Title: Creamy and Comforting Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
## Introduction
There’s no better way to kick off a cozy night in than with a bowl of warm, gut-filling soup. That’s where this Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup comes into play. Hailing from the kitchens of the famous Olive Garden, this soup loaded with flavorful chicken, soft pillowy gnocchi, and a host of vegetables is comfort food at its finest.
## Why Make This Recipe
Replicating this Olive Garden special at your own kitchen means you get to relish a restaurant-quality meal for a fraction of the price. Besides who wouldn’t love a bowl of rich, creamy soup filled with tenderness of chicken and a generous dose of fresh spinach and carrots Ditch the dressy occasions, and invite warmth into your solitudes with this hearty soup!
## How To Make Creamy and Comforting Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
### Ingredients (Serves 6)
1 pound chicken breast, cooked and shredded
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 tablespoons butter
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup half-and-half
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup carrots, grated
1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
16 ounces of gnocchi
1 teaspoon thyme
Salt and Pepper to taste
### Directions
1. Heat olive oil and two tablespoons of butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic; sauté until translucent.
2. Add the remainder of the butter and flour to prepare a roux. Cook this mixture while stirring constantly for about a minute.
3. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, ensuring no clumps are formed. Add the half-and-half, heavy cream, thyme, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer.
4. Once the soup begins to simmer, add in the grated carrots, cooked shredded chicken, and gnocchi. Allow the soup to cook for around 8 minutes until the gnocchi are tender.
5. Finally, stir in the chopped spinach until it wilts. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
## How To Serve Creamy and Comforting Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Serve this warm bowl of comfort just as is or pair it with some crispy garlic bread on the side. Top it with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor.
## How to Store Creamy and Comforting Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Store the leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to use, reheat on the stove for a few minutes.
## Tips To Make Creamy and Comforting Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
To make sure your soup is creamy and not grainy, add the flour slowly and whisk constantly. Add broth gradually, to avoid any lumps.
## Variation
If you love your soup loaded, you can add a variety of other vegetables such as peas, bell peppers, or even some cooked bacon.
## FAQs
1. Can I make this soup vegan?
Yes, swap the chicken broth with vegetable stock, chicken with tofu, and use a non-dairy alternative for the half-and-half and heavy cream.
2. How can I thicken the soup?
You can use a combination of water and cornstarch to thicken the soup if desired.
3. Can this soup be frozen?
Yes, this soup can be frozen. However, the dairy in it may cause the texture to become a little grainy once defrosted.