Healthy Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Copycat: A Low-Point Weight Watchers Recipe
Craving the creamy, comforting goodness of Olive Garden’s famous Chicken & Gnocchi Soup but looking for a healthier, budget-friendly option? Look no further! This copycat recipe captures all the rich flavor and comforting texture of the restaurant favorite, transformed into a lighter, wholesome meal. Our rendition is not only incredibly delicious but also thoughtfully designed to be low in Weight Watchers (WW) points, making it an ideal choice for those following a healthy eating plan without sacrificing taste.
Imagine a velvety broth brimming with tender chicken, soft potato gnocchi, and a medley of fresh vegetables like spinach, carrots, and celery. This isn’t just a meal; it’s a culinary journey that brings the warmth of Italian comfort food right into your kitchen. Best of all, you’ll save both money and WW points by preparing this delightful soup at home. The ingredients are simple, everyday pantry staples, and the entire dish comes together in a single pot, making clean-up a breeze. Enjoy a generous serving of this hearty soup for just 6 WW Points!
Why You Need This Healthy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe In Your Life
For many, the mention of Olive Garden brings a rush of nostalgic memories and the undeniable urge to indulge in their beloved menu items. While delicious, restaurant meals often come with higher calorie counts and fat content, making them challenging for those diligently tracking their macros or following programs like Weight Watchers. This is precisely why reinventing Olive Garden classics with healthier ingredients has become a passion. It allows you to savor those cherished flavors without compromising your health goals.
When I’m told, “You’re truly obsessed with recreating Olive Garden’s menu,” my answer is always rooted in a deep love for my body, my family’s well-being, and, of course, our wonderful readers. This culinary quest is more than just cooking; it’s a way to fuse indulgence with nourishment, keeping those fond memories alive through comforting, yet healthy, food. Our Chicken and Gnocchi Soup copycat isn’t just a recipe; it’s an invitation to enjoy your favorite comfort food guilt-free, proving that healthy eating can be incredibly satisfying and flavorful. It’s perfect for cozy nights in, meal prepping for the week, or sharing with loved ones.
Chicken And Gnocchi Soup Ingredients
One of the best aspects of this homemade Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup is its reliance on readily available ingredients. You likely have most of these items in your kitchen right now, which means less time shopping and more time cooking! We’ve carefully selected components that contribute to the soup’s authentic flavor profile while keeping it light and nutritious.
- 1 chicken breast, (about 300 g)
- ½ tsp salt, (2.5 g)
- ¼ tsp black pepper, (1 g)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced, (6 g)
- 2 tsp olive oil, (10 ml)
- 1 medium onion, diced, (100 g)
- 1 cup grated carrot, (110 g)
- 2 stalks celery, diced, (100 g)
- 1/2 package gnocchi, (260 g)
- 2 cups chicken broth, (1 L)
- 1 tsp dried thyme, (1 g)
- 2 cups skim milk, (480 ml)
- 2 tbsp cornstarch, (16 g)
- 2 cups fresh spinach, (60 g)
The combination of lean chicken breast, vibrant vegetables, and the creamy texture from skim milk creates a balanced and incredibly satisfying meal. The gnocchi adds that signature tender chewiness, making every spoonful a delight.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Servings: Yields: 4 servings
Serving Size: 2 cups
6 WW Points Per Serving. You can view the recipe on the WW Apphere. (WW login required.)
Step-by-Step Instructions: Crafting Your Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Making this incredible Chicken and Gnocchi Soup is a straightforward process, designed for home cooks of all skill levels. Follow these detailed steps to achieve a restaurant-quality meal that’s both delicious and healthy.
- Prep the chicken: Begin by preparing your chicken breast. Cube the chicken into bite-sized pieces, ensuring they are roughly uniform for even cooking. Season these chicken pieces generously with salt and black pepper. This initial seasoning is crucial for building layers of flavor in your soup.
- Cook the chicken: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 teaspoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the seasoned chicken breast cubes. Cook them until they are beautifully browned on all sides and thoroughly cooked through, which typically takes about 6-7 minutes per side. Remove the cooked chicken from the pot and set it aside. Don’t worry about any browned bits sticking to the bottom; those are flavorful fond that will add depth to your soup!
- Add the veggies: Using the same pot (no need to clean it!), add the remaining teaspoon of olive oil. Introduce the diced onion, grated carrot, and diced celery. Sauté these aromatic vegetables, stirring occasionally, until they become tender and slightly softened, a process that usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Once tender, add the minced garlic and cook for just an additional minute until it becomes wonderfully fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this can turn bitter.
- Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot with your spoon. Bring the broth to a rolling boil. Carefully add the gnocchi to the boiling broth. Cook the gnocchi according to the package instructions, which is typically about 3-4 minutes, until they float to the top, indicating they are cooked. Reduce the heat to medium and stir in the dried thyme, allowing its earthy aroma to infuse the broth.
- Make a slurry: In a small separate bowl, create a cornstarch slurry by whisking the cornstarch with a few tablespoons of cold water until it forms a smooth, lump-free mixture. This slurry is essential for thickening the soup and creating that luscious, creamy texture.
- Thicken the soup: Gradually stir the cornstarch mixture into the simmering soup. Then, add the skim milk, stirring constantly to prevent it from scorching and to ensure the soup thickens evenly. Continue to simmer the soup for about 5-10 minutes, or until it reaches your desired consistency – rich and creamy, but not overly thick. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Ladle the hot, comforting soup into bowls and serve immediately. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or Parmesan cheese for an extra touch of flavor and presentation.
