Olive Garden Chicken and Gnocchi Soup

Olive Garden Chicken and Gnocchi Soup Recipe from Italy

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Olive Garden's Chicken and Gnocchi Soup is a creamy and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. This recipe combines tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a rich broth that is sure to warm you up from the inside out.

History

This recipe is inspired by the popular soup served at Olive Garden, an Italian-American restaurant chain known for its delicious pasta dishes and soups. The Chicken and Gnocchi Soup has become a fan favorite for its hearty and satisfying flavors.

Ingredients

1 cup of cooked and diced chicken breasts
4 tbsp of butter
4 tbsp of flour
1 qt (946 ml) of half and half
1 can (14 oz or 397 g) of chicken broth
0.5 cup of finely diced celery
2 minced garlic cloves
1 cup of finely shredded carrots
1 cup of finely diced onion
1 cup of coarsely chopped fresh spinach
1 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil
0.5 tsp of thyme
0.5 tsp of parsley
freshly grated parmesan cheese (optional)
1 lb (454 g) of potato gnocchi

How to prepare

Sauté the onion and garlic in the butter. When the onion becomes translucent, add the flour to make a roux. Let the butter and flour mixture cook for about a minute before adding 1 qt (946 ml) of half and half.
Cook the gnocchi according to the package directions.
Into the roux, add the carrots, celery, and chicken. Once the mixture becomes thick, add the chicken broth. Once the mixture thickens again, add the cooked gnocchi, spinach, and seasonings.

Variations

For a vegetarian version, you can omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Add cooked bacon or pancetta for a smoky flavor.
Stir in some grated Parmesan cheese for extra richness.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the roux (butter and flour mixture) for at least a minute to ensure that the flour is fully cooked and doesn't have a raw taste.

- To make the soup even creamier, you can add a splash of heavy cream or whole milk.

- For a thicker soup, you can add more flour to the roux or simmer the soup for a longer period of time.

- Feel free to customize the soup by adding your favorite vegetables or herbs.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Chicken and Gnocchi Soup with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to cook the roux until it is a light golden color to ensure that the flour is fully cooked.

- Simmer the soup over low heat to allow the flavors to meld together.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use rotisserie chicken or leftover turkey in place of cooked chicken breasts.

- If you don't have half and half, you can use a combination of milk and heavy cream.

Make Ahead Tips

The soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the Chicken and Gnocchi Soup with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of olive oil for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this soup with a crisp white wine, such as Pinot Grigio, or a light-bodied red wine, such as Pinot Noir.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of the Chicken and Gnocchi Soup contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

The Chicken and Gnocchi Soup is a carb-heavy dish due to the gnocchi and flour used in the recipe. Each serving contains approximately 40 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

The soup is rich in fats from the butter, half and half, and olive oil used in the recipe. Each serving contains approximately 20 grams of fat.

Proteins

The Chicken and Gnocchi Soup is a good source of protein from the chicken and gnocchi. Each serving contains approximately 15 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

This soup is packed with vitamins and minerals from the vegetables used, such as carrots, celery, and spinach. It is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (butter, half and half, and parmesan cheese) and wheat (flour, gnocchi), which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Overall, the Chicken and Gnocchi Soup is a balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

The Chicken and Gnocchi Soup is a comforting and satisfying dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. With tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a rich broth, this soup is sure to warm you up from the inside out. Enjoy it with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was captivated by its flavors. It was a dreary winter day, and I was browsing through an old cookbook that I had inherited from my own grandmother. As I turned the yellowed pages, a recipe for Olive Garden Chicken and Gnocchi Soup caught my eye.

I had never been to an Olive Garden restaurant before, but the name sounded exotic and intriguing. The ingredients listed in the recipe were simple yet comforting - chicken, gnocchi, spinach, and a creamy broth flavored with garlic and Parmesan cheese. It was the perfect dish for a cold winter evening.

I decided to give the recipe a try, even though I had never made gnocchi before. I gathered all the ingredients and started to cook. As I chopped the vegetables and simmered the chicken broth, the kitchen filled with a tantalizing aroma that made my stomach growl in anticipation.

The most challenging part of the recipe was making the gnocchi from scratch. I had never attempted such a feat before, but I was determined to master it. I mixed together flour, eggs, and mashed potatoes, shaping the dough into small dumplings before dropping them into the simmering broth.

As the gnocchi floated to the surface, I felt a sense of accomplishment wash over me. I had conquered my fear of making homemade pasta and created a delicious dish that warmed both body and soul. I sprinkled Parmesan cheese over the soup and garnished it with fresh parsley before serving it to my family.

Their eyes lit up with delight as they took their first spoonfuls of the soup. The flavors were rich and savory, with the tender gnocchi melting in their mouths. They declared it a new family favorite, and I felt a swell of pride at having introduced them to such a delicious recipe.

Over the years, I have made Olive Garden Chicken and Gnocchi Soup countless times, each batch slightly different from the last. I have added my own personal touches - a pinch of nutmeg here, a splash of white wine there - to make the recipe truly my own.

I have also shared the recipe with friends and neighbors, passing on the tradition of homemade soup made with love and care. Each time I cook a pot of Chicken and Gnocchi Soup, I am transported back to that first winter day when I discovered the recipe in my grandmother's cookbook.

The flavors of garlic and Parmesan, the warmth of the broth, the tender gnocchi floating in the bowl - all of these elements come together to create a dish that is both comforting and nourishing. It is a reminder of the power of food to bring people together, to create memories that last a lifetime.

As I sit down to enjoy a bowl of Olive Garden Chicken and Gnocchi Soup with my family, I am grateful for the rich tapestry of recipes that I have collected over the years. Each one tells a story, a tale of flavors and traditions passed down through generations.

And as I take my last spoonful of soup, savoring the taste of garlic and Parmesan on my tongue, I know that this recipe will always hold a special place in my heart. It is a reminder of the joy of cooking, the pleasure of sharing a meal with loved ones, and the beauty of creating something delicious from simple ingredients.

So the next time you find yourself in need of a comforting meal on a cold winter day, why not try making Olive Garden Chicken and Gnocchi Soup? Let its rich flavors and hearty ingredients warm your soul and bring a smile to your face. And who knows - perhaps one day, you too will pass on the recipe to the next generation, creating new memories and traditions along the way.