The Best Healthy Chicken Gnocchi Soup (Olive Garden Copycat)
Every family needs a go-to comfort meal, and for ours, it’s this incredibly satisfying Chicken Gnocchi Soup. Inspired by the popular Olive Garden classic but thoughtfully crafted to be healthier, this recipe is a true game-changer. It’s brimming with lean protein, vibrant vegetables, and wholesome nutrition, making it the perfect remedy for a chilly evening or when you’re feeling a bit under the weather and craving something warm and restorative.
A few weeks ago, our household was completely overtaken by a persistent cold that seemed to be making its rounds everywhere. It was far from enjoyable, and I’m incredibly grateful that those sniffles and coughs are now behind us. All three of my children were home from school, and then my husband unexpectedly returned from work feeling unwell on a Wednesday night. As fate would have it, I was just finishing up preparing this very Chicken Gnocchi Soup for dinner. The timing, I suppose you could say, couldn’t have been more opportune for a comforting, nourishing meal.
My kids aren’t typically enthusiastic about soups (though, judging by the sheer volume of soup recipes I share here, it’s clear I am!). However, they recently discovered their absolute love for the Chicken Gnocchi Soup at Olive Garden during one of our usual soup, salad, and breadstick outings. I immediately knew this was a dish I absolutely had to recreate for them at home. Their love for gnocchi, coupled with finding some adorable mini gnocchi at the grocery store the other day, confirmed it was the perfect time to get a batch of this wonderful soup simmering.
How to Create Healthy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Without Heavy Cream?
Here’s the brilliant secret: the classic Olive Garden soup typically features a rich, heavy cream base, which, while delicious, isn’t always what I’m looking for in a regular family meal. I was determined to develop a version of chicken gnocchi soup without relying on half-and-half or heavy cream. My solution? Adding a can of mashed cannellini beans to the soup. The result was an undeniable success! To this day, no one in my family suspects there are beans in this soup – in fact, my 11-year-old specifically commented on how much he loves my soups when they don’t contain beans or tomatoes (though he gives spinach a pass!). The mashed white beans contribute a subtle, natural “creaminess” to the soup, along with a significant boost in nutrition, including added fiber and plant-based protein, without altering the beloved flavor profile.
This soup was such a resounding hit that I found myself making it two weeks in a row. Even my two-year-old happily devoured a couple of small bowls. It brings me so much joy to have a versatile, go-to soup recipe that I know every member of my family genuinely loves and enjoys, providing warmth and nourishment with every spoonful. It’s truly a comforting dish that brings smiles all around, especially when a little extra care is needed.
This Healthy Chicken Gnocchi Soup has quickly earned its place among our family’s all-time favorite dinner recipes, joining the ranks of cherished meals like my Cheesy Southwest Beef Potato Skillet and the ever-popular Mexican Baked Pasta! These are the dishes that are regularly requested and consistently enjoyed, simplifying meal planning and ensuring happy tummies.
Why Choose This Healthy Chicken Gnocchi Soup?
- **Nutrient-Packed:** Loaded with tender chicken for protein, carrots and celery for essential vitamins, and spinach for a dose of iron and antioxidants.
- **Hidden Veggies:** The ingenious addition of pureed cannellini beans adds creaminess, fiber, and protein discreetly, perfect for picky eaters.
- **Comfort Without Guilt:** Enjoy the rich, comforting flavors of a creamy soup without the heaviness of traditional dairy.
- **Family-Friendly:** A proven hit with kids and adults alike, making mealtime a breeze.
- **Easy to Make:** Simple steps mean you can have a wholesome, delicious meal on the table in under an hour.
Tips for Perfect Healthy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Every Time
Crafting the perfect bowl of chicken gnocchi soup is simpler than you might think. Here are a few tips to ensure your homemade version is always a winner:
- **Chicken Choice:** For convenience, you can use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken, shredded, and add it in step 3. If cooking raw chicken breasts as per the recipe, ensure they are fully cooked through before removing to chop. You could also use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for extra flavor and moisture.
- **Gnocchi Varieties:** While I love the mini gnocchi for its charming size and quick cooking, feel free to use regular potato gnocchi. Just be mindful of the cooking time, as larger gnocchi might need an extra minute or two to become tender.
- **Vegetable Flexibility:** This soup is incredibly forgiving when it comes to vegetables. Feel free to add other favorites like chopped zucchini, green beans, or even a handful of chopped kale along with the spinach.
