There’s something magical about a warm, creamy soup on a chilly day, isn’t there? For me, this Chicken Gnocchi Soup brings back memories of cozy family dinners after a long week. We didn’t eat out often, but when we did, Olive Garden’s endless soup, salad, and breadsticks were always a favorite treat.
This recipe captures all the comforting, creamy goodness of their famous soup—right in your own kitchen. It’s simple, versatile, and packed with flavor, yet easy enough to whip up on a weeknight.
Whether you’re making dinner for the family or meal-prepping lunches for the week, this recipe has you covered. Plus, it’s a budget-friendly alternative to dining out—without sacrificing any of that rich, restaurant-quality taste!
Healthier Italian Chicken and Gnocchi Soup
Ingredients:
- 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs) - cooked and diced
- 2 stalk of celery - chopped
- ½ white onion, diced
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- ½ cup carrots, chopped
- ½ tablespoon olive oil (or cooking spray)
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or no-salt-added)
- Salt and pepper - to taste
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 16 ounces potato or cauliflower gnocchi
- 2 cup milk (or other plant-based milk of choice)
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream (you can sub for greek yogurt as well)
- 1 cup fresh spinach
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil (or spray) in a large pot over medium heat. Add celery, onions, garlic, and carrots. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onions are translucent.
- Add the cooked chicken, chicken broth, salt, pepper, and thyme. Bring to a boil, then gently stir in the gnocchi. Boil for 3-4 minutes longer before reducing the heat to a simmer, cooking for 10 minutes.
- Stir in the almond milk and Greek yogurt until well combined. Then add the spinach and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the spinach is tender.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes:
- Milk: To keep it creamy without adding extra fat, avoid using heavy cream. If a thicker texture is desired, add a little more Greek yogurt.
- Gnocchi Swap: Whole wheat or cauliflower gnocchi will provide extra fiber and cut down on refined carbs.
Cooking Tips and Swaps
Here are some tips to help reduce the prep and cook times for this recipe:
- Use Pre-Cooked or Rotisserie Chicken: Save time by using a store-bought rotisserie chicken or pre-cooked chicken strips. Just shred or dice the meat, and you’re ready to go.
- Buy Pre-Chopped Vegetables: Opt for pre-chopped celery, onions, carrots, and even pre-minced garlic from the grocery store. This can save several minutes of chopping and dicing.
- Frozen Vegetables: Use frozen chopped onions, carrots, and spinach. They’re just as nutritious as fresh, and they’ll cook quickly, reducing the sautéing time.
- Cook Chicken in Advance: If you prefer cooking your chicken, prepare it ahead of time (like during a weekly meal prep) and store it in the fridge or freezer until ready to use.
- Use a Food Processor: If you prefer fresh veggies, use a food processor to quickly chop the celery, onions, and carrots. This will cut down on the prep time significantly.
- Quick-Cook Gnocchi: Some brands offer "quick-cook" gnocchi that can be ready in just 2 minutes. This can help reduce overall cooking time.
- Multi-Task: While sautéing the vegetables, prep the spinach, measure out your ingredients, or shred the chicken. This efficient use of time will speed up the process.
- Heat Broth Separately: Warm the chicken broth in a separate pot or microwave while sautéing the vegetables. This way, you can add hot broth directly to the pot, reducing the time it takes to bring everything to a boil.
FAQs
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saving option. Simply shred or dice the cooked chicken and add it during Step 2 when the chicken is mixed with the broth and spices.
Yes! For a dairy-free version, substitute the milk with unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk, and use a dairy-free cream alternative, like cashew cream, in place of the heavy whipping cream.
While you can freeze the soup, keep in mind that the gnocchi and cream may change texture after thawing. If you plan to freeze it, consider leaving out the gnocchi and cream until you’re ready to reheat and serve. Add them fresh during reheating for the best texture.
If gnocchi isn’t available, you can use diced potatoes, small pasta like ditalini, or even rice for a different spin on this classic soup.
If your soup feels thinner than you'd like, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch or flour with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Stir it into the soup while it’s simmering and let it thicken to your desired consistency.
Suggested Recipes to Pair with This Soup
Looking for a complete meal or more recipes to round out your menu? Try these:
- Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad: A light, crisp side that complements the hearty soup.
- Roasted Vegetables: Balance the richness of the soup with a tray of oven-roasted seasonal veggies.
- Easy Homemade Breadsticks: Bring the full Olive Garden experience to your table with these buttery, soft breadsticks.
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