This homemade version of copycat chicken and gnocchi soup is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for chilly days. Made with tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a creamy broth, this soup is packed with flavor and will satisfy any craving. It's a great option for a weeknight dinner or a cozy lunch. You can easily recreate the popular restaurant-style soup in your own kitchen with this easy recipe. Serve it with some crusty bread and enjoy a bowl of warm, hearty goodness.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 carrots, peeled and diced
- 3 stalks celery, diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 package (16 ounces) gnocchi
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Directions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside to cool slightly.
- In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
- Pour in the chicken broth and water. Add the dried thyme, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
- While the broth is simmering, shred the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- After 10 minutes, add the shredded chicken, heavy cream, and whole milk to the pot. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
- Once the soup is simmering, add the gnocchi and cook according to package instructions, usually for about 3-4 minutes or until the gnocchi floats to the top.
- Stir in the chopped spinach and cook for an additional 2 minutes, until wilted.
- Remove the pot from heat and let the soup sit for a few minutes to thicken.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve hot.
- Enjoy this delicious copycat chicken and gnocchi soup!
Interesting Facts
Chicken and gnocchi soup is a popular dish at Olive Garden, known for its rich and creamy flavor.
Gnocchi is a type of Italian pasta made from potatoes or flour and eggs. It adds a unique texture to the soup.
The word 'gnocchi' is derived from the Italian word 'nocchio', which means knot in wood.
This soup can be easily customized by adding other vegetables like peas or mushrooms.
Leftover soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated for a quick meal.