Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi Soup (Like Olive Garden, But Better!)
Skip the queue! My Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi Soup recipe is even *better* than Olive Garden's. Ready in under an hour, pure comfort food! Try it now.
Alright, let's dive into this Chicken and Gnocchi Soup adventure! You know when you're craving something super comforting, like a big warm hug? Well, this recipe is exactly that!
What's the Craic with This Chicken and Gnocchi Soup ?
Have you ever had olive garden chicken gnocchi ? this recipe is kind of like that, but even better. i am telling you the truth.
It has got tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi , and a creamy, dreamy broth. trust me, your taste buds will thank you.
It's a classic that's been around for ages. it's basically italian comfort food elevated to the next level! it takes about 45 minutes, is quite easy and makes 6 good size servings.
This recipe is all about boosting your mood and your immune system. the chicken gnocchi soup is packed with protein from the chicken, which keeps you feeling full and energized.
The broth is loaded with vitamins from the veggies. serve it on a cold, rainy day when you need a little pick-me-up.
Honestly, what makes this recipe special is that it tastes like you slaved away for hours, but it's secretly super simple.
It's one of my favorite hearty soups to make when i have friends coming over.
Getting Started: The Bits and Bobs
Right, so first things first, let's gather our bits and bobs. no need to panic, you can probably get most of this at your local tesco.
Get your olive oil, then the chicken breasts. don't forget the basics like salt and pepper. these are essential!
Next, we have the veg. one medium yellow onion, two carrots and two celery stalks. time to raid the fridge.
Then, you need the garlic and of course the chicken broth. don't forget the italian seasoning and dried thyme. then, the star of the show, the gnocchi .
Now get the heavy cream, some parmesan cheese, and parsley for garnish!
Alright, love! let’s talk ingredients and gear for this incredible chicken and gnocchi soup . trust me, it's way better than olive garden chicken gnocchi .
Seriously, once you've tried this, you’ll ditch olive gardens forever. i’m not kidding!
Gather Your Goodies for Amazing Chicken and Gnocchi Soup
So, what's in the magic potion? Let's break it down for our chicken and gnocchi masterpiece. This Gnocchi Soup will become a family favorite!
Main Ingredients: The Heart of the Soup
Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon (15 ml) . Go for extra virgin if you're feeling fancy.
Chicken Breasts: 1 pound (450g) , boneless and skinless, obvs. Fresh is best, but thawed is fine too. The chicken should be firm and pink.
Salt & Pepper: ½ teaspoon (3g) salt, ¼ teaspoon (1g) black pepper . Basic, but vital.
Onion, Carrots, Celery: 1 medium onion (1 cup/150g) , 2 carrots (1 cup/120g) , 2 celery stalks (1 cup/120g) . Fresh and vibrant, not soggy.
Garlic: 2 cloves (2 teaspoons/6g) , minced. Smells amazing? That’s the stuff.
Chicken Broth: 4 cups (950ml) . Good quality stuff, low sodium is ideal. Honestly, it makes a difference.
Italian Seasoning & Thyme: 1 teaspoon (2g) Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon (1g) dried thyme . These little things pack a punch.
Potato Gnocchi: 1 (17.6 ounce/500g) package . You can find these in the pasta aisle. Chicken Gnocchi requires a good gnocchi.
Heavy Cream: 1 cup (240ml) . This is what makes it super creamy and decadent.
Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup (50g) , grated, plus extra for garnish. The proper stuff, not the powdered stuff.
Parsley: 2 tablespoons (10g) , chopped fresh, for garnish. Adds a touch of freshness.
Seasoning Notes: A Flavour Explosion
Italian seasoning and thyme are the classic combo here. don't skip them! a pinch of red pepper flakes adds a nice warmth.
If you don't have italian seasoning, use a mix of oregano, basil, rosemary, and marjoram.
For a flavour boost, add a bay leaf to the soup while simmering. Remember to remove it before serving. These essential spice combinations give all the taste to these hearty soups .
Essential Equipment: What You’ll Need
- Large Pot or Dutch Oven: This is your workhorse.
