There’s something incredibly comforting about a creamy bowl of olive garden chicken gnocchi, isn’t there? It’s like a warm hug after a long day! This dish perfectly blends tender chicken, fluffy gnocchi, and a luscious broth, making it a favorite for family dinners and cozy nights in. I mean, who can resist that rich, savory flavor? Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or just looking for a quick weeknight meal, this recipe is so straightforward that you’ll feel like a pro in no time. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make this delightful dish over and over again!
Ingredients List
- 1 pound chicken breast, cooked and shredded
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 package (16 ounces) potato gnocchi
- 1 cup fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
How to Prepare Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi
Making this olive garden chicken gnocchi is easier than you might think! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll be serving up a delicious bowl of comfort in no time. Let’s dive in!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Start by heating a large pot over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Let it warm up for a minute while you gather your ingredients.
- Once the oil is hot, toss in 1 cup of diced onion and 2 cloves of minced garlic. Cook these for about 3-4 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent. Oh, the aroma is heavenly!
- Next, pour in 4 cups of chicken broth and crank up the heat to bring it to a boil. This will give your dish a nice, rich base.
- When it starts bubbling, add in your shredded chicken (about 1 pound) along with 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, 1 teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of black pepper. Give everything a good stir and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This allows all those flavors to meld together.
- Now, it’s time to make it creamy! Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and let the mixture simmer for another 2-3 minutes. Don’t rush this part—it’s where the magic happens!
- While that’s simmering, grab your package of potato gnocchi (16 ounces). Once your broth is nice and creamy, gently add the gnocchi to the pot. Cook according to the package instructions, usually about 2-3 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they’re done when they float to the surface!
- Finally, mix in 1 cup of fresh spinach and let it cook for just a minute, until it wilts. This adds a lovely pop of color and nutrition!
- Serve your creamy chicken gnocchi hot, topped with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. Ah, can you taste the deliciousness?
And there you have it! A delightful bowl of homemade olive garden chicken gnocchi that’s sure to impress. Enjoy every comforting bite!
Tips for Success
To make your olive garden chicken gnocchi even more delightful, here are some tried-and-true tips that I swear by!
- Use rotisserie chicken: When you’re short on time, grab a rotisserie chicken from the store! It’s a huge time-saver and adds great flavor without the fuss of cooking chicken from scratch.
- Don’t overcook the gnocchi: Keep an eye on those little pillows of goodness! They’re ready when they float to the top—overcooking can turn them mushy, and we don’t want that!
- Experiment with veggies: Feel free to throw in other vegetables like carrots, peas, or even mushrooms. They’ll add extra nutrition and flavor, plus it’s a great way to clean out your fridge!
- Adjust the creaminess: If you like it creamier, you can add a bit more heavy cream, or for a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half. Just remember to taste as you go!
- Fresh herbs: If you have fresh thyme or spinach, use them instead of dried. Fresh herbs can really elevate the dish and bring vibrant flavors to the table.
With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to creating a comforting bowl of chicken gnocchi that everyone will love! Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
Keep in mind that nutrition can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so this data is just an estimate. Each serving of olive garden chicken gnocchi contains approximately:
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 25g
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
Enjoy this creamy comfort food while being mindful of your dietary needs!
FAQ Section
Common Questions
Can I use frozen gnocchi?
Absolutely! Frozen gnocchi works great in this olive garden chicken gnocchi recipe. Just toss them in the pot straight from the freezer and follow the cooking instructions on the package. They’ll still turn out delicious!
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or whole milk. Just keep in mind that it may not be as rich and creamy, but it’ll still taste amazing. You could also try coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative!
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Just prepare everything up until adding the gnocchi, then store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to enjoy, heat it up and add the gnocchi. It’ll save you time on busy nights!
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free gnocchi, this chicken gnocchi recipe can easily be gluten-free. Just check the package to be sure!
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, just warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream if it seems a bit thick. Enjoy your comforting meal again!
Why You’ll Love Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi
- Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in just 35 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without a lot of fuss.
- Comfort Food at Its Best: The creamy broth, tender chicken, and fluffy gnocchi create a cozy meal that warms you from the inside out.
- Family-Friendly: Everyone loves a big bowl of chicken gnocchi, from kids to adults. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
- Customizable: You can easily add your favorite veggies or tweak the flavors to suit your taste, making it as unique as you want!
- Leftover Heaven: If you have any leftovers (which is rare!), they reheat beautifully, so you can enjoy this comforting dish again.
With all these fantastic features, it’s hard not to fall in love with this olive garden chicken gnocchi recipe! Get ready to make it a staple in your kitchen!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your delicious olive garden chicken gnocchi is super easy! Just transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, so you can enjoy those comforting flavors again soon!
When it comes to reheating, I recommend doing it on the stovetop for the best results. Just place your gnocchi in a pot over low heat and add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen it up, stirring gently. This helps it regain that creamy consistency without drying out. You can also microwave it if you’re in a hurry—just cover it and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. Enjoy your cozy meal once more!
Print
Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi: 7 Comforting Tips for Success
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A creamy and comforting dish featuring chicken and gnocchi in a delicious broth.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast, cooked and shredded
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 package (16 ounces) potato gnocchi
- 1 cup fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add diced onion and garlic. Cook until onion is soft.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- Add in shredded chicken, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in heavy cream and let simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add gnocchi and cook according to package instructions.
- Mix in fresh spinach and cook until wilted.
- Serve hot, topped with Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for quicker prep.
- Don’t overcook the gnocchi; they should float when done.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots or peas.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: olive garden chicken gnocchi, chicken gnocchi recipe, Italian gnocchi
