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I've perfected this Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup to taste just like Olive Garden's famous recipe. It's so cozy and filling with tender pieces of chicken little pillowy gnocchi dumplings and the most amazing creamy broth loaded with veggies and herbs. You can make it on the stove or in your slow cooker it turns out incredible either way.
Why This Recipe Works
What I love about this soup is how it combines that rich creamy broth with soft gnocchi and fresh vegetables. It's perfect when you want that restaurant experience at home but so simple you can make it any night of the week. Everything cooks in one pot which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy dinner.
Everything You Need
- Chicken: 1 pound fresh or use leftovers diced or shredded.
- Gnocchi: 16 ounces they're like little potato pillows.
- Vegetables: 1 cup each onion carrot and celery for flavor.
- Spinach: 2 cups fresh it wilts down perfectly.
- Butter: 3 tablespoons for that rich base.
- Flour: 1/4 cup to thicken everything up.
- Chicken Broth: 4 cups makes it so savory.
- Half and Half: 2 cups creates that perfect creaminess.
- Seasonings: Thyme mustard powder salt and pepper.
- Optional: Red pepper flakes if you like heat.
Let's Make It Together
- Start With The Veggies
- Melt your butter in a big pot add those onions carrots celery and garlic let them get nice and soft.
- Create Your Base
- Sprinkle in the flour cook it for a couple minutes then slowly stir in your broth and half and half.
- Cook The Chicken
- Add your chicken pieces let them simmer until cooked through then dice them up and put them back in.
- Add The Gnocchi
- Drop in those gnocchi they only need about 5 minutes to get tender.
- Finish It Off
- Stir in your spinach and red pepper flakes if using let the spinach wilt then taste and season.
Making It In Your Crock Pot
Want to make it even easier? Put your chicken veggies broth and seasonings in the slow cooker let it go on low for 6-8 hours. Mix some half and half with cornstarch add it in with the gnocchi turn it up to high for 30 minutes then add spinach at the end.
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My Best Tips
Keep your heat gentle when cooking the chicken it stays more tender that way. Try using bone broth it makes everything richer. Leftover chicken or even sausage works great too. This soup keeps in the fridge for 3 days or freezes for 3 months just know the texture might change a bit when you reheat it.
What to Serve With It
I love serving this with warm cheddar biscuits or crusty bread for dipping. A fresh side salad with vinaigrette balances out the creaminess perfectly. Sometimes I'll sprinkle some extra Parmesan or crispy bacon on top it's so good.
Kitchen Tools You'll Need
Make sure you've got a good Dutch oven or big soup pot it helps everything cook evenly. Measuring cups and spoons keep your ingredients balanced. A nice ladle makes serving easy. I love using my garlic press for fresh garlic flavor and keep those containers handy for leftovers.
Keeping It Fresh
Store any leftovers in containers with tight lids they'll keep in the fridge for 3 days or the freezer for 3 months. When you're ready to eat warm it up slowly on the stove or in short bursts in the microwave. If it separates a bit just give it a good stir.
Mix It Up
Try switching things up use turkey sausage or even tofu instead of chicken. Make it vegetarian with veggie broth no chicken. Add fresh herbs like basil or rosemary spice it up with jalapeños or make it extra cheesy with some Parmesan or Gruyère.
Quick Answers
Yes you can freeze this soup just remember it might be a little different when you thaw it. Store bought gnocchi work great but homemade are amazing if you have time. Want to use regular milk instead of half and half? You can but it won't be quite as creamy. Need it thicker? Add more flour at the start or let it simmer down a bit.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → What's the difference between stovetop and crockpot methods?
- Stovetop takes 30 minutes and produces a thicker soup. Crockpot takes 6-8 hours but is hands-off, using cornstarch instead of flour to thicken.
- → Can I use precooked chicken?
- Yes, use 2 cups of diced cooked chicken. Add it later in the cooking process since it only needs to heat through.
- → Why add liquid gradually to the roux?
- Adding liquid slowly while stirring prevents lumps and ensures a smooth, creamy soup base.
- → Can I substitute the meat?
- Yes, sliced or ground sausage works well. Cook it with the vegetables at the beginning of the recipe.
- → Why does the crockpot version use less butter?
- The crockpot version uses cornstarch instead of a roux for thickening, so less butter is needed.
Conclusion
A delightful homemade soup that brings the restaurant experience to your kitchen. Perfect for cold days or when you're craving a comforting meal.