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Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup is one of those comforting dishes that warm you up from the inside out. Inspired by the beloved Olive Garden recipe, this copycat version brings the rich, velvety texture and savory flavors of the original right to your kitchen. It's a perfect meal for those cozy nights when you want something hearty yet indulgent.
The origin of this recipe?
The origin of the Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup recipe is closely tied to the Italian-American cuisine popularized by chain restaurants like Olive Garden. While gnocchi, a type of Italian dumpling made from potatoes, flour, and eggs, has been a staple in traditional Italian cooking for centuries, the creamy chicken soup version is more of an Italian-American innovation.
Gnocchi itself dates back to ancient Roman times, but the concept of pairing it with a creamy soup likely emerged in the United States, where Italian immigrants adapted their traditional recipes to suit American tastes. The addition of chicken and a rich, creamy broth to the gnocchi creates a hearty, comforting dish that appeals to a wide audience.
Olive Garden, known for its Italian-American menu, introduced this soup as part of its offerings, where it quickly became a favorite. The restaurant's version combines the traditional Italian elements of gnocchi and herbs with American ingredients like chicken and a thick, creamy broth. This fusion of Italian and American culinary traditions is what makes the Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup a unique and popular dish.
Tips and Variations:
Tips:
1. Use Fresh Ingredients:
- Fresh spinach, herbs, and high-quality chicken can make a big difference in the flavor of your soup. Freshly shredded chicken adds a better texture and taste compared to canned or pre-cooked options.
2. Don’t Overcook the Gnocchi:
- Gnocchi cooks rapidly, so watch out for them. Overcooking can cause them to become mushy. They’re ready when they float to the top of the soup.
3. Thicken the Soup:
- If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add a bit more flour during the cooking process or reduce the broth slightly before adding the cream.
4. Season to Taste:
- Taste the soup as you proceed to change the flavoring. Adding a pinch of nutmeg or a splash of lemon juice can enhance the flavor.
5. Prep in Advance:
- This soup can be made somewhat early and put away in the cooler for as long as 3 days. Reheat gently to avoid curdling the cream.
Variations:
1. Make it Vegetarian:
- Overlook the chicken and utilize vegetable stock rather than chicken stock. You can add more vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or even cannellini beans to make it hearty and satisfying.
2. Spicy Version:
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to give the soup a little heat. You can also use spicy Italian sausage instead of chicken for a different flavor profile.
3. Lower-Calorie Option:
- Substitute half-and-half or cream with evaporated milk or a mixture of milk and cornstarch to cut down on calories while still keeping the soup creamy.
4. Add Extra Vegetables:
- Enhance the nutritional value by adding more vegetables like diced bell peppers, kale, or peas. These additions will also add more color and texture to the soup.
5. Swap the Protein:
- Instead of chicken, try using turkey or ham. For a seafood twist, add cooked shrimp or crabmeat.
6. Cheese Lovers’ Edition:
- Stir in some grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese into the broth for an extra cheesy flavor. You can also top each bowl with a sprinkle of cheese before serving.
7. Gluten-Free Adaptation:
- Use gluten-free gnocchi and substitute the flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to make this soup suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
These tips and variations allow you to customize the Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup to fit your preferences or dietary needs while still enjoying the comforting, indulgent flavors that make it a favorite.
why do you like this recipe?
I like the Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup recipe because it's the perfect blend of comfort and flavor. The creamy broth is rich and satisfying, while the gnocchi adds a unique, tender texture that makes each spoonful feel indulgent. The combination of fresh spinach, tender chicken, and aromatic herbs creates a balanced and flavorful dish that's both hearty and nourishing.
It's a versatile recipe, too—easy to customize and adapt to different tastes or dietary needs. Whether you're making it for a cozy dinner at home or serving it to guests, this soup always hits the spot. Its warmth and richness make it a go-to comfort food that I can enjoy year-round.
Ingredients:
- - 1 tablespoon butter
- - 1 tablespoon olive oil
- - 1 small onion, finely chopped
- - 2 cloves garlic, minced
- - 1 cup celery, diced
- - 1 cup carrots, shredded or finely chopped
- - 1 teaspoon thyme
- - 1 teaspoon rosemary
- - 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- - 4 cups chicken broth
- - 1 cup half-and-half or heavy cream
- - 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- - 1 pound potato gnocchi
- - 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- - Salt and pepper to taste
- - Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
Begin by heating butter and olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, celery, and carrots. Sauté until the vegetables are relaxed, around 5 minutes. The combination of these vegetables creates a flavorful base for the soup.
2. Add Herbs and Flour:
Mix in the thyme and rosemary, cooking for one more moment to deliver their fragrances. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and mix well to consolidate. The flour will assist with thickening the soup as it cooks.
3. Create the Broth:
Gradually pour in the chicken stock while blending continually to stay away from irregularities. Carry the blend to a stew and cook for around 10 minutes, permitting the flavors to merge together.
4. Incorporate the Chicken and Gnocchi:
Add the destroyed chicken and gnocchi to the pot. Cook for another 5 minutes or until the gnocchi is tender and cooked. Gnocchi, with its soft, pillowy texture, is the star of this dish, making it irresistibly delicious.
5. Finish with Cream and Spinach:
Stir in the half-and-half or heavy cream, making the soup wonderfully creamy. Add the chopped spinach and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the spinach is wilted—season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Ladle the soup into bowls, garnishing with grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot with a side of crusty bread to soak up every last drop of the creamy broth.
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