This creamy and comforting soup replicates Olive Garden’s beloved Chicken Gnocchi Soup. It features tender chicken, soft gnocchi, and fresh spinach in a rich, flavorful broth, making it a perfect dish for any occasion.
3 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup diced white onion
½ cup diced celery
2 teaspoons minced garlic
¼ cup all-purpose flour
2 cups half-and-half
1½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 cup shredded carrots
1 cup cooked, diced chicken breast
1 (16-ounce) package potato gnocchi
1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Sauté Vegetables:
In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter with the olive oil.
Add the diced onion, celery, and minced garlic; sauté until the onions are translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
Create Roux:
Stir in the all-purpose flour, cooking for about 1 minute to eliminate the raw flour taste.
Add Liquids:
Gradually whisk in the half-and-half and chicken broth until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken.
Season and Add Carrots:
Stir in the dried thyme, dried parsley flakes, ground nutmeg, and shredded carrots.
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
Incorporate Chicken and Gnocchi:
Add the cooked, diced chicken and potato gnocchi to the pot.
Continue to simmer until the gnocchi are cooked and tender, about 3-5 minutes.
Add Spinach and Adjust Seasoning:
Stir in the chopped fresh spinach until it wilts.
Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste.
Serve:
Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot.
For added flavor, consider using a rotisserie chicken.
If the soup becomes too thick, adjust the consistency by adding more chicken broth.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop to maintain the creamy texture.