Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi Delight
Indulge in this delightful Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi Delight, inspired by the beloved Olive Garden recipe. This comforting soup brings together tender chicken, pillowy potato gnocchi, and a medley of fresh vegetables, all enveloped in a creamy broth. Perfect for a cozy family gathering or a weeknight dinner, it’s a dish that will warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds. Featuring the rich flavors of thyme and parsley complemented by fresh spinach and carrots, each bowl is a delicious hug. This recipe makes enough for eight hearty servings, ensuring there is plenty to share or savor for lunches to come.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
cooked chicken breast
1 cup (diced (preferably from a rotisserie chicken))
butter
4 tablespoons (unsalted)
flour
4 tablespoons (all-purpose)
half-and-half
1 quart (or use a combination of milk and cream)
chicken broth
14 ounces (1 can) (low-sodium recommended)
celery
1/2 cup (finely diced)
garlic
2 cloves (minced)
carrot
1 cup (finely shredded)
onion
1 cup (finely diced)
fresh spinach
1 cup (coarsely chopped)
extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon (for sautéing)
thyme
1/2 teaspoon (dried)
parsley
1/2 teaspoon (dried)
parmesan cheese
to taste (freshly grated)
potato gnocchi
1 lb (store-bought)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, melt 4 tablespoons of butter and 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion, celery, and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.
2
Sprinkle in 4 tablespoons of flour and stir continuously for about a minute to form a roux, allowing it to lightly brown.
3
Slowly pour in 1 quart of half-and-half while continuously whisking to avoid lumps. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer.
4
Meanwhile, cook the potato gnocchi according to package directions, then drain and set aside.
5
Once the roux mixture has thickened, add in the finely shredded carrots and the diced cooked chicken. Stir well to combine.
6
Gradually add in 1 can (14 ounces) of chicken broth, stirring continuously until the soup thickens again.
7
Finally, add the cooked gnocchi, coarsely chopped spinach, and season with 1/2 teaspoon of thyme, 1/2 teaspoon of parsley, and freshly grated parmesan cheese to taste. Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until heated through.
8
Serve hot, garnished with extra parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi Delight?
It is a comforting soup inspired by Olive Garden that combines tender chicken, potato gnocchi, and a medley of fresh vegetables in a rich, creamy broth.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes approximately eight hearty servings, perfect for a family gathering.
Is this recipe inspired by Olive Garden?
Yes, it is a delightful version of the beloved Olive Garden chicken and gnocchi soup.
What are the main ingredients in this soup?
The main ingredients include cooked chicken breast, potato gnocchi, half-and-half, chicken broth, carrots, spinach, and celery.
How do I prepare the chicken for this recipe?
The chicken should be cooked and diced; using a rotisserie chicken is a convenient and delicious option.
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this soup?
Yes, rotisserie chicken is highly recommended for its flavor and ease of preparation.
What kind of gnocchi should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of store-bought potato gnocchi.
Should I cook the gnocchi separately?
Yes, you should cook the potato gnocchi according to the package directions, then drain and set them aside before adding them to the soup.
What makes the soup creamy?
The creaminess comes from a combination of a butter-and-flour roux and one quart of half-and-half.
Can I substitute the half-and-half?
Yes, you can use a combination of milk and cream if half-and-half is not available.
How do I make the roux?
Sprinkle 4 tablespoons of flour over the sautéed vegetables and butter, stirring for about a minute until it lightly browns.
Which vegetables are included in the recipe?
The recipe includes onion, celery, minced garlic, finely shredded carrots, and coarsely chopped fresh spinach.
How should I prepare the carrots?
The carrots should be finely shredded to blend well into the soup.
What herbs are used for seasoning?
The soup is seasoned with 1/2 teaspoon each of dried thyme and dried parsley.
When is the spinach added?
The coarsely chopped spinach is added at the end, along with the cooked gnocchi and seasonings.
How long do I sauté the onion and celery?
Sauté them for about 5 minutes or until the onion becomes translucent.
Can I use low-sodium chicken broth?
Yes, low-sodium chicken broth is recommended to better control the salt level of the dish.
Is this dish considered a hearty meal?
Yes, the combination of protein, pasta, and vegetables makes it a very filling and hearty meal.
What is the recommended garnish?
The soup is best served garnished with extra freshly grated parmesan cheese.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Yes, you can substitute fresh thyme and parsley, though you may need to increase the quantity as dried herbs are more concentrated.
What type of cheese is used?
Freshly grated parmesan cheese is used to season the broth and as a garnish.
How do I prevent lumps in the sauce?
Slowly pour in the half-and-half while continuously whisking to ensure a smooth, lump-free consistency.
How long should the soup simmer at the end?
Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes once all ingredients are combined to ensure it is heated through.
Is this recipe suitable for a weeknight dinner?
Absolutely, especially if using pre-cooked chicken and store-bought gnocchi, it comes together quickly.
What is the texture of the gnocchi in this soup?
The potato gnocchi are described as 'pillowy,' providing a soft and comforting texture.
What should I serve as a side dish?
This soup pairs perfectly with crusty bread or a light side salad.
How do I store any leftover soup?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and enjoy within a few days.
Can I add more spinach than the recipe calls for?
Yes, you can easily add more spinach if you prefer extra greens in your soup.
What kind of oil is used for cooking?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil in addition to butter.
Should the garlic be minced or chopped?
The garlic should be minced to distribute its flavor evenly throughout the base.