- Cutting Board & Knife: For chopping veggies.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accuracy is key, especially with baking.
- Ladle: Helps to serve the soup without making a mess.
If you don't have a dutch oven, a large stockpot will do just fine. instead of fancy measuring spoons, you can use regular tablespoons and teaspoons.
No stress! this chicken and gnocchi soup tastes amazing, regardless. it is one of the best copycat recipes out there.
Right, let's dive into making a proper tasty chicken and gnocchi soup . forget slaving over a hot stove all day! this is all about creating a comforting bowl of goodness in under an hour.
Honestly, it's so simple, even i can do it. i'm not exactly known for my culinary prowess, you know? it's like the olive garden chicken gnocchi , but, honestly, even better .
Trust me.
Getting Sorted: The Prep
First, the boring bit – the mise en place . translation? getting everything prepped and ready to rock. you need 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 pound of chicken breasts, salt, pepper, a medium onion, two carrots, two celery sticks, two cloves of garlic, 4 cups of chicken broth, 1 teaspoon italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon dried thyme, 1 (17.
6 ounce) package of potato gnocchi, 1 cup of heavy cream, ½ cup of parmesan, and parsley. phew! that was a mouthful!
Quick tip for slicing and dicing? chop the carrots, celery, and onions all the same size. they'll cook evenly that way.
Boom, time-saving ninja move! and please, don't be a numpty! watch your fingers when chopping. safety first, always.
Let's Get Cooking: Step-by-Step
Right, buckle up. Here's how to transform those ingredients into a bowl of Chicken Gnocchi Soup , perfect for one of those blustery evenings.
- Brown the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Sear each side for about 3- 4 minutes , until lightly browned. It doesn't have to be cooked through yet.
- Sauté the Veg: Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook for 5- 7 minutes , until they soften and start to look a bit translucent.
- Garlic and Spices: Chuck in the minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and ½ teaspoon of dried thyme. Cook for another minute until you can smell that lovely garlicky, herby goodness.
- Broth Time: Pour in 4 cups of chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Chicken and Gnocchi: Pop the chicken back into the pot. Simmer for 15- 20 minutes , or until the chicken is cooked through and easy to shred. Add the Gnocchi during the last 5 minutes. They're done when they float.
- Shred the Chicken: Take the chicken out and shred it with two forks (careful, it'll be hot!). Then, put the shredded chicken back into the pot.
- Creamy Goodness: Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and ½ cup of Parmesan cheese. Warm through gently, but don't let it boil. Boiling can make the cream split and look a bit naff.
- Taste and Serve: Have a taste! Season with more salt and pepper as needed. I like to add a tiny pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of a kick. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan.
Pro Tips for a Brilliant Gnocchi Soup
Right, a couple of insider tricks to take your Chicken Gnocchi game to the next level. Honestly, these are game changers.
- Don't Overcook the Gnocchi: Mushy Gnocchi is a culinary crime! They're ready when they float to the top.
- Use decent broth: The Hearty Soups are all about the base, so decent chicken broth can make or break it.
One last thing: don't boil the cream. nobody wants grainy chicken and gnocchi soup . you know? if it's too thick, just add a splash more broth.
There you have it – a copycat recipes that's quicker and better than olive gardens in my honest opinion. enjoy!
Alright, mates! let's chat about the nitty-gritty of my chicken and gnocchi soup recipe. i've made this so many times, i could probably do it in my sleep.
But honestly, it's good to go over a few things. you know, just in case you fancy tweaking it. i always find myself learning new things when i re-visit a recipe!
Recipe Notes
Serving Like a Pro
Okay, so you've got this amazing chicken gnocchi soup . now what? first, think presentation. a swirl of cream and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
It's pure cheffy magic! i'm telling you, presentation is the key!
For sides, grab some crusty bread. it is essential for soaking up all that flavour. honestly, it is just like olive gardens .
You could also throw together a quick salad. something light, you know? to balance out the richness of the gnocchi soup .
Maybe even a glass of crisp white wine, if you're feeling fancy!
