Name: Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi: 7 Comforting Secrets Revealed
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 tablespoons butter; 1 small onion, diced; 2 stalks celery, chopped; 1 medium carrot, peeled and diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 4 cups chicken broth; 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded; 2 cups half and half; 1 pound potato gnocchi; 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; Salt and pepper, to taste

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Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi is a delicious twist on comfort food that has become a favorite for many. This creamy soup features tender chicken, soft gnocchi, and fresh spinach in a rich broth that makes every bite a delight. It’s perfect for cozy evenings, family dinners, or meal prep. Let’s dive into this incredible dish that will remind you of your favorite Italian restaurant!

Why You’ll Love This Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi

This comforting dish is not just about flavor; it offers numerous benefits that you will love:

A rich and creamy broth that warms your soul.
Quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for weeknights.
Hearty ingredients like chicken and gnocchi provide great nutrition.
Can be made gluten-free with simple swaps.
Perfect for family gatherings or meal prep.
Brings the taste of Olive Garden right to your home.

With its Italian roots, this homemade chicken gnocchi like Olive Garden is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.

Ingredients for Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi

Gather these items:

1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
1 small onion, diced
2 stalks celery, chopped
1 medium carrot, peeled and diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
4 cups chicken broth
2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
2 cups half and half
1 pound potato gnocchi
1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper, to taste

How to Make Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Step-by-Step

Step 1: Heat olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, celery, and carrot and sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened.
Step 2: Stir in garlic and thyme, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Sprinkle in the flour and stir to coat the vegetables. Cook for 1 minute to eliminate raw flour taste.
Step 4: Gradually whisk in chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil, stirring until thickened slightly.
Step 5: Add shredded chicken and uncooked gnocchi. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until gnocchi are soft and cooked through.
Step 6: Reduce heat to low. Stir in half and half and spinach. Let spinach wilt, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 7: Serve hot with crusty bread or a sprinkle of Parmesan if desired.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi

Keep these in mind:

Great for meal prep and family gatherings.
Can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Consider adding more vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition.
Using homemade chicken broth will enhance the flavor.

Best Ways to Serve Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi

For an unforgettable meal, try these serving ideas:

Pair it with a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Serve with crusty garlic bread to soak up the delicious broth.
Top with freshly grated Parmesan for added flavor.

How to Store and Reheat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi

This dish is perfect for meal prep. To store, simply keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to loosen it up.

Frequently Asked Questions About Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi

What’s the secret to perfect Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi?

The secret lies in using quality ingredients and not overcooking the gnocchi. They should be soft but not mushy, creating that perfect texture that mimics the chicken gnocchi dish Olive Garden is famous for.

Can I make Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi ahead of time?

Absolutely! This easy chicken gnocchi soup recipe can be made a day in advance. Just store it in the fridge and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy it.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi?

To avoid common pitfalls, make sure to follow the cooking times precisely, particularly for the gnocchi, as they can become too soft if overcooked.

Variations of Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi You Can Try

Switch things up with these variations:

Try adding different vegetables like kale or broccoli for a nutritious boost.
For a different flavor, use pesto instead of thyme.
Experiment with different types of gnocchi, like spinach or sweet potato gnocchi.

With this comforting Italian chicken gnocchi, you can enjoy restaurant-quality meals right at home!

For more delicious recipes, check out our latest recipes or try making creamy potato soup for a comforting meal. If you’re looking for a sweet treat, don’t miss our gingerbread cookies recipe!

Additionally, you can learn more about the nutritional benefits of gnocchi from Healthline.