Craving that creamy, comforting Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup but don't want to leave the house? This slow cooker recipe delivers all the deliciousness without the wait or the hefty restaurant bill! It’s one of those easy recipes perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, and it's surprisingly healthy too. Get ready to experience the joy of homemade cooking with this simple yet satisfying dish. This healthy meal is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half (for a lighter version)
- 1 (16 ounce) package potato gnocchi
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
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Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This step adds depth of flavor to your soup.
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Slow Cooker Magic: Transfer the sautéed vegetables and chicken to your slow cooker. Pour in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine everything well.
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Slow Cook to Perfection: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
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Creamy Goodness: Stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half. If you prefer a thinner soup, you can adjust the amount of cream according to your preference.
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Gnocchi Time: Add the gnocchi to the slow cooker during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking time. Gnocchi cooks quickly, so be careful not to overcook it; you want it to be tender but still hold its shape.
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Cheese Please!: Stir in the Parmesan cheese.
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Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
Cooking Tips for the Best Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup:
- For extra flavor: Use homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- Vegetable variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Don't overcook the gnocchi: Gnocchi cooks quickly, so follow the package instructions and add it towards the end of the cooking time. Overcooked gnocchi will become mushy.
- Make it ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is approximate and will vary based on specific ingredients used. This recipe offers a relatively healthy meal option.
- Calories: Approximately 400-500
- Protein: Approximately 25-30g
- Fat: Approximately 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 30-40g
This delicious Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s a perfect example of how easy and delicious homemade cooking can be. Enjoy!