Storage Solutions
Right, so you've made a massive batch of chicken gnocchi . good on you! i always do the same. now, how do you keep it fresh? pop it in an airtight container in the fridge.
It'll last about 3-4 days. perfect for leftovers!
Freezing is also an option. though, the gnocchi might get a bit softer when defrosted. honestly, it still tastes banging! when you're ready to reheat, just warm it gently on the stove.
Don't let it boil! you can also microwave it. but do that in short bursts, stirring in between.
Variations? Absolutely!
Fancy a change? why not try adding spinach? it bulks it out a bit. for a dairy-free version, use coconut milk instead of cream.
Trust me, it works! if you are looking for copycat recipes this is as close as it gets, it is a proper one, innit!
You can also swap out the chicken for turkey, like after christmas. it adds a lovely smoky flavour. for a seasonal twist, use butternut squash instead of carrots in autumn.
It's just a bit fancy !.
Nutrition Nuggets
Alright, let's talk numbers. a bowl of this olive garden chicken gnocchi inspired soup is roughly 450 calories. it's got a good whack of protein (30g), which is great for keeping you full.
Plus, you get some good carbs from the gnocchi . it's not exactly a diet meal. but it's nourishing and hearty and good for the soul.
This Hearty Soups is packed with vitamins from the veggies. And the chicken broth is super soothing. Plus, Parmesan is a great source of calcium. Perfect for bone health!
Honestly, i’ve made my fair share of soups and stews , and this chicken gnocchi soup recipe is a winner.
Give it a go, and let me know what you think. even if you think the recipe needs improvements, i want to know! enjoy, you lovely lot!
Frequently Asked Questions
My gnocchi turned to mush! What did I do wrong?
Ah, the dreaded mushy gnocchi! Overcooking is the usual culprit. Gnocchi are like delicate soufflés – they only need a short simmer. Add them to the Chicken and Gnocchi Soup during the last 5 minutes of cooking, and they're done when they float to the surface and are tender. Think of it like cooking pasta al dente – you want a slight bite.
Can I make this Chicken and Gnocchi Soup vegetarian or vegan?
Absolutely! For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth and consider adding extra vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini for a heartier flavour. For a vegan version, use vegetable broth, dairy-free cream (like unsweetened coconut milk or cashew cream), and omit the Parmesan or use a vegan Parmesan alternative. You could even throw in some cannellini beans for added protein – it's like a veggie upgrade worthy of Jamie Oliver!
How long does Chicken and Gnocchi Soup last in the fridge? Can I freeze it?
Chicken and Gnocchi Soup will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days in an airtight container. For freezing, it's best to freeze the soup before adding the heavy cream and Parmesan, as dairy can sometimes separate when thawed. Add the cream and Parmesan when reheating. Thaw it overnight in the fridge for best results. It's a bit like rescuing a soggy bottom on the Great British Bake Off – preparation is key!
The soup is a bit bland. How can I boost the flavour of my Chicken and Gnocchi Soup?
Flavour lacking? No worries, there are several ways to liven things up. First, ensure you're using a good-quality chicken broth, as that's the flavour base. A squeeze of lemon juice at the end can brighten the whole dish. You could also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick or increase the amount of Italian seasoning. A bit of extra grated Parmesan on top never hurts either – it's like adding a secret ingredient that only a few know about.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken to make this soup quicker?
Definitely! Using pre-cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut. Simply shred the chicken and add it to the soup in the last few minutes of cooking to heat it through. This shaves off a good 15-20 minutes, making it perfect for a quick weeknight meal. Think of it as channeling your inner Nigella Lawson – efficient and delicious!
Is there anything I can add to make this soup healthier or more nutritious?
You bet! Adding more vegetables is a great way to boost the nutritional value. Spinach, kale, or even broccoli florets can be stirred in during the last few minutes of cooking. You could also swap out some of the heavy cream for milk or half-and-half to reduce the fat content. Consider using whole wheat gnocchi if you can find it for extra fiber. It's like giving your soup a healthy makeover – a bit like going for a run after watching too much telly!
Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi Soup (Like Olive Garden, But Better!) Recipe Card