Flavorful Variations and Smart Substitutions
While this recipe is perfect as written, it’s also incredibly versatile. Feel free to customize it to your taste preferences or dietary needs with these suggestions:
- Boost Your Veggies: To add even more nutrients and flavor, consider incorporating other vegetables. Steamed broccoli florets or sautéed sliced mushrooms would be delightful additions, infusing the soup with extra texture and earthy notes. You could also try zucchini, peas, or bell peppers.
- Savory Bacon or Ham Twist: For a delightful smoky flavor reminiscent of a carbonara sauce, stir in cubes of smoked turkey ham or crispy turkey bacon. These leaner alternatives provide a rich, savory depth without adding excessive fat, keeping your soup Weight Watchers friendly.
- Parmesan Perfection: A light sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese over each serving just before it hits the table is always a welcome addition. The sharp, salty notes of Parmesan beautifully complement the creamy soup, enhancing its overall richness.
- A Touch of Pesto: For a bold and aromatic variation, swirl a spoonful of your favorite pesto into the soup at the very end. The vibrant basil and garlic notes of pesto will elevate the flavor profile, creating a truly unique and “finger-licking good” experience.
- Kale Instead of Spinach: If you prefer a heartier green or a slightly different flavor, swap the fresh spinach for kale. Just be sure to destem and chop the kale finely, and add it a few minutes earlier than the spinach to allow it to wilt and tenderize properly.
- Go Gluten-Free: For those with gluten sensitivities or dietary restrictions, rest assured that this recipe is easily adaptable. Simply opt for gluten-free gnocchi, which is widely available in most grocery stores, to enjoy this soup without compromise.
Expert Tips and Tricks for the Best Chicken & Gnocchi Soup
Achieving a perfect bowl of creamy chicken and gnocchi soup is simple with these helpful tips:
- Master the One-Pot Method: Maximize flavor and minimize cleanup by cooking everything in a single pot. Start by searing the chicken until golden brown, then use the same pot to sauté your aromatic vegetables. The fond (the browned bits left at the bottom of the pot) will deglaze when you add the broth, incorporating incredible depth of flavor into your soup.
- Utilize Leftover Chicken: If you happen to have leftover roasted, grilled, or rotisserie chicken on hand, this recipe is the perfect opportunity to put it to good use. Shred or dice the cooked chicken and add it to the soup during the simmering stage (step 4 or 6) to simply heat through, reducing your overall cooking time.
- Achieve Extra Creaminess: If you desire a thicker, more luxurious soup, you have a couple of options. You can either add an extra tablespoon of cornstarch to your slurry for a more pronounced thickening effect, or allow the gnocchi to cook for a minute or two longer, as their starches will naturally contribute to a denser consistency.
- Properly Dilute Cornstarch: Always remember the golden rule of cornstarch: it must be dissolved in a small amount of cold water (or broth) before being added to any hot liquid. This crucial step prevents the cornstarch from clumping and ensures a smooth, uniform thickening of your soup.
- Finish with Fresh Herbs: Elevate the flavor and visual appeal of your soup by stirring in fresh herbs like chopped parsley or additional fresh thyme just before serving. The vibrant freshness of herbs added at the end provides a burst of flavor that dried herbs can’t quite replicate.
- Storage and Reheating: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, you may find the soup has thickened considerably. Simply add a splash of skim milk or chicken broth to thin it back to your desired consistency. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Recreating Olive Garden’s Chicken & Gnocchi Soup at home offers the best of both worlds: the joy of a beloved restaurant classic and the satisfaction of a lighter, healthier, homemade meal. It’s perfect for satisfying those comfort food cravings while staying on track with your health goals. Dive into a bowl of this creamy, delicious soup and let those comforting flavors and memories fill your kitchen. Enjoy!
Chicken and Gnocchi Soup
Ingredients
- 1 chicken breast, (about 300 g)
- ½ tsp salt, (2.5 g)
- ¼ tsp black pepper, (1 g)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced, (6 g)
- 2 tsp olive oil, (10 ml)
- 1 medium onion, diced, (100 g)
- 1 cup grated carrot, (110 g)
- 2 stalks celery, diced, (100 g)
- 1/2 package gnocchi, (260 g)
- 2 cups chicken broth, (1 L)
- 1 tsp dried thyme, (1 g)
- 2 cups skim milk, (480 ml)
- 2 tbsp cornstarch, (16 g)
- 2 cups fresh spinach, (60 g)
Instructions
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Prep the chicken: Cube and season the chicken breast with salt and pepper.
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Cook the chicken: In a large pot, heat 1 teaspoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken breast and cook until browned on both sides and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side.
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Add the veggies: In the same pot, add the remaining teaspoon of olive oil. Add the diced onion, grated carrot, spinach and diced celery. Sauté until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
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Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Add the gnocchi to the boiling broth. Cook according to the package instructions, usually about 3-4 minutes, until the gnocchi floats to the top. Reduce the heat to medium and add dried thyme.
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Make a slurry: In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch with a few tablespoons of cold water until smooth. Gradually stir the cornstarch mixture into the soup.
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Thicken the soup: Add the skim milk, stirring constantly. Simmer the soup for about 5-10 minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.