Prepare to embark on a culinary adventure with Slow Cooker Olive Garden Copycat Chicken Gnocchi Soup, a delightful homemade version of the beloved restaurant favorite. This creamy and flavorful soup features tender chicken, pillowy potato gnocchi, and a medley of vegetables, all simmered to perfection in a rich and savory broth. Whether you’re a fan of Olive Garden’s famous soup or simply looking for a comforting and satisfying meal, this recipe is sure to hit the spot. Let’s dive in and discover how to recreate this restaurant-quality dish in the comfort of your own home!
Ingredients:
- 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 package (16 ounces) potato gnocchi
- 1 cup chopped spinach leaves
- 1 celery stalk, chopped
- 1/2 diced onion
- 2 cups half and half
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1/2 cup grated carrots
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Season them with salt, pepper, and dried thyme.
- Add Vegetables and Broth: Add the chopped celery, diced onion, minced garlic, grated carrots, and chicken broth to the slow cooker. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
- Cook on Low: Cover the slow cooker and cook the chicken mixture on low heat for 6-8 hours, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
- Add Gnocchi and Spinach: Add the potato gnocchi and chopped spinach to the slow cooker. Stir to combine and allow the gnocchi to cook until tender, about 30 minutes.
- Thicken the Soup: In a small bowl, whisk together the half and half and cornstarch until smooth. Pour the mixture into the slow cooker and stir well to combine. Cook for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the soup has thickened slightly.
- Season to Taste: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the warm and creamy Slow Cooker Olive Garden Copycat Chicken Gnocchi Soup into bowls. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting flavors!
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Add Bacon: For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding cooked and crumbled bacon to the soup before serving.
- Use Different Vegetables: Feel free to customize the soup by adding your favorite vegetables, such as diced potatoes, chopped kale, or sliced mushrooms.
Keto and Low Carb Versions:
- Keto Version: To make a keto-friendly version of Slow Cooker Olive Garden Copycat Chicken Gnocchi Soup, omit the potato gnocchi and replace them with cauliflower gnocchi or zucchini noodles. Use heavy cream instead of half and half, and ensure that the chicken broth is low in carbohydrates.
- Low Carb Version: For a lower carb option, reduce the amount of potato gnocchi used in the recipe or omit them altogether. You can also replace them with low-carb alternatives such as shirataki noodles or spiralized vegetables.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts? A: Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used instead of chicken breasts if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure that the chicken is fully cooked.
Q: Can I make this soup ahead of time? A: Yes, Slow Cooker Olive Garden Copycat Chicken Gnocchi Soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers? A: While the soup can be frozen, the texture of the gnocchi may change slightly upon thawing and reheating. If freezing, consider leaving out the gnocchi and adding it fresh when reheating the soup.
Q: Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried thyme? A: Yes, fresh herbs can be used in place of dried thyme if you prefer. Simply adjust the quantity to taste, as fresh herbs tend to have a stronger flavor than dried herbs.
Q: Is this soup gluten-free? A: While the soup itself is gluten-free, be sure to check the labels on the ingredients such as the gnocchi and chicken broth to ensure they are gluten-free if you have dietary restrictions.
In conclusion, Slow Cooker Olive Garden Copycat Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a delicious and comforting dish that brings the flavors of the beloved restaurant favorite into your own kitchen. With its tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and creamy broth, this soup is sure to warm your soul and satisfy your cravings. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or simply enjoying a cozy night in, this recipe is a winner. So gather your ingredients, fire up your slow cooker, and get ready to enjoy the comforting goodness of this homemade soup!
