chicken to the pot. Gently simmer to thicken the soup, about 3-5 minutes.
  6. Finish with Parmesan and Seasoning: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for an additional minute to harmonize all flavors before serving.

Notes

  • Use homemade chicken broth whenever possible for a richer flavor.
  • Do not overcook gnocchi; cooking until they float ensures the ideal tender texture.
  • Fresh herbs like parsley or basil added at the end brighten and freshen the soup’s flavor.
  • Simmer gently to prevent the cream from curdling and to keep the soup silky smooth.
  • Shred chicken finely to distribute protein throughout every spoonful evenly.
  • For a dairy-free option, substitute heavy cream with coconut or cashew cream and omit Parmesan or use vegan cheese.
  • To add heat, include crushed red pepper flakes or smoked paprika as desired.
  • Extra vegetables such as diced carrots, celery, or zucchini can be added for more nutrition and flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken gnocchi soup, creamy chicken soup, Italian soup, comfort food, easy chicken soup

Find it online: https://homemademealz.com/better-than-olive-garden-chicken-gnocchi-soup/