There’s something truly magical about a warm bowl of Olive Garden chicken gnocchi that feels like a hug on a chilly day. The creamy, rich flavors combined with tender chicken and soft gnocchi create the ultimate comfort food experience. I remember the first time I tried this dish at Olive Garden; I was instantly smitten! It felt like the kind of meal you want to share with loved ones, gathered around the table, just chatting and laughing. The best part? You can easily recreate this heartwarming dish right in your own kitchen! It’s surprisingly simple and requires just a handful of ingredients. Trust me, once you get the hang of it, you’ll find yourself whipping it up for cozy dinners, family gatherings, or just to brighten your day. So grab your pot and let’s dive into the comforting world of homemade chicken gnocchi!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup potato gnocchi
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese for serving
How to Prepare Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi
Now, let’s dive into the process of making this delicious Olive Garden chicken gnocchi. It’s really quite straightforward, and I’ll walk you through each step. Don’t worry; just take your time, and you’ll be amazed at how quickly it comes together!
Sautéing the Vegetables
Start by heating a large pot over medium heat. Add a splash of olive oil (or butter, if you prefer) and let it warm up. Toss in your chopped onion and minced garlic. The goal here is to sauté them until they’re softened and fragrant, which usually takes about 3-5 minutes. You want to keep an eye on the heat; if it’s too high, the garlic can burn, and we definitely don’t want that! Just stir occasionally and breathe in that lovely aroma—it’s the first sign that dinner is on its way!
Adding Chicken and Broth
Once your onions and garlic are nice and soft, it’s time to add in the shredded chicken. Stir it around for a couple of minutes to heat it through. Then, pour in the chicken broth and bring everything to a gentle simmer. This is where the magic happens! Let it bubble away for about 5 minutes, which gives the flavors time to blend beautifully. This step is crucial because a good simmer ensures the gnocchi will cook evenly when we add them next.
Cooking the Gnocchi
Now, here comes the fun part—adding the gnocchi! Gently drop them into the simmering broth. Keep an eye on them as they cook; they’ll start to float to the top when they’re ready, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes. It’s important not to overcook them, so as soon as you see them floating, you know they’re done! Just give them a gentle stir to make sure they don’t stick together, and then we’ll move on to the final touches.
Final Touches with Spinach and Cream
With the gnocchi floating happily in the pot, it’s time to stir in the fresh spinach and heavy cream. The spinach will wilt quickly, adding a gorgeous pop of color and nutrients to your dish. Season everything with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste—don’t be shy, this is where the flavor really comes alive! Give it a good stir, let it heat through for another minute, and then it’s ready to serve. I like to top each bowl with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for that extra touch of deliciousness!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare—ready in just 35 minutes!
- Comforting and satisfying, perfect for chilly evenings.
- Delicious blend of flavors with tender chicken and creamy sauce.
- Easy to customize with your favorite vegetables or proteins.
- Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, everyone will love it!
- Made with simple ingredients that you likely have on hand.
Tips for Success
To ensure your Olive Garden chicken gnocchi turns out perfectly every time, here are some handy tips! First, if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, be gentle—heat them on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen up the sauce. This prevents the gnocchi from becoming mushy.
If you want to make this dish ahead of time, you can prepare everything but the gnocchi and spinach. Just store those separately and add them just before serving to keep everything fresh and vibrant. And remember, don’t be afraid to adjust the seasonings to your taste. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a lovely kick if you like a bit of heat!
Ingredient Notes/Substitutions
One of the great things about this Olive Garden chicken gnocchi recipe is its flexibility! If you’re looking to make some substitutions or adjustments, here are a few ideas that can work wonderfully:
- Heavy cream: If you want a lighter version, you can easily substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream. It’ll still give you that creamy texture without being too rich.
- Spinach: While fresh spinach adds a lovely color and nutrition, feel free to swap it out for kale or Swiss chard. Both alternatives will work beautifully and add their own unique flavors.
- Cooked chicken: For convenience, using rotisserie chicken is a fantastic option! Or, if you prefer, you can use leftover chicken from another meal. You could even swap it for cooked turkey if that’s what you have on hand.
- Chicken broth: If you’re looking to reduce sodium, opt for low-sodium chicken broth. Alternatively, vegetable broth is a great option if you want to keep it vegetarian.
- Italian seasoning: If you don’t have Italian seasoning, a mix of dried oregano, basil, and thyme will do the trick and still deliver that lovely Italian flavor.
With these substitutions, you can easily adjust the dish to suit your dietary needs or simply use what you have at home. Cooking should be enjoyable and stress-free, so feel free to get creative!
Nutritional Information
As with any recipe, the nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients you choose, as well as their brands. However, here’s a general idea of what you can expect from a serving of this comforting Olive Garden chicken gnocchi:
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: Approximately 450
- Fat: 20g
- Protein: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Sugar: 2g
- Fiber: 2g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
These values are a great starting point, and you can adjust them based on any substitutions or modifications you make to the recipe. Remember, cooking is all about finding what works best for you and your loved ones!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen gnocchi instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen gnocchi is a fantastic time-saver. Just add it directly to the simmering broth without thawing. They’ll cook up perfectly in just a couple of minutes.
What can I serve with Olive Garden chicken gnocchi?
This dish is hearty on its own, but you can enhance your meal with a simple side salad or some crusty bread to soak up that creamy sauce. A light vinaigrette salad pairs beautifully!
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! You can easily make this gnocchi vegetarian by omitting the chicken and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You could also add more veggies like mushrooms or bell peppers for extra flavor!
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or cream if needed to rehydrate the sauce.
Can I make this dish in advance?
You sure can! Prepare everything but the gnocchi and spinach, store them separately, and add those just before serving to keep the dish fresh and vibrant. It’s a great way to save time on busy days!
For more information on the health benefits of spinach, you can check out this Healthline article.
For a deeper understanding of the nutritional values of chicken, refer to this NCBI study.
Print
Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi: 5 Warm and Comforting Steps
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A comforting Olive Garden-style chicken gnocchi dish that’s easy to make at home.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup potato gnocchi
- 4 cups spinach
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- In a large pot, sauté the onion and garlic until softened.
- Add the shredded chicken and cook for a few minutes.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
- Add the gnocchi and cook until they float to the top.
- Stir in the spinach and heavy cream.
- Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Serve hot, topped with Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter option.
- Spinach can be replaced with kale or Swiss chard.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: olive garden chicken gnocchi, chicken gnocchi recipe, comfort food