- **Broth Quality:** The flavor of your chicken broth plays a significant role. Opt for a good quality, reduced-sodium chicken broth to control the overall saltiness and ensure a rich base.
- **Seasoning is Key:** Always taste and adjust your seasonings. A big pinch of salt and pepper at the beginning is a great start, but a final adjustment before serving can make all the difference. Don’t be afraid to add a little more dried thyme or parsley if you feel it needs it.
- **Fresh Herbs for Finish:** For an extra pop of flavor and visual appeal, consider garnishing with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a few basil leaves just before serving.
Serving Suggestions for Your Cozy Soup
This Healthy Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a meal in itself, but it pairs beautifully with a few simple accompaniments. A crusty loaf of Italian bread or warm breadsticks are perfect for soaking up every last drop of the delicious broth. A light side salad with a vinaigrette dressing would also complement the soup wonderfully, adding a fresh, crisp element to your meal. For those who enjoy a little spice, a dash of red pepper flakes can add a subtle kick.
I hope you have a fantastic week and continue to stay healthy and well! Enjoy creating and savoring this delightful, wholesome soup with your loved ones.
Healthy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Author: Aggies Kitchen
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
Category: Soup
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian
This healthier take on Olive Garden’s classic Chicken Gnocchi Soup is perfect for a comforting family meal. It’s packed with tender chicken, wholesome vegetables, and a secret ingredient for creaminess without heavy dairy!
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 – 1.25 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 4 cups reduced sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- 2 carrots, shredded
- 1 can Bush’s Cannellini Beans (or other white beans), drained and mashed
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- 2 generous handfuls fresh spinach, torn
- 1 package (approx. 16 oz) mini gnocchi
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large, heavy-bottomed soup pot or Dutch oven. Add the chopped celery, onion, and minced garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft and fragrant, which typically takes about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the whole chicken breasts, chicken broth, water, and shredded carrots to the pot. Season generously with a large pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a slow, gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken breasts are thoroughly cooked through.
- While the soup simmers, prepare the cannellini beans. Open the can, drain off any excess liquid, and then, using a fork, thoroughly mash the beans directly in the can or in a small bowl until they form a smooth puree. Add the mashed beans, along with the dried thyme and dried parsley, to the simmering soup. Stir well to combine.
- Once the chicken breasts are fully cooked, carefully remove them from the soup and place them onto a cutting board. Allow them to cool for a minute or two before slicing and chopping the chicken into small, bite-sized pieces. Return the chopped chicken back into the soup.
- At this point, add the fresh spinach and the entire package of mini gnocchi to the soup. Stir gently. Let the soup cook for another 5-7 minutes, or until the gnocchi are tender and float to the surface, and the spinach has wilted.
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot and enjoy this comforting, healthy Chicken Gnocchi Soup!
If you’re like me and love exploring other “copycat” versions of Olive Garden’s beloved soups, I highly recommend trying out this hearty Crockpot Pasta e Fagioli, a fantastic slow-cooker adaptation that promises rich flavors with minimal effort. Another incredible option is this robust Zuppa Toscana Soup, known for its savory sausage, potatoes, and kale, offering a satisfying warmth that’s perfect for any time of year. Both are excellent choices to expand your homemade soup repertoire!
Find More Soup Recipe Inspiration on My Soup Pinterest Board:
For endless soup ideas to warm your soul and nourish your body, be sure to follow my curated Pinterest board. It’s packed with a variety of comforting and healthy soup recipes perfect for every season and occasion. You’re sure to find your next favorite!
Follow Aggie’s Kitchen’s board Soup {to warm up my belly!} on Pinterest.
More Healthy and Delicious Soup Recipes to Try:
If you loved this Chicken Gnocchi Soup, you’ll definitely want to explore these other wholesome and flavor-packed soup recipes:
Lightened Up Broccoli Cheese Soup
This version of a classic creamy soup is filled with lots of fresh broccoli and cheese, but made lighter for a guilt-free indulgence. It hits the spot without the heavy feeling!
Italian Orzo Soup with Meatballs
A robust and flavorful soup featuring tender orzo pasta, savory meatballs, fresh spinach, and bright tomatoes. It’s a complete meal in a bowl, perfect for a cozy dinner.
Smoked Sausage, White Bean and Spinach Soup
Embrace soup season with this incredibly warming and satisfying soup. It combines the smoky richness of sausage with wholesome white beans and fresh spinach, guaranteed to warm you right up!